It's time for a monthly update (thank you, Wombat, for the nudge).

 

I've been tapering for about 4.5 years now, after many decades of use. I've followed the advice of those with personal tapering experience. Apart from some yo-yoing in doses during the first ~6 weeks (which are excluded from my graph), my taper looks as shown below. I thought it would look more hyperbolic than it does. There were 150 steps to reach my current dose.

 

I never thought it would take this long or, at times, be this hard! I genuinely had no idea what I was getting myself into. Windows and Waves should be renamed Windows and Tsunamis!

 

If I had known it would be this hard, would I have started? Probably not, but my fear was poop-out (tachyphylaxis). Two previous SSRIs had become less effective, and new side effects from the current drug were emerging. So tapering was the right decision.

 

At this stage, I plan to reduce to 0.14mg in two weeks and will work towards an exit dose of ~0.016mg. While I’m almost off, I know 0mg isn’t the end. Healing continues after Crossing Zero (a good book by Dr Anders Sorensen).

 

WD symptoms have recently been much kinder than at the beginning of this ordeal:

·      I can live with the burning/tingling/numbness on my skin

·      Excessive sweating, even in the middle of winter, is embarrassing, but it’s not causing me distress.

·      Fortunately, crippling anxiety and impending doom have been absent for a while now.

·      Sleep is significantly better, but not without hiccups.

 

The empathy shown by tapering friends has been an invaluable blessing to me. Thank you to the people who set up and run this site, enabling members to connect with others on the same path. I can’t imagine how consuming this must be for you as you taper and recover yourselves. Hats off to you. 

 

AlmostOff

You are doing great my friend. @AlmostOff

I think the graph looks right. Little steps have served you well. Now at the end your body seems to be coping quite well... keep listening to it. ❤️🙏

That was a good update to read. Withdrawal symptoms that you can tolerate is a good place to be. (No withdrawal symptoms would be better). The crippling anxiety and impending doom really wipe me out. It stops my world, so I am glad to see that you are not having to deal with that.

Slow and steady and slide off the end.

You're doing great. I am so excited for you.

Wombat

11 hours ago, AlmostOff said:

It's time for a monthly update (thank you, Wombat, for the nudge).

 

I've been tapering for about 4.5 years now, after many decades of use. I've followed the advice of those with personal tapering experience. Apart from some yo-yoing in doses during the first ~6 weeks (which are excluded from my graph), my taper looks as shown below. I thought it would look more hyperbolic than it does. There were 150 steps to reach my current dose.

 

I never thought it would take this long or, at times, be this hard! I genuinely had no idea what I was getting myself into. Windows and Waves should be renamed Windows and Tsunamis!

 

If I had known it would be this hard, would I have started? Probably not, but my fear was poop-out (tachyphylaxis). Two previous SSRIs had become less effective, and new side effects from the current drug were emerging. So tapering was the right decision.

 

At this stage, I plan to reduce to 0.14mg in two weeks and will work towards an exit dose of ~0.016mg. While I’m almost off, I know 0mg isn’t the end. Healing continues after Crossing Zero (a good book by Dr Anders Sorensen).

 

WD symptoms have recently been much kinder than at the beginning of this ordeal:

·      I can live with the burning/tingling/numbness on my skin

·      Excessive sweating, even in the middle of winter, is embarrassing, but it’s not causing me distress.

·      Fortunately, crippling anxiety and impending doom have been absent for a while now.

·      Sleep is significantly better, but not without hiccups.

 

The empathy shown by tapering friends has been an invaluable blessing to me. Thank you to the people who set up and run this site, enabling members to connect with others on the same path. I can’t imagine how consuming this must be for you as you taper and recover yourselves. Hats off to you. 

 

AlmostOff

Thank you for the update @AlmostOff you have clearly done a great job with your taper and learned alot along the way. 😀

Hi AlmostOff,

Wishing you only windows (or very, very mild symptoms) for this month.

Wombat

Dear @Wombat

So far, so good, with my recent drop.

I have noticed mild physical symptoms, but nothing distressing compared to the past 4 years.

Sleep is still rather good. It has been dreadful at times, over the years.

I keep crawling towards the finish line and remain alert to WD flaring up.

Thank you for reaching out.

AlmostOff

This is so good to read. Watching you get closer to the finish line is so encouraging for me. And the fact that you are doing it with minimal withdrawal symptoms. 😊

You're doing it!!!! Yay!!!! I know you will succeed!!

Wombat

Every month a tiny bit closer. 😊

Hoping all goes well this month.

Best wishes

Wombat

3 hours ago, Wombat said:

Hoping all goes well this month

Thank you, Wombat.

Things are progressing well at this stage...

AlmostOff

It’s time for another monthly update. In short, I have mixed feelings.

 

On the one hand, I feel optimistic and dare to dream! I can see the finish line. I’m oh-so-tantalisingly close. WD remains under control, my sleep is mostly sound, and I’m generally doing quite well.

 

At the same time, I feel scared! I’m scared of the final step because I don’t want the wheels to fall off. I’ve heard of others who come unstuck at the end of their tapers. Were their struggles completely random, or did they miss warning signs? I watch the WD checklist like a hawk, trying not to miss a thing!

 

I also feel guilt, or maybe it’s sorrow, for a few friends walking the same path. Some have tapered even more slowly than I have, yet their journeys have been much, much harder. Life and WD simply aren't fair!

 

I just cannot believe the lengths we need to go to in order to break free of our chemical prison. Crushing tablets, making DIY liquids, using a micropipette; it just seems insane... correction: it actually is insane!

 

Anyway, whilst I’m AlmostOff, I’m not completely off, so I need to stay alert for WD flare-ups as I keep crawling towards the finish line.

 

AlmostOff

2 hours ago, AlmostOff said:

It’s time for another monthly update. In short, I have mixed feelings.

 

On the one hand, I feel optimistic and dare to dream! I can see the finish line. I’m oh-so-tantalisingly close. WD remains under control, my sleep is mostly sound, and I’m generally doing quite well.

 

At the same time, I feel scared! I’m scared of the final step because I don’t want the wheels to fall off. I’ve heard of others who come unstuck at the end of their tapers. Were their struggles completely random, or did they miss warning signs? I watch the WD checklist like a hawk, trying not to miss a thing!

 

I also feel guilt, or maybe it’s sorrow, for a few friends walking the same path. Some have tapered even more slowly than I have, yet their journeys have been much, much harder. Life and WD simply aren't fair!

 

I just cannot believe the lengths we need to go to in order to break free of our chemical prison. Crushing tablets, making DIY liquids, using a micropipette; it just seems insane... correction: it actually is insane!

 

Anyway, whilst I’m AlmostOff, I’m not completely off, so I need to stay alert for WD flare-ups as I keep crawling towards the finish line.

 

AlmostOff

You know I am here for you to help however I can. 💯

I do believe the final steps require longer holds. I've seen many "safely" jump and have WD hit with a vengeance. I've seen others hold their final dose for at least 6 months and when they jumped it was flawless.

Because we KNOW when we cold turkey, the worst doesn't even show up for at least six months, I feel caution is important....we don't want our hard work to be in vain.

What do your next steps look like in terms of dose drops?

You have done amazing...congrats for getting this far...you are on your way. ❤️🙏

Hi AlmostOff, you have an excellent way with words. You have described my own feelings and fears. Although I have many, many years before I am off this medication those thoughts have also run through my mind.

8 hours ago, AlmostOff said:

Crushing tablets, making DIY liquids, using a micropipette; it just seems insane... correction: it actually is insane!

This is something I still have trouble getting my head around. And how did I ever get myself into this position??? Absolutely mind boggling crazy!!!

You are doing great and I have every confidence that you will BeOff and StayOff.

@LostinCanada thank you for your words of advice. I will be sure to remember them when I get to that stage.

Best wishes to you both

Wombat

18 hours ago, AlmostOff said:

It’s time for another monthly update. In short, I have mixed feelings.

 

On the one hand, I feel optimistic and dare to dream! I can see the finish line. I’m oh-so-tantalisingly close. WD remains under control, my sleep is mostly sound, and I’m generally doing quite well.

 

At the same time, I feel scared! I’m scared of the final step because I don’t want the wheels to fall off. I’ve heard of others who come unstuck at the end of their tapers. Were their struggles completely random, or did they miss warning signs? I watch the WD checklist like a hawk, trying not to miss a thing!

 

I also feel guilt, or maybe it’s sorrow, for a few friends walking the same path. Some have tapered even more slowly than I have, yet their journeys have been much, much harder. Life and WD simply aren't fair!

 

I just cannot believe the lengths we need to go to in order to break free of our chemical prison. Crushing tablets, making DIY liquids, using a micropipette; it just seems insane... correction: it actually is insane!

 

Anyway, whilst I’m AlmostOff, I’m not completely off, so I need to stay alert for WD flare-ups as I keep crawling towards the finish line.

 

AlmostOff

I agree it is all so unfair and unpredictable. I think there are a few things that add to bigger issues when hitting zero. Pushing through on the taper, which I don't think you have done, and stopping too soon. Aiming for 0.01mg and even pausing for a long hold close to the end I think can help mitigate these worrys. Im so pleased for you, you are doing really well! Dare to dream! :)

19 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

You know I am here for you to help however I can. 💯

Thank you, my friend.

You are a kind, generous, knowledgeable and amazing sounding board, who gently challenges my plan when needed 🫡

19 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

I feel caution is important....we don't want our hard work to be in vain.

What do your next steps look like in terms of dose drops?

I think you're right.

I've read plenty of tapering stories, but not too many in the End Game, as I read someone refer to it.

From my current 0.14mg, I thought I'd proceed as follows: 0.07mg, 0.035mg, and 0.016mg, dropping monthly, provided WD remains minimal. Maybe I need to reconsider.

13 hours ago, Wombat said:

you have an excellent way with words.

I don't think anyone has ever said anything like that to me before! Words have not traditionally been my strength.

I recall reading in Crossing Zero, that as the AD is reduced, emotions/feelings return. I'm trying to recognise those emotions/feelings, name them, but not fixate on them.

13 hours ago, Wombat said:

This is something I still have trouble getting my head around.

I'm happy to answer any questions you have on the topic.

13 hours ago, Wombat said:

And how did I ever get myself into this position???

I reckon most of us simply trusted our doctor. Don't beat yourself up. We learn the lessons we need to learn from our experience, listen to those who've successfully tapered off these things, and slowly crawl out of our wombat burrow 🙃.

13 hours ago, Wombat said:

thank you for your words of advice.

She's a gem!

3 hours ago, Chippy said:

Aiming for 0.01mg and even pausing for a long hold close to the end I think can help mitigate these worrys.

Thanks, Chippy. LostinCanada said much the same offline. It's a little frustrating, as I just want to sprint to the finish, now that it's in sight.

AlmostOff

3 minutes ago, AlmostOff said:

Thanks, Chippy. LostinCanada said much the same offline. It's a little frustrating, as I just want to sprint to the finish, now that it's in sight.

I know. Everyone feels the same I think. You are so close. No falling at the last hurdle! 😀

20 hours ago, AlmostOff said:

It's a little frustrating, as I just want to sprint to the finish, now that it's in sight.

As frustrating as it is, the consequences of sprinting can be extremely severe.

You're very much doing the right thing by carefully managing your taper and the process of getting to 0.

22 hours ago, AlmostOff said:

We learn the lessons we need to learn from our experience, listen to those who've successfully tapered off these things, and slowly crawl out of our wombat burrow 🙃.

That's the plan.

22 hours ago, AlmostOff said:

She's a gem!

That's you @LostinCanada !!! You are very much valued and appreciated ❤️

And also to you AlmostOff. I appreciate your words of wisdom too.

So glad to be getting advice from you. 😊

Best wishes

Wombat

It’s time for another monthly update.

 

After dropping to 0.14mg, I had the usual burning sensation on my feet, but it passed. My sleep also deteriorated over a number of weeks; however, I can identify good reasons for that.

 

Five weeks later, I dropped to 0.10mg. Since then, I’ve noticed an uptick in worry. I suspect it’s a normal response to significant recent life events: Jet lag, being in a foreign country, not being able to speak the language, extreme fatigue from endurance events. A self-inflicted perfect storm, really.

 

I shouldn’t complain. I have the means and health to travel, as well as the physical fitness to do some amazing things. But worry creeps in. I recognise it, slowly process it, and eventually return to normal, but it takes a little while. Hopefully, it’s not WD.

 

I’ve read the Endgame taper post from Brassmonkey (on the former site: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/27067-managing-the-endgame-taper/) many, many times. He talks about it being more of an art than a science at this point.

 

Where to from here? I’ll defer the decision until the end of the month when I am meant to drop again and try to work out what ‘more of an art’ looks like for me.

 

Until next time.

Hi AlmostOff, so good to hear from you.

Living life in withdrawal can be tricky. But you are doing it well.

Hope everything is going well and you can do your next drop at the end of the month.

Best wishes to you

Wombat

12 hours ago, Wombat said:

Living life in withdrawal can be tricky.

Yep!

12 hours ago, Wombat said:

But you are doing it well.

I've made very slow progress over many years, with the encouragement of a few wise tapering friends.

I'm not off yet, but it does seem surreal to be at this point. It'll be five years in December!

Slowly is the way to go.

5 years seems to be a fairly common time frame for people to come off and mostly function as well.

It is encouraging for me to see you almost at the end. That it is possible to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

You are doing so well. I look forward to seeing your next update. 😊

Wombat

AlmostOff, this is such exciting news and such great progress. You are doing extremely well. I am so excited for you.

Hey, @AlmostOff

Congratulations!! It looks like you're down to a small amount. I tapered two meds. One i jumped to zero at the lowest possible amount, and the other at a much higher dose. You can guess which one went smoother 😁

Speaking of, I hope things go smoothly for you. Great work!

@AlmostOff nice update. It sounds like you have a very good mindset when it comes to approaching the end stage of your taper.

On 7/21/2026 at 11:09 PM, Wombat said:

5 years seems to be a fairly common time frame for people to come off and mostly function as well.

I read Dr Horowitz and Brassmonkey took around 5 years to taper off.

That time frame has gradually become my goal...I initially thought it'd be off in less than 12 months 🤣

On 7/22/2026 at 2:06 AM, Bernadette said:

I am so excited for you.

Thank you, Bernadette 🙂

On 7/22/2026 at 10:06 AM, Luke said:

you have a very good mindset

I think I just gave up fighting and accepted the length of the journey 🤷‍♂️ Wishing you relief and improvement at your end, Luke.