Tracey: Tapering Sertraline With Self Compassion and Patience

May 25May 25

Author

7 hours ago, Catbird said:
Wish I could so more for you 😢

It is okay @Catbird your support on here is enough.

Some of my challenges I have to face alone.

Hope you are seeing some sun and you are settling with your symptoms. 💛

We are gloomy at the moment and a freezing arctic blast coming. Lucky I ordered more fire wood.

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)

May 26May 26

@Tracey Not sure where you are regarding your move...going through withdrawal is challenging enough on its own ,but the extra stressor you have on top of that is monumental...you may not see it but from the outside you also have monumental strength and courage and yes to an extent I believe sometimes we have to endure hard tasks ( ok not this hard ) to realise in the end what is more important, all our beliefs we had all that we thought was right or wrong all that conditioning from an early age we start to question some of it and sometimes it makes us take a different path ( never off the withdrawal path though 😊) we dig deep to our core belief it lays us bare and we truly find our true self and not the conditioned one ...its a journey of discovery and enlightenment....you are having such a rough time at the moment but i believe when things settle for you and this upheaval is in the past ,you will truly find who you are and I strongly believe life will be good for you ,my goodness you certainly deserve it ..you have worked so hard and your rewards are waiting for you ...I wish you well ❤️🙏

Edited May 26May 26 by Beehive

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

3
1

May 28May 28

Author

On 5/26/2026 at 11:36 PM, Beehive said:
@Tracey Not sure where you are regarding your move...going through withdrawal is challenging enough on its own ,but the extra stressor you have on top of that is monumental...you may not see it but from the outside you also have monumental strength and courage and yes to an extent I believe sometimes we have to endure hard tasks ( ok not this hard ) to realise in the end what is more important, all our beliefs we had all that we thought was right or wrong all that conditioning from an early age we start to question some of it and sometimes it makes us take a different path ( never off the withdrawal path though 😊) we dig deep to our core belief it lays us bare and we truly find our true self and not the conditioned one ...its a journey of discovery and enlightenment....you are having such a rough time at the moment but i believe when things settle for you and this upheaval is in the past ,you will truly find who you are and I strongly believe life will be good for you ,my goodness you certainly deserve it ..you have worked so hard and your rewards are waiting for you ...I wish you well ❤️🙏

Thank you @Beehive , just read this now must have missed it.

Given me hope. Zero sleep last night. I feel so so sick today. Aching, burning, depression, anxiety, dread , exhaustion.

Not sure I have the strength but I have no choice but to keep on, one step at a time.

The last Mad in America interview on podcast wasn't helpful , it triggered me a bit.

Have to sign my sale contract today. This is monumental as you say. My choice to proceed with moving but I couldn't sit here and keep putting it off either. Maybe I have really taken on too much this time. Too much of an idealist.

Can't get out and walk so far today as the weather had turned and I can't face the elements as usual.

Sending strength to others, I know we are all having our struggles here. 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)

1

May 29May 29

3 hours ago, Tracey said:
Thank you @Beehive , just read this now must have missed it.
Given me hope. Zero sleep last night. I feel so so sick today. Aching, burning, depression, anxiety, dread , exhaustion.
Not sure I have the strength but I have no choice but to keep on, one step at a time.
The last Mad in America interview on podcast wasn't helpful , it triggered me a bit.
Have to sign my sale contract today. This is monumental as you say. My choice to proceed with moving but I couldn't sit here and keep putting it off either. Maybe I have really taken on too much this time. Too much of an idealist.
Can't get out and walk so far today as the weather had turned and I can't face the elements as usual.
Sending strength to others, I know we are all having our struggles here. xx

You've shown such inner strength despite the WD and all the stress. You are managing as best you an and with grace and humility. As you say "one step at a time". Take care of yourself along the way @Tracey

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.

1
1

May 29May 29

6 hours ago, Tracey said:
Thank you @Beehive , just read this now must have missed it.
Given me hope. Zero sleep last night. I feel so so sick today. Aching, burning, depression, anxiety, dread , exhaustion.
Not sure I have the strength but I have no choice but to keep on, one step at a time.
The last Mad in America interview on podcast wasn't helpful , it triggered me a bit.
Have to sign my sale contract today. This is monumental as you say. My choice to proceed with moving but I couldn't sit here and keep putting it off either. Maybe I have really taken on too much this time. Too much of an idealist.
Can't get out and walk so far today as the weather had turned and I can't face the elements as usual.
Sending strength to others, I know we are all having our struggles here. xx

So sorry for all the challenges you are going through @Tracey it may feel too much but here you are still continuing to cope with your incredible strength and moving forward, when the current hurdles are over things will take a different proportion and you will be in a much better place.

I truly admire your determination, you are amazing.

Much love to you 🩷

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.

2
1

May 29May 29

@Tracey thank you for stopping by and offering some kind words on my thread.

Dealing with pretty much anything ontop of withdrawal is so hard, try to give yourself grace and be kind to yourself while you deal with moving.

Nothing I say is medical advice, it is simply my opinion. I am an anonymous person on an internet forum with no relevant qualifications other than being badly harmed by a drug. For all you know, I could be an idiot. You are making your own decisions and part of that is deciding how much to listen to my opinion, if at all.

Perhaps you should consider this post an artistic work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.

Story from SA: LukeUK: Remeron/Mirtazapine Severe Withdrawal - Introductions and updates - Surviving Antidepressants

15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)

Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise

1 month taper to 0mg

Last dose April 2023

Severe withdrawal syndrome with many physical symptoms

Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023.

1
1

May 29May 29

@Tracey Sending some love to you today, sorry everything is so tough, sleep issues only make it all worse for sure. You have so much on your plate, be proud of yourself for pushing forwards even though I know this is all very hard. Peace coming your way, Im sure of it. Hopefully getting your move completed will be a massive help with this goal. 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
1

May 29May 29

Author

Thank you @Catbird , @Luke , @Chippy , @Fullhealing . You are all amazing and without your constant propping me up and love, I would not have made it this far.

Too tired to write much tonight. xxx

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

May 29May 29

18 minutes ago, Tracey said:
Too tired to write much tonight. xxx

No need to write anything @Tracey rest up 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.

3
1

June 1Jun 1

Thinking of you @Tracey and hope you are a bit better 💖 much love and healing your way xxx

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

June 2Jun 2

15 hours ago, Fullhealing said:
Thinking of you @Tracey and hope you are a bit better 💖 much love and healing your way xxx

2nd that @Tracey 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

June 3Jun 3

Author

On 6/2/2026 at 2:46 AM, Fullhealing said:
Thinking of you @Tracey and hope you are a bit better 💖 much love and healing your way xxx

On 6/2/2026 at 5:53 PM, Chippy said:
2nd that @Tracey xxxx

Thank you Chippy and Fullhealing,

Same old stuff here, no sleep some nights , other nights some sleep. Slightest stress and organising my move sets me off.

I would be diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder if I went to a psychiatrist. Not going down that dead end track unless they were taper specialists !

I will be fairly scant in my time here and inconsistent as my move gets closer ( around 18 th July).

Will try to keep up, I don't get email notifications of threads here.

Wishing you all peace, healing, strength and hope. Keep the faith of this gruelling path. 💛💛😘🙏. 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)

3

June 4Jun 4

@Tracey Thinking of you and wishing you strength through this period. 🙏🏻❤️

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

June 4Jun 4

Author

1 hour ago, Marina said:
@Tracey Thinking of you and wishing you strength through this period. 🙏🏻❤️

Thanks @Marina , I see you are having a tough time also. Sending you strength and love as you navigate the rough water's. I am sorry it so hard for you at the moment. xxx

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)

2

June 4Jun 4

@Tracey Thank you. ❤️ We will get through it, no other option.

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...

3

June 4Jun 4

55 minutes ago, Marina said:
@Tracey Thank you. ❤️ We will get through it, no other option.

Indeed @Marina @Tracey with all this brutality we going to be so much stronger! We just have to survive and we definitely will xxx

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.

4

June 5Jun 5

21 hours ago, Marina said:
@Tracey Thank you. ❤️ We will get through it, no other option.

100% @Tracey you will get through this, we all will. Sending more love down under to top up the reserves! 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.

3

June 7Jun 7

Author

I feel so so sick today😢😢.

Nausea, exhaustion, dread, aching body, burning/tingling .

This is just so hard. How will I get through it ?

Thanks for sending some love and strength.

Wishing you all some peace today. 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)

1

June 7Jun 7

1 hour ago, Tracey said:
I feel so so sick today😢😢.
Nausea, exhaustion, dread, aching body, burning/tingling .
This is just so hard. How will I get through it ?
Thanks for sending some love and strength.
Wishing you all some peace today. xx

Hi @Tracey So sorry to hear your progress hasn't been sustained. I'm feeling agitated, exhausted, fatigued and intermitted abdominal and all over torso spasms. I feel very afraid and scared of the future. I know it will pass, but it sure feels very depleting and uncomfortable.

Although we're both suffering you have the stress of selling, moving, grieving in addition to dealing with WD and tapering. Thinking of you a lot 🤗💕

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.

June 7Jun 7

Author

50 minutes ago, Catbird said:
Hi @Tracey So sorry to hear your progress hasn't been sustained. I'm feeling agitated, exhausted, fatigued and intermitted abdominal and all over torso spasms. I feel very afraid and scared of the future. I know it will pass, but it sure feels very depleting and uncomfortable.
Although we're both suffering you have the stress of selling, moving, grieving in addition to dealing with WD and tapering. Thinking of you a lot 🤗💕

Thanks Cat, yes scared of the future is huge.

Just doesn't seem to let up much. 😢

Thanks for dropping in, hope you get some peace soon. 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)

June 7Jun 7

2 hours ago, Tracey said:
I feel so so sick today😢😢.

Sorry to read @Tracey

2 hours ago, Tracey said:
This is just so hard. How will I get through it ?

By taking it one day at a time just as you have been xxx

2 hours ago, Tracey said:
Thanks for sending some love and strength.

More on its way. Takes a few minutes to get there due to the distance but I’ve sent it!

Just like many before you, you’ll get out the other side of all this!

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.

3
1

June 7Jun 7

4 hours ago, Tracey said:
I feel so so sick today😢😢.
Nausea, exhaustion, dread, aching body, burning/tingling .
This is just so hard. How will I get through it ?
Thanks for sending some love and strength.
Wishing you all some peace today. xx

Oh @Tracey feeling you deeply, I can barely write, talk, communicate with the terrible brain fog, fears, catastrophe, all the crap that WD brings but remember even though our mind is chemically affected blocking everything positive and crushes our bodies it doesn't take away the inner strength that always manages to carry us forward.

you have coped so far and you will continue to survive, when the cloud clears things will look and feel completely different so please hold on and don't lose faith.

Wishing you much easier moments ahead, sending my love xxx

Edited June 7Jun 7 by Fullhealing

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.

2
1

June 7Jun 7

Author

3 hours ago, Chippy said:
Sorry to read @Tracey
By taking it one day at a time just as you have been xxx
More on its way. Takes a few minutes to get there due to the distance but I’ve sent it!
Just like many before you, you’ll get out the other side of all this!

Thank you , this is so comforting Chippy.

Gives me hope for this moment in time. 6.25 pm and I getting a slight settling down and my appetite has come back.

Something to eat, then bed.

Hope things are ok with you Chippy, I am keeping up with other threads 😢.

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)

2

June 7Jun 7

Author

1 hour ago, Fullhealing said:
Oh @Tracey feeling you deeply, I can barely write, talk, communicate with the terrible brain fog, fears, catastrophe, all the crap that WD brings but remember even though our mind is chemically affected blocking everything positive and crushes our bodies it doesn't take away the inner strength that always manages to carry us forward.
you have coped so far and you will continue to survive, when the cloud clears things will look and feel completely different so please hold on and don't lose faith.
Wishing you much easier moments ahead, sending my love xxx

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Fullhealing. You are really in the trenches too. I find it very hard to write when in this state but sometimes the bit of focus helps a little.

Your encouragement really helps amidst your own anguish. As I said to Chippy getting a small bit of relief now.

Sending you hugs and love. 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)

1

June 7Jun 7

7 minutes ago, Tracey said:
6.25 pm and I getting a slight settling down and my appetite has come back

Good to read. :)

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.

2

Tracey: Tapering Sertraline With Self Compassion and Patience

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