Yes, it seems not fair at all. I am so sorry @Tracey. I wish I could do something for you. Keep us posted how you are doing and whether the up dosing helps. We are thinking of you. 
I send you a big hug (if you like this, if not just some loving thoughts).

 

Hi @Tracey how are things today?

2 hours ago, Catbird said:

Hi @Tracey how are things today?

Thanks @Catbird, well after my horror episode last night and slept a bit after the panic ended. At least not awake all night. 

I felt calmer, minimal nausea and able to function reasonably well. My brain was more ordered and rational. 

 

I didn't updose this morning as I felt so much better. However I plan to monitor the next few days and see if panic, sleep etc settle. If I have another episode or two like this I will updose. This past week there were quite a few triggers for me. That is life and I have big changes ahead so I may need to get back up a tiny bit to handle things. 

 

Hope you are doing okay Cat. I will catch up on threads soon. xx 

17 hours ago, Nemina said:

Yes, it seems not fair at all. I am so sorry @Tracey. I wish I could do something for you. Keep us posted how you are doing and whether the up dosing helps. We are thinking of you. 
I send you a big hug (if you like this, if not just some loving thoughts).

 

Thanks @Nemina, I am so grateful for a reprieve. Thanks for your support. Hope you are doing well xx 

4 minutes ago, Tracey said:

Thanks @Catbird, well after my horror episode last night and slept a bit after the panic ended. At least not awake all night. 

I felt calmer, minimal nausea and able to function reasonably well. My brain was more ordered and rational. 

 

I didn't updose this morning as I felt so much better. However I plan to monitor the next few days and see if panic, sleep etc settle. If I have another episode or two like this I will updose. This past week there were quite a few triggers for me. That is life and I have big changes ahead so I may need to get back up a tiny bit to handle things. 

 

Hope you are doing okay Cat. I will catch up on threads soon. xx 

Glad things have eased Tracey xxxx

20 hours ago, Chippy said:

I’m so sorry @Tracey The whole thing is not fair at all. You will get through this! 
 

When do you take your dose?

In the mornings @Chippy. 

No updose today as I mentioned to Cat.

Felt settled and didn't want to risk changing anything. 

I can hardly remember writing that post last night.  It was sheer  terror being awakened like that. I guess  I have to be thankful I made it through and I did manage to bring myself down. Took 45 minutes to an hour.  I can't believe  made it through and endured that. 

Today it felt like a reset button was pressed in my head. 

The next few days will determine if I up dose. Given my up coming challenges It may be wise to. 

Thanks for all you do. You are an anchor here. 

Just now, Tracey said:

In the mornings @Chippy. 

No updose today as I mentioned to Cat.

Felt settled and didn't want to risk changing anything. 

I can hardly remember writing that post last night.  It was sheer  terror being awakened like that. I guess  I have to be thankful I made it through and I did manage to bring myself down. Took 45 minutes to an hour.  I can't believe  made it through and endured that. 

Today it felt like a reset button was pressed in my head. 

The next few days will determine if I up dose. Given my up coming challenges It may be wise to. 

Thanks for all you do. You are an anchor here. 

Im so relieved this has eased. It is always tough to know what is the right call. Listen to your body it will tell you.

 

Its a pleasure, with all the suffering that is caused by these drugs, it is nice to try to help rather then just suffer and be angry about it all.

6 minutes ago, Chippy said:

Im so relieved this has eased. It is always tough to know what is the right call. Listen to your body it will tell you.

 

Its a pleasure, with all the suffering that is caused by these drugs, it is nice to try to help rather then just suffer and be angry about it all.

I would rather be where I was in my body when  was on 7.7mg , however will it still work like that given I have been down almost 3 months. I will give it a bit longer and if no good windows guess I go back up to 7.2/3 . 

4 minutes ago, Tracey said:

I would rather be where I was in my body when  was on 7.7mg , however will it still work like that given I have been down almost 3 months. I will give it a bit longer and if no good windows guess I go back up to 7.2/3 . 

Yeah hindsight. Im inclined to promote a updose straight back to the previous level if things get bad following a drop. Im seeing too many hold and struggle. I think nip in the bud as a general rule.

 

Now you have been off 2+ months a bit more thought needs to go into it. Keeping it 2.5-5% of your current dose at least mitigates the risk of worsening. Plus your brain has likley already made some adaptations to the drop so no need for the full dose, in theory. That is the problem, it's all theory.

 

Yeah if you do decide I would do it sooner rather than later as it only gets harder as time passes to go back up. But perhaps keep to the 2.5% just to be safe. Don't let that rush you into it though. If you think it's best to hold do that, it is your call.

 

Wish there were any certainties on any of this.

Ok thanks, those were the factors I was playing around with. If only I had done it back in January. Just caught me by surprise and crept up as  weeks went by. Hindsight ... 

Just now, Tracey said:

Ok thanks, those were the factors I was playing around with. If only I had done it back in January. Just caught me by surprise and crept up as  weeks went by. Hindsight ... 

yeah exactly that. Hard to know sometimes. 

1 hour ago, Tracey said:

Thanks @Catbird, well after my horror episode last night and slept a bit after the panic ended. At least not awake all night. 

I felt calmer, minimal nausea and able to function reasonably well. My brain was more ordered and rational. 

 

I didn't updose this morning as I felt so much better. However I plan to monitor the next few days and see if panic, sleep etc settle. If I have another episode or two like this I will updose. This past week there were quite a few triggers for me. That is life and I have big changes ahead so I may need to get back up a tiny bit to handle things. 

 

Hope you are doing okay Cat. I will catch up on threads soon. xx 

So glad there’s some reprieve @Tracey 🤗

I am very happy to hear that you are doing better now. ❤️‍🩹

On 3/4/2026 at 12:17 AM, Tracey said:

Thanks for your wise words @Chippy, @Catbird, @namastejen1, @Marina, @NT1100B,

 

You are all so helpful and insightful. 

 

Great  Chippy reminder that this is NOT a linear journey.  I so often forget this and when doing pretty well,  get caught in thinking this is how it will be (good)  until I am off. So this last wave has given me an idea of what can happen at any time during a taper. I have a lot more respect for the fact that we really have to tread carefully. This means slowing down for me.  About not fighting it, I really try not to and rationally remember that,  however it just seems to take me over. I think is the fear and aloneness that really knocks me off my perch. 

 

Catbird I will check out the Designtoheal podcast thank you have great resources. I listened to a good one on the Mediherb podcast regards treating  brain concussion and there was so much overlap in what we suffer. It is the latest one (sorry not good at sharing links here). A good discussion on withania and rhodiola and why they don't suit everyone. I cannot use too much withania as it overstimulates me at night. Some people can, depending on sensitivity and level of depletion. Tonic herbs can overstimulate those that are too exhausted and highly sensitive (many people with chronic illness are).  Rhodiola can be similar, however they are can suit some people very well and are truly wonderful herbs. There are 3 other good herbs for the brain that do not overstimulate and I feel I have been helped by using one of them for the past 18 months (gingko biloba). We are of course not trying to speed up the taper, rather support and nourish body/brain. When I started taking it, the brain fog lifted and my ability to focus improved greatly. I think I was on 30mg or so. 

 

Thanks Jen, yes that is true I guess that I do respond to the calming things most times which is a good sign and one step at a time. Hope you are doing ok too  Marina and I really appreciate you checking in on me. Please look after yourself. 

 

 

Hypothalamus PMG by Standard Process--related to MediHerb is good for concussions and auto-immune disorders/chronic conditions. They assert that the brain starts mis-signaling with concussions and can cause these other chronic/auto-immune problems. It was a fascinating short bit of information from a presentation on hormones (May 2025). But I guess the mis-firing or -signaling can affect even our hormones too. Think about it, the H-P-A axis is hypothalamas-pituitary-adrenals and who's at the top? Hypothalamus. 

 

I have seen that times have not been so great lately. I am sorry about that. It does seem to be a little better today. I was gone form the site for about 2 weeks because of more couch surfing, not easily shaking that darn virus. When you have time, you can see it on my thread, but don't feel like you have to. Just take care of yourself right now.

 

Abundant Blessings for easier times. I will be praying for you. Hugs 🤗

Edited March 13Mar 13 by namastejen1

@Tracey 

You asked about what can help with nausea. I’ll share a few things that were suggested to me along with my own personal experience with them. Of course everyone reacts differently, so others may have different results. If you decide to try any of these, it’s probably best to start with a small dose first to see how your body responds.

 

Just as a quick note, this is only my personal experience. Everyone’s situation is different, so it may help to check with others on this site and gather a few perspectives before deciding what might be right for you. Some of these also require a prescription, so they would need to be discussed with your doctor. I was fortunate to have a doctor who was sympathetic and willing to work with me.

 

The most natural option people often recommend is ginger, either ginger root or ginger tea. Unfortunately it didn’t provide me with any relief. Peppermint tea didn’t help me either.

 

I also tried over-the-counter meclizine (Bonine) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Both did help reduce my nausea, but they left me feeling very amped up and jittery, almost like I had consumed too much caffeine. It was an awful feeling. My reaction to Dramamine especially didn’t make much sense since it’s usually supposed to have a sedating effect.

 

My doctor prescribed ondansetron (Zofran), which did help with my nausea. It works by blocking one of the serotonin receptors involved in the nausea reflex. I personally never had any problems with it while I was in withdrawal, but because it does interact with the serotonin system you might want to ask your doctor or get opinions from others before using it. For me it was honestly life-saving, but I was also cautious with it.

 

I know some people prefer to avoid additional medications during withdrawal, and I completely understand that. I’m only sharing what helped me personally.

 

You would also need a prescription for prochlorperazine (Compazine) and metoclopramide (Reglan), which was also recommened to me. Neither of which I have tried and I don't know much about them.

 

Hopefully some of this information is helpful. Since everyone’s body reacts a little differently, sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to find what works best.

 

Having been through what you’re going through, and from the exact same medication, I understand how bad it can feel and I have a lot of compassion for you. Since you’re closing in on three months and starting to feel a bit better, it could be that your body is beginning to adjust. Fingers crossed that you continue to feel better and better with each day.

Edited March 13Mar 13 by RachelSusan
typo

12 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

My doctor prescribed ondansetron (Zofran), which did help with my nausea. It works by blocking one of the serotonin receptors involved in the nausea reflex. I personally never had any problems with it while I was in withdrawal, but because it does interact with the serotonin system you might want to ask your doctor or get opinions from others before using it. For me it was honestly life-saving, but I was also cautious with it.

 

I know some people prefer to avoid additional medications during withdrawal, and I completely understand that. I’m only sharing what helped me personally.

 

You would also need a prescription for prochlorperazine (Compazine) and metoclopramide (Reglan), which was also recommened to me. Neither of which I have tried and I don't know much about them.

Hi @RachelSusan and @Tracey only my personal experience — ondasetron did not work for me, I persisted with ginger tea. 

I also read an article from SA a few days ago about general anasthesia for procedures. It had metacloperamide (Maxolon) listed under agents which might contribute to serotonin syndrome, along with a lot of other listed drugs. Sad and bad news I suppose.

persistent nausea is one of the worst symptoms IMO.

7 hours ago, RachelSusan said:

@Tracey 

You asked about what can help with nausea. I’ll share a few things that were suggested to me along with my own personal experience with them. Of course everyone reacts differently, so others may have different results. If you decide to try any of these, it’s probably best to start with a small dose first to see how your body responds.

 

Just as a quick note, this is only my personal experience. Everyone’s situation is different, so it may help to check with others on this site and gather a few perspectives before deciding what might be right for you. Some of these also require a prescription, so they would need to be discussed with your doctor. I was fortunate to have a doctor who was sympathetic and willing to work with me.

 

The most natural option people often recommend is ginger, either ginger root or ginger tea. Unfortunately it didn’t provide me with any relief. Peppermint tea didn’t help me either.

 

I also tried over-the-counter meclizine (Bonine) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Both did help reduce my nausea, but they left me feeling very amped up and jittery, almost like I had consumed too much caffeine. It was an awful feeling. My reaction to Dramamine especially didn’t make much sense since it’s usually supposed to have a sedating effect.

 

My doctor prescribed ondansetron (Zofran), which did help with my nausea. It works by blocking one of the serotonin receptors involved in the nausea reflex. I personally never had any problems with it while I was in withdrawal, but because it does interact with the serotonin system you might want to ask your doctor or get opinions from others before using it. For me it was honestly life-saving, but I was also cautious with it.

 

I know some people prefer to avoid additional medications during withdrawal, and I completely understand that. I’m only sharing what helped me personally.

 

You would also need a prescription for prochlorperazine (Compazine) and metoclopramide (Reglan), which was also recommened to me. Neither of which I have tried and I don't know much about them.

 

Hopefully some of this information is helpful. Since everyone’s body reacts a little differently, sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to find what works best.

 

Having been through what you’re going through, and from the exact same medication, I understand how bad it can feel and I have a lot of compassion for you. Since you’re closing in on three months and starting to feel a bit better, it could be that your body is beginning to adjust. Fingers crossed that you continue to feel better and better with each day.

Thanks @RachelSusan, I am actually getting worse for the past 7 days. Nausea was only the odd day for. few days here and there back in Jan then went away. 

 

All day today and so jittery. 

 

Feeling dreadful like I am bursting with adrenalin and nerves inside. Bowels have been too frequent and fast whole time. 

7 hours ago, Catbird said:

Hi @RachelSusan and @Tracey only my personal experience — ondasetron did not work for me, I persisted with ginger tea. 

I also read an article from SA a few days ago about general anasthesia for procedures. It had metacloperamide (Maxolon) listed under agents which might contribute to serotonin syndrome, along with a lot of other listed drugs. Sad and bad news I suppose.

persistent nausea is one of the worst symptoms IMO.

Will try ginger again. 

 

This is so awful. Going all day today. Yesterday was a good day but ramped up again today. 

 

Was going to updose to 7.2mg tomorrow morning. 

8 hours ago, namastejen1 said:

Hypothalamus PMG by Standard Process--related to MediHerb is good for concussions and auto-immune disorders/chronic conditions. They assert that the brain starts mis-signaling with concussions and can cause these other chronic/auto-immune problems. It was a fascinating short bit of information from a presentation on hormones (May 2025). But I guess the mis-firing or -signaling can affect even our hormones too. Think about it, the H-P-A axis is hypothalamas-pituitary-adrenals and who's at the top? Hypothalamus. 

 

I have seen that times have not been so great lately. I am sorry about that. It does seem to be a little better today. I was gone form the site for about 2 weeks because of more couch surfing, not easily shaking that darn virus. When you have time, you can see it on my thread, but don't feel like you have to. Just take care of yourself right now.

 

Abundant Blessings for easier times. I will be praying for you. Hugs 🤗

Yesterday was better but all ramped up today. 

 

Seems every other day this week. 

 

Thanks for your support. Rest well too. 

 

Sorry not able to check on others at the moment. Too unwell 😢

I hope up dosing by .2 mg won't make nausea worse. 

 

I won't be able to get in my Gp . Don't want to go to hospital. I could try GP. 

My thoughts are with you, @Tracey. I hope this wave will pass soon. ❤️‍🩹  maybe updosing will help. You have obviously had a lot of external stress. Once the external stressors have settled down,, you will make progress on your taper again.  

Gentleness and self compassion. You are not alone.

7 hours ago, Tracey said:

Feeling dreadful like I am bursting with adrenalin and nerves inside

@Tracey I am so very sorry to hear this. I know the feeling, and it is awful. I really hope things ease up for you soon. I’ll be thinking of you and hoping tomorrow is a better day.

22 hours ago, Catbird said:

Hi @RachelSusan and @Tracey only my personal experience — ondasetron did not work for me, I persisted with ginger tea. 

I also read an article from SA a few days ago about general anasthesia for procedures. It had metacloperamide (Maxolon) listed under agents which might contribute to serotonin syndrome, along with a lot of other listed drugs. Sad and bad news I suppose.

persistent nausea is one of the worst symptoms IMO.

Thanks Cat.. I am going back to ginger tea today and weather is cooler so I need warming up. 

That is useful information. 

How long was your hold (4 months) and when did nausea/adrenalin stuff come in? Late in the hold? 

Alongside the nausea is awful dread and overwhelm and desperation. Just so cruel. 

Edited March 14Mar 14 by Tracey

Sorry things are so awful for you at present @Tracey the nausea came in waves as did the adrenaline. My hold was ~3.5 months. Nausea was worst towards the end where it developed into projectile vomiting (this was 2-3 episodes) and from memory it was about a week or so before everything levelled out and I felt stability return. 

3 hours ago, Catbird said:

Sorry things are so awful for you at present @Tracey the nausea came in waves as did the adrenaline. My hold was ~3.5 months. Nausea was worst towards the end where it developed into projectile vomiting (this was 2-3 episodes) and from memory it was about a week or so before everything levelled out and I felt stability return. 

Thanks @Catbird went up to 7.2mg this morning. 

Can only hope it doesn't make me worse. 

 

If I had support in the flesh I would have waited maybe.