I was about to retire for the evening and saw you tagged me. Hi 👋 

I’m still at the same dose of 0.44mg Mirt and been instructed/I agree as well to stay there since I’m feel fully stabilized with the newer compound Rx and probably the supplements too. Maybe next month I can begin to taper. 
How have you been? I’ll check back later. It’s bed time soon. I’m glad the site looks very familiar, and I can catch the notifications much more easily now. I’m absent for a few days and @Chippy does a remodel 😇

@Tracey Sorry to hear about the stress and tough days. I feel you're coping way better than me. I am not so gentle with myself.

I am still holding at 0.2mg. I'll decide how to proceed after Wednesay.

Hope you are feeling better, Tracey. I think of the Serenity Prayer when I feel just awful...what do I need to accept (rather than fight against) in the moment and what can changes can I make that are within my control. I also like the affirmation "I trust in the process of life. I am safe." Sometimes it can be a struggle to trust but I know that the nervous system will swing the other way at some point and we have another sunny window. Take care!

On 1/19/2026 at 7:14 PM, Marina said:

@Tracey Sorry to hear about the stress and tough days. I feel you're coping way better than me. I am not so gentle with myself.

I am still holding at 0.2mg. I'll decide how to proceed after Wednesay.

Thanks Marina, 

 

Pretty rough patch for me. Morning cortisol spikes, loose more frequent bowels and a real afternoon flare up for the past 4 days are about 3pm to 6pm or so. Haven't had such intense symptoms since I was in CT/kindling. Funny that afternoon thing as that is when the drug dose would be at its peak (6-8hours post taking it). I have to be gentle due to my circumstances (isolation and lots of life responsibilities). 

 

Still holding at 0.2mg sounds good. It is all so different for each of us during this tapering. What has helped me feel less alone is that others are going through this and we can all hold each other emotionally  from a distance. Go gently with yourself, big hugs. 

On 1/22/2026 at 1:14 AM, namastejen1 said:

Hope you are feeling better, Tracey. I think of the Serenity Prayer when I feel just awful...what do I need to accept (rather than fight against) in the moment and what can changes can I make that are within my control. I also like the affirmation "I trust in the process of life. I am safe." Sometimes it can be a struggle to trust but I know that the nervous system will swing the other way at some point and we have another sunny window. Take care!

Thanks Jen, I like that affirmation. I really hoped this type of nervous system upset was behind me. Hoping I can hit a window soon and settle down. Looks like I will try a 5 per cent reduction next time. I think it is my life stressors creating such difficulty, rather than the taper alone. I wish my life was more stable. 

 

Self compassion and some breathing and acceptance is my go to, but it is still so hard. I pray that holding for a while will re steady me. 

Hi @Tracey

 

Sorry to hear that. My days aren't fun either. Had a small "dirty" window last week but then slipped into another wave as I got my period. I feel the worst during PMS/period. My small window encouraged me to continue tapering so I am at 0,1mg now. I also feel very isolated even though I live with my boyfriend. I noticed that I feel better after being with friends/interacting with people, but that's not so easy to organize too often.

 

Thank you, Tracey. ❤️ I am sending you a hug. We will make it through this.

Giving you a hug 💛 back Marina. You have brightened my day and eased my morning cortisol spike. 

 

I agree re friends and also find it not so easy to organise like you. I live a bit isolated . And yes being in a relationship doesn't always mean you feel connected and not alone. Unless I had a very supportive and understanding partner, it would perhaps be more difficult than being single. 

 

Whilst I am well past periods, I can imagine pre period would be a time of challenge with hormonal changes. 

 

Yep we will get through this, we are worthy and have lives to live well way past this tapering journey. xx 

Edited January 27Jan 27 by Tracey
Adding

Hi Tracey and @Marina, periods can  be challenging that’s for sure. My perimenopause and sans thyroid Rx (all involving important hormones) can be difficult to handle. Had a few bad nights of sleep and ragey hormones for my ovulation time.
For tonight, I’m getting to the end of my time on here, soI canpower down from the day and get restful. But I wanted to say hi to the both of you.

Can I join in on the hugs? 🤗 We all need them. I hope the both of you can find the support that you need. I understand sometimes our partners might not fully get what’s going on. I pray that they have enlightenment and humility about it so that they can show up for each of you. And that we can show up for others too, despite our waves and dirty windows.
 

Be well, my friends ♥️☀️

Thank you @namastejen1 🤗❤️

You sure can join in on the hugs @namastejen1 🥰💚

 

We need each other during this challenging time xxx 

 

 

@Tracey 

Since you were kind enough to say hello on my page, I wanted to stop by yours and say hello as well. I am really glad you made it over here from SA, and I do remember your name as Catbird, though I do not think we ever corresponded.

 

I tapered Zoloft from 2016 to 2022, and for me the beginning was by far the hardest part of the journey. Things became much more manageable toward the end as I learned what pace worked best for my body. In my case, that pace turned out to be very slow.

 

I also used the liquid, which made a big difference for me and made the process feel a bit more manageable.

 

I just wanted to say hello and send my best wishes for a smooth taper.

 

Thanks @RachelSusan 🥰

 

I was Freya on SA and chatted a lot with catbird. Catbird is on here too!  ☺️

 

I have hit a really bad wave since going from 7.7 mg to 7mg. I was mostly handling 10%. Although I can't say it has been easy even prior to this, but stable with mild short waves. 

My problem will be measuring those tiny amounts with my 1 ml syringe. I will only be able to measure as small as 0.1. For now that is ok but not when I get lower. 

 

Did you buy a micropipette ? 

 

From my symptoms over the past 3 weeks,  looks like I will be slowing right down. 

This has really put the wind up me, reminding me of my scary CT. The nausea, exhaustion, burning mouth (which has never completely gone anyway but has lessened until this wave), impending doom, frequent loose bowels, morning cortisol. 

I am holding until I stabilise. 

 

I will go back to SA and read your story 🙏

 

Appreciate you looking at my thread and saying hi 🩷

@Tracey Hi Tracey,

 

I’m so sorry about the mix-up. I truly thought you were Catbird. Thank you for clarifying, and I hope I didn’t cause any confusion.

 

I’m really glad you said hello, even though I wish it were under easier circumstances. That drop from 7.7 to 7 mg can absolutely stir things up, especially when your system is already sensitized. What you’re describing sounds like your nervous system telling you it needs more time, not that you’ve done anything wrong.

 

Holding until you stabilize sounds very wise. Slowing down when symptoms ramp up is often the safest path, even though it can feel discouraging. The reminder of a past CT can be especially unsettling, so it makes sense that this wave would feel frightening. By the way, I too had a cold turkey at the beginning and I had all the symptoms you mentioned and I know how painful they are.

 

On the measuring issue, you’re right to be thinking ahead. A 1 ml syringe works for now, but it can start to feel limiting as doses get smaller. I should mention that I never used a micropipette myself and don’t really have firsthand knowledge of them. I just recall seeing others mention them on different sites, and it seemed to be something that worked for some people. What I did instead was dilute the solution more. By doubling the amount of water, each 0.1 ml ended up representing a smaller amount of medication, which helped me make smaller, gentler tapers without adding any extra equipment.

 

Please be gentle with yourself right now. This is hard work, and you’re listening to your body. You are doing a great job with a hard situation.

 

Take care,
Rachel

8 hours ago, Tracey said:

From my symptoms over the past 3 weeks,  looks like I will be slowing right down. 

This has really put the wind up me, reminding me of my scary CT. The nausea, exhaustion, burning mouth (which has never completely gone anyway but has lessened until this wave), impending doom, frequent loose bowels, morning cortisol. 

I am holding until I stabilise. 

 

That's sensible.

 

I can see why this would be frightening. If you can stabilise, you are armed with knowledge that you weren't when you CT'd, and hopefully this will allow you to slow down and go at a pace that does not significantly worsen your symptoms down the line.

On 1/30/2026 at 6:35 PM, Luke said:

 

That's sensible.

 

I can see why this would be frightening. If you can stabilise, you are armed with knowledge that you weren't when you CT'd, and hopefully this will allow you to slow down and go at a pace that does not significantly worsen your symptoms down the line.

Thanks @Luke,

 

Yes I am in a way better place than my first CT with no knowledge or idea what was happening. 

I have reconciled in my mind, that this will take as long as it takes. It has to be less invasive than it has been over the past weeks. 🙏

Thank you so much for that incredibly supportive message @RachelSusan. 🙏

 

I forgot about diluting the liquid more. I will sit down and do the maths to calculate what will seem workable. 
 

I really slipped into that non helpful thinking, that maybe I will never recover. I hadn't had that since cold turkey.  

 

Feeling a bit more stable as the days pass and I get as much rest as possible and give myself tenderness and self compassion. 

Very grateful for this forum. 

 

You’re not alone in that thinking you will never recover. There were periods where I was convinced the withdrawal would never pass and that I was stuck that way permanently. I do understand.

 

Diluting more can make the math feel tedious, but it often opens up options that feel more workable once you figure it out. I never thought of doing it that way myself until one of my doctors suggested it to me. 

 

Thank you @RachelSusan🩷

Hey @Tracey

 

I thought I’d drop by and say hi. I’m so sorry you’re struggling at the moment, I know it’s a diet said than done but just try to take things one day at a time, do whatever makes your days a little easier. One thing is certain, this wave that you’re in will end eventually. Hopefully sooner rather than later! 

Hi Tracey, how have you been? I read a little of what has been going on. Playing catch up today! If those withdrawal/taper brain rears its head again, let those negative thoughts go on the crazy train (as I would often refer to it when I was flooded) and let that train go right off the track in the distance where you can no longer see or hear it. Maybe it even it explodes! It is a good ACT acceptance and commitment therapy technique.  

 

I hope you are doing well and to catch up with you soon. Blessings to you!

On 2/4/2026 at 8:20 PM, NBJ71 said:

Hey @Tracey

 

I thought I’d drop by and say hi. I’m so sorry you’re struggling at the moment, I know it’s a diet said than done but just try to take things one day at a time, do whatever makes your days a little easier. One thing is certain, this wave that you’re in will end eventually. Hopefully sooner rather than later! 

Thank you @NBJ71, 

Very kind of you to give m that support and encouragement. And to read those words that it will pass eventually really supports me. Things have been complicated by a run of unforeseen stressful events, making my wd brain panic and not stay in the one day at a time. Hope you are doing ok at the moment. Will catch up on things here soon. 

On 2/7/2026 at 3:49 AM, namastejen1 said:

Hi Tracey, how have you been? I read a little of what has been going on. Playing catch up today! If those withdrawal/taper brain rears its head again, let those negative thoughts go on the crazy train (as I would often refer to it when I was flooded) and let that train go right off the track in the distance where you can no longer see or hear it. Maybe it even it explodes! It is a good ACT acceptance and commitment therapy technique.  

 

I hope you are doing well and to catch up with you soon. Blessings to you

Thanks enormously @namastejen1, 

That sounds really useful , the ACT train thing. When I am in that anxious/negative/dread state it feels like it may escalate to the 3 year ago cold turkey episode. I don't believe it will however when I am in my more settled brain state. I was much sicker leading up to that episode. 

The extreme has been affecting me and plants are dying and my animals are not so content. Nausea was not good yesterday (always comes on later in day) and remembered my sodium may be low again. I took some electrolytes and felt so much better.

 Hope you are doing ok yourself Jen. 

 

I feel so much less alone having this support from you both and this whole forum xx 

@namastejen1 I replied to you within the quote box not meaning to. 

12 hours ago, Tracey said:

@namastejen1 I replied to you within the quote box not meaning to. 

That’s okay. 🙂 I read it and figured it became joined together. Hope you are feeling well today ♥️

Thanks Jen,

 

Doing ok but no way near ready to drop dose again, even though I feel like I am a bit sensitive to it and want to get it down a bit more quickly. Not a good idea though. I hope I hit a nice window soon, despite some life stress happening. 

 

I see you are off to bed soon, so sleep well xx 💛

19 hours ago, Tracey said:

@namastejen1 I replied to you within the quote box not meaning to. 

 

7 hours ago, namastejen1 said:

That’s okay. 🙂 I read it and figured it became joined together. Hope you are feeling well today ♥️

Fixed xxxx