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Featured Replies

5 hours ago, TonyA said:

Can anyone give me some advice or reassurance that this is normal.

Yes waves and windows are normal, just means you have to hold on and wait for your body to stabilize.

It's good to be gentle on yourself and remember, symptoms are just symptoms, they aren't deadly and are just false signals sent by the sensitized nervous system ❤️

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. 
Feel free to mention me whenever help is needed.

 

Current Supplements: Morning: Aloe Vera Gels. Night: 6mg melatonin and 133mg magnesium glycinate. Taking Omega 3 as needed to calm dyskinesia or over stimulation..

Current Medications: Mirtazapine, Lasea (lavender oil) before bed.

------------------------------------------

Tapering: Mirtazapine 15mg, (went compounded) 13.5mg 08/May/2025, 12.1mg 10/July/2025, 15/July/2025 15mg (half tablet), 26/July/2025 14.35mg (moved to dry cutting method) ), 03/Aug/2025 14.6mg, 24/Nov/2025 14.47mg, 29/Jan/2026 14.35mg

Note: Had a lot of issue with degradation with different cutting times and compounded pharmacy which caused withdrawals and a more sensitive nervous system.

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    LostinCanada

    Hey @TonyA as Chippy said, long holds can be even a year. You are experiencing withdrawal from the escitalopram and the Benzo. The doctors poly drugged you to try to cover up the withdrawal. This can

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    Yes, time will bring healing. What are your symptoms? I am sorry you are suffering. Treat yourself with kindness, understanding and patience. You did nothing wrong. The doctors don't understand and B

  • Author
7 minutes ago, Lighty said:

Yes waves and windows are normal, just means you have to hold on and wait for your body to stabilize.

It's good to be gentle on yourself and remember, symptoms are just symptoms, they aren't deadly and are just false signals sent by the sensitized nervous system ❤️

Thank you. 🙏

Started escitalopram 2011

Stopped escitalopram -dose 20mg stopped March2025 in 1 week.

Also given 15mg of diazapam for 6 months in total and tapered of in 5 weeks in June 2025

Currently

Sertraline-100 mg-started March 2025

Mirtazapine -45 mg-started April 2025

Seroquel -started September 2025 titrated up to 300mg end of November 2025

-reduced to 75 mg- from November to June 2026

-reduced to 70 mg -3 times daily- 25 mg/25 mg/20 mg- July 2026 to date

  • Author
Just now, TonyA said:

Thank you. 🙏

Hi @Lighty

I feel awkward around people and everything is a effort.

Are these symptoms x

Started escitalopram 2011

Stopped escitalopram -dose 20mg stopped March2025 in 1 week.

Also given 15mg of diazapam for 6 months in total and tapered of in 5 weeks in June 2025

Currently

Sertraline-100 mg-started March 2025

Mirtazapine -45 mg-started April 2025

Seroquel -started September 2025 titrated up to 300mg end of November 2025

-reduced to 75 mg- from November to June 2026

-reduced to 70 mg -3 times daily- 25 mg/25 mg/20 mg- July 2026 to date

32 minutes ago, TonyA said:

L I C will I ever get out of this mess.

Yes.. everything you are feeling is normal in withdrawal. I struggle to have 'in person ' conversation and interaction....we have been traumatized and this takes time to heal. I find so many things very activating/stimulating so I try to avoid triggers that affect my CNS.

Sometimes we have to map out a new way of living and doing things. Just like when we change jobs or move, we adapt, make the best of what we have. As @cherrysquid said this experience can make us better...stronger more empathetic to others.

I appreciate the saying....will it be a stumbling block or a stepping stone.....we can make the choice.

Thoughts and feelings right now are not facts and they are just temporary. Some have literally woke up one day and have had no symptoms...all we can do is make an environment of healing for ourselves. ❤️🙏

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

26 minutes ago, TonyA said:

I feel awkward around people and everything is a effort.

Are these symptoms x

everything could be a symptom with nervous system injury, it's important that you assess yourself, and deal with them accordingly.

I think it's also important to do what we can and sometimes try things a tiny bit out of the line we are familiar with, so we don't stay in a locked up mode where we don't do anything cause we are scared to do things, to see if things we didn't tolerate doing in the past we do tolerate currently.

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. 
Feel free to mention me whenever help is needed.

 

Current Supplements: Morning: Aloe Vera Gels. Night: 6mg melatonin and 133mg magnesium glycinate. Taking Omega 3 as needed to calm dyskinesia or over stimulation..

Current Medications: Mirtazapine, Lasea (lavender oil) before bed.

------------------------------------------

Tapering: Mirtazapine 15mg, (went compounded) 13.5mg 08/May/2025, 12.1mg 10/July/2025, 15/July/2025 15mg (half tablet), 26/July/2025 14.35mg (moved to dry cutting method) ), 03/Aug/2025 14.6mg, 24/Nov/2025 14.47mg, 29/Jan/2026 14.35mg

Note: Had a lot of issue with degradation with different cutting times and compounded pharmacy which caused withdrawals and a more sensitive nervous system.

  • Author
26 minutes ago, Lighty said:

everything could be a symptom with nervous system injury, it's important that you assess yourself, and deal with them accordingly.

I think it's also important to do what we can and sometimes try things a tiny bit out of the line we are familiar with, so we don't stay in a locked up mode where we don't do anything cause we are scared to do things, to see if things we didn't tolerate doing in the past we do tolerate currently.

Hi @Lighty

What kind of things should I try.

Tony x

Started escitalopram 2011

Stopped escitalopram -dose 20mg stopped March2025 in 1 week.

Also given 15mg of diazapam for 6 months in total and tapered of in 5 weeks in June 2025

Currently

Sertraline-100 mg-started March 2025

Mirtazapine -45 mg-started April 2025

Seroquel -started September 2025 titrated up to 300mg end of November 2025

-reduced to 75 mg- from November to June 2026

-reduced to 70 mg -3 times daily- 25 mg/25 mg/20 mg- July 2026 to date

  • Author
41 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Yes.. everything you are feeling is normal in withdrawal. I struggle to have 'in person ' conversation and interaction....we have been traumatized and this takes time to heal. I find so many things very activating/stimulating so I try to avoid triggers that affect my CNS.

Sometimes we have to map out a new way of living and doing things. Just like when we change jobs or move, we adapt, make the best of what we have. As @cherrysquid said this experience can make us better...stronger more empathetic to others.

I appreciate the saying....will it be a stumbling block or a stepping stone.....we can make the choice.

Thoughts and feelings right now are not facts and they are just temporary. Some have literally woke up one day and have had no symptoms...all we can do is make an environment of healing for ourselves. ❤️🙏

L I C

Thank you ❤️

Started escitalopram 2011

Stopped escitalopram -dose 20mg stopped March2025 in 1 week.

Also given 15mg of diazapam for 6 months in total and tapered of in 5 weeks in June 2025

Currently

Sertraline-100 mg-started March 2025

Mirtazapine -45 mg-started April 2025

Seroquel -started September 2025 titrated up to 300mg end of November 2025

-reduced to 75 mg- from November to June 2026

-reduced to 70 mg -3 times daily- 25 mg/25 mg/20 mg- July 2026 to date

  • Author
13 minutes ago, TonyA said:

L I C

Thank you ❤️

L I C how are you feeling and how long has this been going on for you.

Tony ❤️

Started escitalopram 2011

Stopped escitalopram -dose 20mg stopped March2025 in 1 week.

Also given 15mg of diazapam for 6 months in total and tapered of in 5 weeks in June 2025

Currently

Sertraline-100 mg-started March 2025

Mirtazapine -45 mg-started April 2025

Seroquel -started September 2025 titrated up to 300mg end of November 2025

-reduced to 75 mg- from November to June 2026

-reduced to 70 mg -3 times daily- 25 mg/25 mg/20 mg- July 2026 to date

48 minutes ago, TonyA said:

L I C how are you feeling and how long has this been going on for you.

Tony ❤️

I am okay....it has been 4 years this month. I tried some methylated B12 recently and that really set me back. It was foolish on my part.... adding anything can be problematic.... keeping it simple and consistent definitely has its advantages. Despite my recent setback, I am way better than 4 years ago.

I was cold turkey off paroxetine a few times and also tried to reduce a few times....this has meant a very sensitive CNS. I am 66 and been on this drug 25 years....all those things are against me.

All we can do is accept the process and know our body will work this out. I try to stay in the moment and not think to all the what ifs.

You will be okay again.... others before us have been worse and gotten through this mess. They weren't any different than you and I....we can do this.

💯❤️🙏

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

  • Author
22 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

I am okay....it has been 4 years this month. I tried some methylated B12 recently and that really set me back. It was foolish on my part.... adding anything can be problematic.... keeping it simple and consistent definitely has its advantages. Despite my recent setback, I am way better than 4 years ago.

I was cold turkey off paroxetine a few times and also tried to reduce a few times....this has meant a very sensitive CNS. I am 66 and been on this drug 25 years....all those things are against me.

All we can do is accept the process and know our body will work this out. I try to stay in the moment and not think to all the what ifs.

You will be okay again.... others before us have been worse and gotten through this mess. They weren't any different than you and I....we can do this.

💯❤️🙏

Thank you L I C ❤️

Started escitalopram 2011

Stopped escitalopram -dose 20mg stopped March2025 in 1 week.

Also given 15mg of diazapam for 6 months in total and tapered of in 5 weeks in June 2025

Currently

Sertraline-100 mg-started March 2025

Mirtazapine -45 mg-started April 2025

Seroquel -started September 2025 titrated up to 300mg end of November 2025

-reduced to 75 mg- from November to June 2026

-reduced to 70 mg -3 times daily- 25 mg/25 mg/20 mg- July 2026 to date

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