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Wombat: Paroxetine high dose, 25+ years

Wombat
Wombat
in Introductions & Ongoing Recoveries

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  • Author

My last drop was 14th March (3 1/2 months ago). I am at 8mgai. During the 3 1/2 months I took 6 weeks to transition to liquid.

I plan to drop by 1.25% tonight bringing me to 7.9mgai (15.8ml in syringe).

Anxiety has increased as I consider dropping again. Will there be symptoms, will I feel better, will there be no change? I go through this every time I drop a dose.

And then I remind myself that to get off the meds, I have to keep on dropping (as my body allows).

Little by little I will get there.

Wombat

1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58 

2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

 

Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

 

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    • Vince
      Vince

      One of the reasons I chose a 1:4 (paroxetine in mgai to water in ml) ratio is for more accuracy with a 10ml syringe. Here's my math with a visual example. Example A shows a 1:1 ratio, where a small de

    • Wombat
      Wombat

      Update: 1 August 2026 I have dropped a total of 5.69% this month (over 3 weeks). I will now hold for 2 weeks and, all going well, recommence dropping on 15th August. Have had some instability along

    • Catbird
      Catbird

      @Wombat A little tip I learned a while ago: put sticky tape of clear nail polish over the graduation marks — the syringes last so much longer 

    Posted Images

    Dear @Wombat you are being cautious....that is going to help for sure. Every drop is a win. ❤️🙏

    I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

     

    Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

     

    TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg

     

    9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

     

    "... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

    •
    • Like 2
    • Author

    Dear LostinCanada, thank you for responding. I appreciate your support very, very much!!

    Wombat

    Edited by Wombat

    1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

    Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

    Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

    End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58 

    2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

    27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

     

    Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

     

    •
    • Like 1

    Dear Wombat,

    I had been looking forward to an update from you. Thank you for posting 😊

    4 hours ago, Wombat said:

    Anxiety has increased as I consider dropping again. Will there be symptoms, will I feel better, will there be no change? I go through this every time I drop a dose.

    I know the feeling!

    By any chance, are you on the email distribution list for Anders Sorensen? He sent out an email you may find beneficial on 16 June, with the heading "The second layer of withdrawal". An extract is below, but the whole thing is too long to post here. If it is of interest, I can send it to you via PM. It addresses something you said above.

    When you’re in withdrawal, there are often two things happening at the same time.

    The first is withdrawal itself:
    The inner restlessness, insomnia, nausea, inability to focus.
    The heart palpitations, waves of terror and anxiety, dizziness, brain zaps.
    The low mood, crying spells, emotional numbness, fatigue.
    The strange sensations that make you wonder whether you’re losing your mind.

    Those symptoms are real.

    And then there is something else. Something that often goes unnoticed because it feels so reasonable.

    The constant monitoring.
    The checking.
    The analysing.
    The resisting.
    The Googling.
    The endless search for patterns.
    The attempts to predict tomorrow based on today.
    The calculations, the planning, the ”what ifs.”

    And before long, you may find yourself carrying both:
    Withdrawal     plus the effort to control withdrawal.

    3 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

    Every drop is a win.

    Oh, so true, LIC!

    You're doing great (Wombat and LIC).

    AlmostOff

    Multi-year hyperbolic Bintellix taper

    7 Dec 25: 0.42mg

    7 Mar 26: 0.44mg (+5%)

    29 Mar 26: 0.34mg (trying to follow the "slow" Maudsley Guide)

    28 Apr 26: 0.24mg

    24 May 26: 0.14mg

    29 Jun 26: 0.10mg

    31 Jul 26: 0.07mg

    28 Aug 26: 0.035mg

    •
    • Like 2
    • Author

    @AlmostOff , thank you for responding. No, I am not on Anders Sorensen's e-mail list. And yes, I would appreciate the PM. I need all the help I can get. Although I am mostly doing OK, some days hit harder than others. And I am getting oh so very tired of the process. (As I know we all are).

    I have recently received "Crossing Zero" and have been making my way through that.

    Thank you for the support, it means so incredibly much to me

    Wombat

    1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

    Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

    Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

    End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58 

    2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

    27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

     

    Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

     

    Dear Wombat,

    Wishing you all the best with your next drop. That sounds very sensible 1.25%. It is always a bit of an anxious time preparing for a drop. Being so careful and going slowly as you are will stand you in good stead.

    Thinking of you xx

    Aug 2006 - Sertraline 25/50/75/100mg TO June 2019 - Reduced from 100mg to 50mg over a few months

    Sept  2019 - Reduced from 50mg to 25mg lasted a week,  then went back up to 50mg, after a few weeks back up to 100mg.

    Oct 2021 - Reduced to 75mg, Dec 2021 (mid) reduced to 50mg , March 2022 - Reduced to 25mg

    Oct 2022 - Reduce to 0mg (Immediate withdrawal crying, mood unstable, impending doom, digestive probs, tingling,numbness,burning, brain zaps,  insomnia)

    Feb 2023 -  "Panic attack" lasting 14 hours, 2 weeks later start back on 25mg sertraline, 12 hours later severe 'panic attack' with chest pain, tachycardia, restlessness, hyponatraemia, impending doom, racing thoughts, akathisia mild.  Taken to emergency. 

    March 2023 back up to 50mg (on medical advice), April 75mg, May 100mg. Back to 75mg within a few weeks due to feeling too stimulated and anxious. 

    Nov 2023 resume taper. 70, 65, 60, 55, 50 (March 2024)

    April 45mg, May 41mg, June 37mg, July 34mg Aug 31mg, Sept 28mg, Oct 26mg, Nov 25mg, HOLD 

    Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.2mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

     

    Other supplements: Fish oil, Mg citrate/glycinate 150-300mg per day, Ginkgo biloba daily, womens multi vit/min 3 times week, Vitamin C 1000mg night, valerian/passiflora as needed. B12 as needed. Bone support for osteopaenia (Ca/Mg, K, D)

    • Author

    @Tracey , Hello dear Tracey, how are you going at the moment? I will come visit you on your thread.

    Thank you for the words of encouragement, I very much appreciate them.

    Wombat

    1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

    Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

    Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

    End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58 

    2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

    27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

     

    Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

     

    •
    • Like 1
    21 minutes ago, Wombat said:

    @Tracey , Hello dear Tracey, how are you going at the moment? I will come visit you on your thread.

    Thank you for the words of encouragement, I very much appreciate them.

    Wombat

    My pleasure @Wombat ❤️

    Aug 2006 - Sertraline 25/50/75/100mg TO June 2019 - Reduced from 100mg to 50mg over a few months

    Sept  2019 - Reduced from 50mg to 25mg lasted a week,  then went back up to 50mg, after a few weeks back up to 100mg.

    Oct 2021 - Reduced to 75mg, Dec 2021 (mid) reduced to 50mg , March 2022 - Reduced to 25mg

    Oct 2022 - Reduce to 0mg (Immediate withdrawal crying, mood unstable, impending doom, digestive probs, tingling,numbness,burning, brain zaps,  insomnia)

    Feb 2023 -  "Panic attack" lasting 14 hours, 2 weeks later start back on 25mg sertraline, 12 hours later severe 'panic attack' with chest pain, tachycardia, restlessness, hyponatraemia, impending doom, racing thoughts, akathisia mild.  Taken to emergency. 

    March 2023 back up to 50mg (on medical advice), April 75mg, May 100mg. Back to 75mg within a few weeks due to feeling too stimulated and anxious. 

    Nov 2023 resume taper. 70, 65, 60, 55, 50 (March 2024)

    April 45mg, May 41mg, June 37mg, July 34mg Aug 31mg, Sept 28mg, Oct 26mg, Nov 25mg, HOLD 

    Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.2mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

     

    Other supplements: Fish oil, Mg citrate/glycinate 150-300mg per day, Ginkgo biloba daily, womens multi vit/min 3 times week, Vitamin C 1000mg night, valerian/passiflora as needed. B12 as needed. Bone support for osteopaenia (Ca/Mg, K, D)

    @Wombat you will be fine I'm sure. Test the waters with that drop and you can only see how you go .

    You've got this hun 💪

    On Paxil since 1995. Seroquel added 2014 after withdrawal crash. History of too-fast tapers/reinstatements.

     

    21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once 

    Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

    that ended up being too much and changed to one drug at a time  

    13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

    29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut 

    6 Aug 2025: began hold

    Oct 2025: changed from liquid to powder and accidentally took 10x Seroquel dose for 2 weeks by mistake

    23 Oct 2025: returned to liquid with accidental 4.7% Seroquel cut

     Holding both drugs to stablize

    Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

    Paxil taper

    22/4 8.23  29/4 8.20  5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05  3/6 8 11/6 7.95

    • Author

    Thanks Cheeky. Appreciate you.

    How are you going?

    1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

    Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

    Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

    End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58 

    2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

    27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

     

    Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

     

    On 6/27/2026 at 2:13 PM, Wombat said:

    I would appreciate the PM

    Article sent. Love to hear your thoughts, if anything jumps out at you.

    On 6/27/2026 at 2:13 PM, Wombat said:

    Thank you for the support, it means so incredibly much to me

    I can relate...I've been blessed by a few who have deeply cared for me on this journey. It gets you through the inevitable difficult patches.

    Multi-year hyperbolic Bintellix taper

    7 Dec 25: 0.42mg

    7 Mar 26: 0.44mg (+5%)

    29 Mar 26: 0.34mg (trying to follow the "slow" Maudsley Guide)

    28 Apr 26: 0.24mg

    24 May 26: 0.14mg

    29 Jun 26: 0.10mg

    31 Jul 26: 0.07mg

    28 Aug 26: 0.035mg

    •
    • Like 1
    On 6/27/2026 at 7:10 PM, Wombat said:

    Thanks Cheeky. Appreciate you.

    How are you going?

    Yeah I'm doing well , slow and steady . Trying not to look into withdrawal related things too much as it can be too triggering so just trying to keep my distance.

    On Paxil since 1995. Seroquel added 2014 after withdrawal crash. History of too-fast tapers/reinstatements.

     

    21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once 

    Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

    that ended up being too much and changed to one drug at a time  

    13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

    29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut 

    6 Aug 2025: began hold

    Oct 2025: changed from liquid to powder and accidentally took 10x Seroquel dose for 2 weeks by mistake

    23 Oct 2025: returned to liquid with accidental 4.7% Seroquel cut

     Holding both drugs to stablize

    Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

    Paxil taper

    22/4 8.23  29/4 8.20  5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05  3/6 8 11/6 7.95

    • Author

    I'm glad you're doing ok.

    It is good to put withdrawal in the background if you can. You're doing really well Cheeky.

    It is also good to hear from you when you pop in 😊

    Wombat

    1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

    Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

    Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

    End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58 

    2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

    27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

     

    Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

     

    10 hours ago, Wombat said:

    I'm glad you're doing ok.

    It is good to put withdrawal in the background if you can. You're doing really well Cheeky.

    It is also good to hear from you when you pop in 😊

    Wombat

    I will be doing an update shortly .

    On Paxil since 1995. Seroquel added 2014 after withdrawal crash. History of too-fast tapers/reinstatements.

     

    21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once 

    Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

    that ended up being too much and changed to one drug at a time  

    13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

    29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut 

    6 Aug 2025: began hold

    Oct 2025: changed from liquid to powder and accidentally took 10x Seroquel dose for 2 weeks by mistake

    23 Oct 2025: returned to liquid with accidental 4.7% Seroquel cut

     Holding both drugs to stablize

    Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

    Paxil taper

    22/4 8.23  29/4 8.20  5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05  3/6 8 11/6 7.95

    • 3 weeks later...

    Stopping by @Wombat to see how you are doing. How's the diy liquid working out? Have you been still doing it fresh each day?

    Look at you getting to 7.6 mg. 🎉💯🙏❤️

    I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

     

    Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

     

    TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg

     

    9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

     

    "... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author

    Hi LostinCanada,

    DIY liquid seems to be working fine. I am doing it fresh daily (a bit nervous to make it last another day).

    I am doing ok. A bit of waviness here and there. Usually extra inner tremors, particularly on waking. Some crying here and there. Catastrophising, extra anxiety, being overwhelmed etc. But in the scheme of things, although I feel awful during the episode, it doesn't last too long and tends to pass after a day or so. Then back to WD Normal.

    Micromilligram by micromilligram. We will get there eventually.

    Wombat

    1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

    Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

    Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

    End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58 

    2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

    27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

     

    Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

     

    •
    • Like 2
    3 hours ago, Wombat said:

    Hi LostinCanada,

    DIY liquid seems to be working fine. I am doing it fresh daily (a bit nervous to make it last another day).

    I am doing ok. A bit of waviness here and there. Usually extra inner tremors, particularly on waking. Some crying here and there. Catastrophising, extra anxiety, being overwhelmed etc. But in the scheme of things, although I feel awful during the episode, it doesn't last too long and tends to pass after a day or so. Then back to WD Normal.

    Micromilligram by micromilligram. We will get there eventually.

    Wombat

    Sounds like youre doing okay @Wombat . Keep it up 🤗

    Link to SA Profile: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32414-catbird-introduction-a-long-and-winding-road/

    1996 Commenced on Sertraline 50 - 100mg. Many ADs trialled -Fluoxetine 20 mg, Paroxetine 20mg, Venlafaxine 75mg, Escitalopram 10 - 20mg, Vortioxetine 20mg, Bupropion 150mg.  2019 Recommenced Escitalopram 2022 Mirtazapine 30mg - Rapid taper. Amitriptyline 20mg

    CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Escitalopram taper from ~ 10mg commenced 2024, Amitriptyline 20mg at night, Diazepam 7.5mg total per day, Baclofen 10mg morning, 10mg lunch and 20mg night, Polaramine 2mg at night, Ketamine troche 25mg per day (Ceased early September 2025), Valsartan 160mg evening, HRT (Oestrogen 25mcg/day) 

    ESCITALOPRAM TAPER: 5 April 2025 - started holding at 1.516mg. Escitalopram taper resumed July 2025; End Aug 1.364; End Sept 1.228; End Oct 1.145; End Nov 1.1 Early Dec 1.11; End Dec 1.082; 2026 End Jan 1.047; Feb 6 1.030; Feb 20 1.014; April 10 1.012; May 3 1.014; May 11 1.010 & still holding

    Supplements: Mg++ glycinate, Omega 3s, Curcumin. Vit D3/K2 spray, Vitamin B12 spray, chelated zinc.

    •
    • Like 1
    13 hours ago, Wombat said:

    it doesn't last too long and tends to pass after a day or so. Then back to WD Normal.

    What an encouragement to read.

    Make sure you read and re-read your comment from time to time, as a reminder when you are in the thick of it.

    13 hours ago, Wombat said:

    Micromilligram by micromilligram.

    Or as LIC says, every drop is a win.

    Multi-year hyperbolic Bintellix taper

    7 Dec 25: 0.42mg

    7 Mar 26: 0.44mg (+5%)

    29 Mar 26: 0.34mg (trying to follow the "slow" Maudsley Guide)

    28 Apr 26: 0.24mg

    24 May 26: 0.14mg

    29 Jun 26: 0.10mg

    31 Jul 26: 0.07mg

    28 Aug 26: 0.035mg

    •
    • Like 1
    • 2 weeks later...
    • Author

    Update: 1 August 2026

    I have dropped a total of 5.69% this month (over 3 weeks).

    I will now hold for 2 weeks and, all going well, recommence dropping on 15th August.

    Have had some instability along the way, but looking over the month have mostly sat at WD Normal.

    This has probably been my best month since I started this tapering process over 3 years ago.

    Summary: 7.45mgai (14.9ml)

    Using a DIY liquid, fresh daily.

    Wombat

    Edited by Wombat

    1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

    Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

    Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

    End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58 

    2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

    27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

     

    Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

     

    •
    • Like 4
    6 hours ago, Wombat said:

    Update: 1 August 2026

    I have dropped a total of 5.69% this month (over 3 weeks).

    I will now hold for 2 weeks and, all going well, recommence dropping on 15th August.

    Have had some instability along the way, but looking over the month have mostly sat at WD Normal.

    This has probably been my best month since I started this tapering process over 3 years ago.

    Summary: 7.45mgai (14.9ml)

    Using a DIY liquid, fresh daily.

    Wombat

    Great to hear. Proof that being careful and dillegent pays off. xxxx

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

     

    If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

    Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

    For US members details here.

    •
    • Like 1
    7 hours ago, Wombat said:

    Update: 1 August 2026

    I have dropped a total of 5.69% this month (over 3 weeks).

    I will now hold for 2 weeks and, all going well, recommence dropping on 15th August.

    Have had some instability along the way, but looking over the month have mostly sat at WD Normal.

    This has probably been my best month since I started this tapering process over 3 years ago.

    Summary: 7.45mgai (14.9ml)

    Using a DIY liquid, fresh daily.

    Wombat

    This sound positive @Wombat xx

    Link to SA Profile: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32414-catbird-introduction-a-long-and-winding-road/

    1996 Commenced on Sertraline 50 - 100mg. Many ADs trialled -Fluoxetine 20 mg, Paroxetine 20mg, Venlafaxine 75mg, Escitalopram 10 - 20mg, Vortioxetine 20mg, Bupropion 150mg.  2019 Recommenced Escitalopram 2022 Mirtazapine 30mg - Rapid taper. Amitriptyline 20mg

    CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Escitalopram taper from ~ 10mg commenced 2024, Amitriptyline 20mg at night, Diazepam 7.5mg total per day, Baclofen 10mg morning, 10mg lunch and 20mg night, Polaramine 2mg at night, Ketamine troche 25mg per day (Ceased early September 2025), Valsartan 160mg evening, HRT (Oestrogen 25mcg/day) 

    ESCITALOPRAM TAPER: 5 April 2025 - started holding at 1.516mg. Escitalopram taper resumed July 2025; End Aug 1.364; End Sept 1.228; End Oct 1.145; End Nov 1.1 Early Dec 1.11; End Dec 1.082; 2026 End Jan 1.047; Feb 6 1.030; Feb 20 1.014; April 10 1.012; May 3 1.014; May 11 1.010 & still holding

    Supplements: Mg++ glycinate, Omega 3s, Curcumin. Vit D3/K2 spray, Vitamin B12 spray, chelated zinc.

    •
    • Like 1
    On 8/1/2026 at 10:48 AM, Wombat said:

    over the month have mostly sat at WD Normal.

    Excellent news.

    On 8/1/2026 at 10:48 AM, Wombat said:

    This has probably been my best month since I started this tapering process over 3 years ago.

    So encouraging to read this, Wombat.

    You're doing great!

    Multi-year hyperbolic Bintellix taper

    7 Dec 25: 0.42mg

    7 Mar 26: 0.44mg (+5%)

    29 Mar 26: 0.34mg (trying to follow the "slow" Maudsley Guide)

    28 Apr 26: 0.24mg

    24 May 26: 0.14mg

    29 Jun 26: 0.10mg

    31 Jul 26: 0.07mg

    28 Aug 26: 0.035mg

    •
    • Like 1
    On 8/1/2026 at 10:48 AM, Wombat said:

    Update: 1 August 2026

    I have dropped a total of 5.69% this month (over 3 weeks).

    I will now hold for 2 weeks and, all going well, recommence dropping on 15th August.

    Have had some instability along the way, but looking over the month have mostly sat at WD Normal.

    This has probably been my best month since I started this tapering process over 3 years ago.

    Summary: 7.45mgai (14.9ml)

    Using a DIY liquid, fresh daily.

    Wombat

    So lovely to read @Wombat . You must be feeling quietly confident.

    Aug 2006 - Sertraline 25/50/75/100mg TO June 2019 - Reduced from 100mg to 50mg over a few months

    Sept  2019 - Reduced from 50mg to 25mg lasted a week,  then went back up to 50mg, after a few weeks back up to 100mg.

    Oct 2021 - Reduced to 75mg, Dec 2021 (mid) reduced to 50mg , March 2022 - Reduced to 25mg

    Oct 2022 - Reduce to 0mg (Immediate withdrawal crying, mood unstable, impending doom, digestive probs, tingling,numbness,burning, brain zaps,  insomnia)

    Feb 2023 -  "Panic attack" lasting 14 hours, 2 weeks later start back on 25mg sertraline, 12 hours later severe 'panic attack' with chest pain, tachycardia, restlessness, hyponatraemia, impending doom, racing thoughts, akathisia mild.  Taken to emergency. 

    March 2023 back up to 50mg (on medical advice), April 75mg, May 100mg. Back to 75mg within a few weeks due to feeling too stimulated and anxious. 

    Nov 2023 resume taper. 70, 65, 60, 55, 50 (March 2024)

    April 45mg, May 41mg, June 37mg, July 34mg Aug 31mg, Sept 28mg, Oct 26mg, Nov 25mg, HOLD 

    Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.2mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

     

    Other supplements: Fish oil, Mg citrate/glycinate 150-300mg per day, Ginkgo biloba daily, womens multi vit/min 3 times week, Vitamin C 1000mg night, valerian/passiflora as needed. B12 as needed. Bone support for osteopaenia (Ca/Mg, K, D)

    •
    • Like 1

    @Wombat , this is such exciting news, glad to hear your staying at withdrawal normal. Yes, listening to how your system reacts is beneficial. Your doing amazing my friend, you got this.

    Dec 23 Citalopram 15mg

    13 March 24 13.5mg

    27 March 24 10mg

    12 March 24 7.5mg

    20 March 24 6mg

    10 Aug 24 5mg

    24 Aug 24 4mg

    2 Sept 24 3.5mg

    11 Sept 24 3mg

    19 Sept 24 2.5mg

    26 Sept 24 2mg

    5 Oct 24 1.5mg

    12 Oct 24 1mg

    17 Oct 24 Jumped off.

    • Like 1
    • Author
    23 hours ago, Tracey said:

    You must be feeling quietly confident.

    Hmmmm....sometimes, yes. I can also feel very hopeless at times as well.

    I am very grateful that this month has been good. I still have symptoms, but I have felt a bit more hope this month.

    I will highlight this month so I can come back to it when needed.

    1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

    Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

    Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

    End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58 

    2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

    27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

     

    Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

     

    •
    • Like 1

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