Tracey: Tapering Sertraline With Self Compassion and Patience

April 9Apr 9

Author

5 hours ago, Fullhealing said:

I'm so very sorry @Tracey truly heartbreaking to hear.

please remember how strong you are!! this is guaranteed to pass with time, hang in there.

Sending peace and virtual hugs 💜

Thanks @Fullhealing. I hope I am strong. feel so wretched physically and mentally. Yes it has to pass with time. I am so easily triggered.

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)

April 9Apr 9

Author

2 hours ago, Chippy said:

Hey @Tracey thinking of you. You’ve got this. All this will pass. Remember your body is amazing, it will settle this for you, just takes so much time, but it will. Xxxx

Thank you Chippy. I need all the hope I can get. The hours and days seem so long.

😢

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)

1

April 9Apr 9

8 minutes ago, Tracey said:

Thank you Chippy. I need all the hope I can get. The hours and days seem so long.

😢

There’s more than hope! Nothing stays the same. Think of how many have come before you and recovered! Never feels like it in the trenches but you’ll recover too! Xxx

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.

1

April 9Apr 9

8 hours ago, Tracey said:

That makes two of us @Catbird.

This is just all so hard.

Yes cherry picking . Just get so consumed by these bad waves. The panic is awful.

Hugs for you Catbird. xx

Think of you often 🤗🧡

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 1.020 & still holding; Sept 19 1.014; Oct 4 1.006; Oct 8 1.010

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

2

April 9Apr 9

Sending you a hug @Tracey ❤️

My story: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/87-marina-onoffonoff-zoloft-since-end-of-2020/

History:

• November 2020 - March 2022: 50 mg Zoloft (first WD - mostly mental symptoms)

• July and August 2022: psilocybin microdosing

• End of August 2022: medium dose psilocybin

• January 2023: reinstated Zoloft 50 mg (but probably experinenced adverse reaction/tolerance/poop-out)

• October 2024: started slow taper off Zoloft

• September 2025: switched to compounded capsules (second WD started - both physical and mental symptoms)

• June 2026: jumped off at cca 0,1 mg liquid

Symptoms:

Windows and waves pattern of healing.

In a wave:

• severe DP/DR - reality seems strange and creepy and I feel a disconnect from my life, myself, God and the world around me, deep depression, stuck in my head, disinterest for my previous hobbies and work, hopeless, intrusive thoughts, cortisol mornings...

• histamine intolerance, vision problems (eye floaters/VSS/light sensitivity), tinnitus, muscle twitches...

1
1

April 9Apr 9

2 hours ago, Tracey said:

Thanks @Fullhealing. I hope I am strong. feel so wretched physically and mentally. Yes it has to pass with time. I am so easily triggered.

Oh you definitely are, this journey is for the strong and brave with painful falls along the way.

hold on, better days will come, guaranteed 🙏

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

1
1

April 9Apr 9

Author

Thanks @Chippy, @Marina, @Fullhealing 🙏.

Well after 24 hours of intense torment, I had the best sleep in weeks. 9 pm - 4 am. Only once up for toilet.

No doom on waking just sheer relief and gratitude. Wide awake but no anxiety/ dread.

The every other day pattern is looking like a thing. At least I can sort of plan around it at times.

It feels a button has been pressed in my brain. Brace myself for the next press.

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)

3

April 9Apr 9

1 hour ago, Tracey said:

, I had the best sleep in weeks. 9 pm - 4 am. Only once up for toilet.

No doom on waking just sheer relief and gratitude. Wide awake but no anxiety/ dread.

Oh @Tracey, I am so glad to hear that! ☺️
I hope for more of those nights for you. 💗

Of course, still lots of challenges, but a little window is so promising.

SA Thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/33406-nemina-tapering-escitalopram/

AR Thread: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/14-nemina-tapering-escilatopram-and-zolpidem/

Drug History

2013 - 2025: Zolpidem 5 mg

2015 - Oct 2024: Venlafaxine, Sertralin (Zoloft), Paroxetin (Paxil),duloxtin (cymbalta), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and more

Current Drugs

L-Thyroxin 75, Estrogen, Progesteron 200

Tapering Escitalopram

Until Sept 2024: Setralin/zoloft 75 mg

Oct 2024: Switch to Escitalopram / Lexapro 2mg

Then I tapered over a year from 2mg to 0,32 mg (October 2025). 108 days hold without stabilizing. Resumed taper February 2026:

11 Feb 2026 0.314mg

18 Feb 2026 0.307mg

21 Feb 2026 0.302mg

09 Mar 2026 0.297mg

18 April 2026 0,293 mg

18 May 2026 0,285 mg

18 June 2026 0,265 mg

18 July 2026 0,250 mg

18 Aug 2026 0,232 mg

18 Sept 2026 0,232 mg (Holding since 19.8.)

Tapering Zolpidem: From 5 mg to 0,7 mg in 12 months, then just crumbs for several weeks, now 0! (Jan 2026)

Other Supplements

Omega 3, Magnesium Glycinate, Vit D, Calcium, L-theanin, Vit C, Vit K2, Selen

1

April 9Apr 9

1 hour ago, Tracey said:

Thanks @Chippy, @Marina, @Fullhealing 🙏.

Well after 24 hours of intense torment, I had the best sleep in weeks. 9 pm - 4 am. Only once up for toilet.

No doom on waking just sheer relief and gratitude. Wide awake but no anxiety/ dread.

The every other day pattern is looking like a thing. At least I can sort of plan around it at times.

It feels a button has been pressed in my brain. Brace myself for the next press.

How wonderful to read @Tracey you're so well deserve it.

May the peaceful quiet night continue and stretch throughout the day as well.

Keep being so strong and brave, it will all be worth it in the end! 💕

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

April 9Apr 9

1 hour ago, Tracey said:

Thanks @Chippy, @Marina, @Fullhealing 🙏.

Well after 24 hours of intense torment, I had the best sleep in weeks. 9 pm - 4 am. Only once up for toilet.

No doom on waking just sheer relief and gratitude. Wide awake but no anxiety/ dread.

The every other day pattern is looking like a thing. At least I can sort of plan around it at times.

It feels a button has been pressed in my brain. Brace myself for the next press.

Such good news @Tracey!! I hope you’re coming out the other side 🤗

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 1.020 & still holding; Sept 19 1.014; Oct 4 1.006; Oct 8 1.010

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

April 10Apr 10

8 hours ago, Tracey said:

Thanks @Chippy, @Marina, @Fullhealing 🙏.

Well after 24 hours of intense torment, I had the best sleep in weeks. 9 pm - 4 am. Only once up for toilet.

No doom on waking just sheer relief and gratitude. Wide awake but no anxiety/ dread.

The every other day pattern is looking like a thing. At least I can sort of plan around it at times.

It feels a button has been pressed in my brain. Brace myself for the next press.

Wonderful news @Tracey things are certainly starting to improve. I feel like my symptoms are every other day too. Not always but very often. I’m not sure what that is about but you’re not alone. More healing to come. Don’t panic if it’s not linear though. The healing process rarely is. But you can see the result of what your brain has been doing. Symptoms are signs of healing. 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.

1

April 10Apr 10

This is very good news @Tracey! 😃

My story: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/87-marina-onoffonoff-zoloft-since-end-of-2020/

History:

• November 2020 - March 2022: 50 mg Zoloft (first WD - mostly mental symptoms)

• July and August 2022: psilocybin microdosing

• End of August 2022: medium dose psilocybin

• January 2023: reinstated Zoloft 50 mg (but probably experinenced adverse reaction/tolerance/poop-out)

• October 2024: started slow taper off Zoloft

• September 2025: switched to compounded capsules (second WD started - both physical and mental symptoms)

• June 2026: jumped off at cca 0,1 mg liquid

Symptoms:

Windows and waves pattern of healing.

In a wave:

• severe DP/DR - reality seems strange and creepy and I feel a disconnect from my life, myself, God and the world around me, deep depression, stuck in my head, disinterest for my previous hobbies and work, hopeless, intrusive thoughts, cortisol mornings...

• histamine intolerance, vision problems (eye floaters/VSS/light sensitivity), tinnitus, muscle twitches...

1

April 10Apr 10

Wonderful news @Tracey so pleased for you ,you deserve every bit of it ...your starting to break through that hard layer its starting to show some cracks ,it means its weakening . Everyday you have endured it youve shown it you are not giving up its losing its hold on you .you can do this its running scared . We are all behind you .

2016 - 2019 Sertraline 25mg highest dose 100mg

2019 C Ted 25mg Bad withdrawals

01/2020 reinstated 25mg

06/2020 - 12/2021 tapered from 100mg to 6mg jumped off .bad withdrawals like before .

06/2022 reinstated 25mg

10/2023 started taper of 25mg not sure of starting drops

04/2025 5mg

06/2025 4.1mg

08/2025 3.5mg

10/2025 3.1 mg

12/2025 2.5mg

01/2026 to present 2.27mg

1
1

April 12Apr 12

Author

Well plunged back into intense symptoms, agitated, nausea , dread etc ( usual stuff).

This is certainly not linear. I feel relief and hope when I have an easier day, then it all comes flooding back. Two hardly any sleep nights in a row. Bad one Wednesday, good Thursday (maybe because my uncle came to help take my dog to vet and stayed one night). Felt less alone. The two awful nights Friday/ Saturday.

Pray that tonight is better.

Too much uncertainty and impending change in my life and major life stressors.

I hope I am strong enough to get through this. I have lost weight and my face looks drawn and lifeless.

Trying to be stoic and strong. Still get very frightened.

It is a month today since the one day updose.

This has to pass please ..🙏

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)

1
1

April 12Apr 12

Author

On 4/10/2026 at 7:53 AM, Catbird said:

Such good news @Tracey!! I hope you’re coming out the other side 🤗

Thanks @Catbird, I missed your comment. I thought I was but maybe not yet ?

Hope you are doing ok ..

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)

April 12Apr 12

Hi Tracey sorry to hear how you are suffering, unusually for me I've not had a good night and still have this tight chest and difficulty getting a breath its early here 06.00 so worse when I can't contact a friend

2016 - 2019 Sertraline 25mg highest dose 100mg

2019 C Ted 25mg Bad withdrawals

01/2020 reinstated 25mg

06/2020 - 12/2021 tapered from 100mg to 6mg jumped off .bad withdrawals like before .

06/2022 reinstated 25mg

10/2023 started taper of 25mg not sure of starting drops

04/2025 5mg

06/2025 4.1mg

08/2025 3.5mg

10/2025 3.1 mg

12/2025 2.5mg

01/2026 to present 2.27mg

April 12Apr 12

24 minutes ago, Tracey said:

Well plunged back into intense symptoms, agitated, nausea , dread etc ( usual stuff).

So sorry to read Tracey 😞

24 minutes ago, Tracey said:

This is certainly not linear. I feel relief and hope when I have an easier day, then it all comes flooding back.

No and I think this is the worse part. It gives you hope then throws you back in. So demoralising I know. But also sign of healing happening.

24 minutes ago, Tracey said:

Two hardly any sleep nights in a row. Bad one Wednesday, good Thursday (maybe because my uncle came to help take my dog to vet and stayed one night). Felt less alone. The two awful nights Friday/ Saturday.

Pray that tonight is better.

Sleep makes it all worse I know only too well. If only we could sleep I think all this would be easier. It certainly adds to the suffering a lot. I’m glad you had your uncle help you, that’s great. Kind of him. Hope tonight is better. If it’s not don’t worry, it will get better, no second fear, your body chooses the sleep not you. Xxx

24 minutes ago, Tracey said:

Too much uncertainty and impending change in my life and major life stressors.

I wish this wasn’t the case. It certainly is adding to all this for you. Remember to try to not worry too much. These things have a way of working themselves through, and you are all that matters right now.

24 minutes ago, Tracey said:

I hope I am strong enough to get through this. I have lost weight and my face looks drawn and lifeless.

You are! 100% I hate to see myself too atm. Eyes looks so grey and dark. It’s sad to look how I was just 2 years ago. What these drugs do to us….

24 minutes ago, Tracey said:

It is a month today since the one day updose.

This has to pass please ..🙏

It will Tracey. Time is your friend. I know it can take so long, but that isn’t unusual, you aren’t alone. Have a read of Emsys thread. She has now turned a corner after a terrible time. Our bodies are amazing.

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.

April 12Apr 12

@Chippyis there a quick way of getting to emsys thread

2016 - 2019 Sertraline 25mg highest dose 100mg

2019 C Ted 25mg Bad withdrawals

01/2020 reinstated 25mg

06/2020 - 12/2021 tapered from 100mg to 6mg jumped off .bad withdrawals like before .

06/2022 reinstated 25mg

10/2023 started taper of 25mg not sure of starting drops

04/2025 5mg

06/2025 4.1mg

08/2025 3.5mg

10/2025 3.1 mg

12/2025 2.5mg

01/2026 to present 2.27mg

April 12Apr 12

11 minutes ago, Beehive said:

@Chippyis there a quick way of getting to emsys thread

Quick way of gettingg to Emsys thread 😀

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.

1

April 12Apr 12

Thank you

2016 - 2019 Sertraline 25mg highest dose 100mg

2019 C Ted 25mg Bad withdrawals

01/2020 reinstated 25mg

06/2020 - 12/2021 tapered from 100mg to 6mg jumped off .bad withdrawals like before .

06/2022 reinstated 25mg

10/2023 started taper of 25mg not sure of starting drops

04/2025 5mg

06/2025 4.1mg

08/2025 3.5mg

10/2025 3.1 mg

12/2025 2.5mg

01/2026 to present 2.27mg

1

April 12Apr 12

7 minutes ago, Beehive said:

Thank you

Pleasure beehive

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.

April 12Apr 12

Author

3 hours ago, Chippy said:

So sorry to read Tracey 😞

No and I think this is the worse part. It gives you hope then throws you back in. So demoralising I know. But also sign of healing happening.

Sleep makes it all worse I know only too well. If only we could sleep I think all this would be easier. It certainly adds to the suffering a lot. I’m glad you had your uncle help you, that’s great. Kind of him. Hope tonight is better. If it’s not don’t worry, it will get better, no second fear, your body chooses the sleep not you. Xxx

I wish this wasn’t the case. It certainly is adding to all this for you. Remember to try to not worry too much. These things have a way of working themselves through, and you are all that matters right now.

You are! 100% I hate to see myself too atm. Eyes looks so grey and dark. It’s sad to look how I was just 2 years ago. What these drugs do to us….

It will Tracey. Time is your friend. I know it can take so long, but that isn’t unusual, you aren’t alone. Have a read of Emsys thread. She has now turned a corner after a terrible time. Our bodies are amazing.

Thank you dear Chippy,

You always give me hope and make me feel so much better. The worrying is a strong trait I have always had. Of course now it is wreaking havoc and running wild.

Spot on re the second fear, just adds insult to injury. There are so many things outside of my control. Just have to let go.

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)

1

April 12Apr 12

Author

4 hours ago, Beehive said:

Hi Tracey sorry to hear how you are suffering, unusually for me I've not had a good night and still have this tight chest and difficulty getting a breath its early here 06.00 so worse when I can't contact a friend

I am so very sorry @Beehive. Wished I had seen your message earlier. It was mid afternoon here so I could have been your 'friend'. That is a lonely feeling when you can't contact someone in that time of desperation.

Hope your day is ok and you can at least breathe more easily.

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)

April 12Apr 12

@Tracey no worries you have enough going on yourself ..I did think I was stabilising but yesterday and today the chest tightness triggers me ,all the negative thoughts come out then when the tightness lessens I'm physically shaking ...yes desperate is how you feel an awful feeling. Wishing you lots of healing and better days ❤️

2016 - 2019 Sertraline 25mg highest dose 100mg

2019 C Ted 25mg Bad withdrawals

01/2020 reinstated 25mg

06/2020 - 12/2021 tapered from 100mg to 6mg jumped off .bad withdrawals like before .

06/2022 reinstated 25mg

10/2023 started taper of 25mg not sure of starting drops

04/2025 5mg

06/2025 4.1mg

08/2025 3.5mg

10/2025 3.1 mg

12/2025 2.5mg

01/2026 to present 2.27mg

1

April 12Apr 12

Oh @Tracey, I wish I could do something for you. I join with you in prayer that this will pass soon. However, long it will take.: it definitely will pass!
thinking of you xxx

SA Thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/33406-nemina-tapering-escitalopram/

AR Thread: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/14-nemina-tapering-escilatopram-and-zolpidem/

Drug History

2013 - 2025: Zolpidem 5 mg

2015 - Oct 2024: Venlafaxine, Sertralin (Zoloft), Paroxetin (Paxil),duloxtin (cymbalta), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and more

Current Drugs

L-Thyroxin 75, Estrogen, Progesteron 200

Tapering Escitalopram

Until Sept 2024: Setralin/zoloft 75 mg

Oct 2024: Switch to Escitalopram / Lexapro 2mg

Then I tapered over a year from 2mg to 0,32 mg (October 2025). 108 days hold without stabilizing. Resumed taper February 2026:

11 Feb 2026 0.314mg

18 Feb 2026 0.307mg

21 Feb 2026 0.302mg

09 Mar 2026 0.297mg

18 April 2026 0,293 mg

18 May 2026 0,285 mg

18 June 2026 0,265 mg

18 July 2026 0,250 mg

18 Aug 2026 0,232 mg

18 Sept 2026 0,232 mg (Holding since 19.8.)

Tapering Zolpidem: From 5 mg to 0,7 mg in 12 months, then just crumbs for several weeks, now 0! (Jan 2026)

Other Supplements

Omega 3, Magnesium Glycinate, Vit D, Calcium, L-theanin, Vit C, Vit K2, Selen

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Tracey: Tapering Sertraline With Self Compassion and Patience

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