Even 2% reduction is really hard

November 12, 2026

From 5 to 3 mg I tapered around 0.25 once a month. It got too difficult and I tried a 0.15 reduction, it was still very hard. So I decided to only reduce 0.05 around 2 weeks ago, it's definitely better and this time I was not bedridden and completely out if it. I have to admit I am frustrated, it's just 2%, still my sleep is disrupted, I had a few horrible mornings and some very depressed days, also nausea. This time I didn't have any flu like symptoms, headaches or severe brain fog, the anxiety was also more manageable. It's still too much for me if I am honest, I hoped to find a way to feel somewhat okay during my taper. With 0.05 each month it would take me 4 more years and I would still suffer significantly. I feel a bit lost. I guess I have the option to make my own suspension and make even smaller drops, but I am also overwhelmed by the organization of it all and scared to not be accurate enough with it. At the same time I am grateful because I know I had worse symptoms before. It's just draining to have suffered soo much during the last 9 months, and the years before that because of too fast tapers following the advise of doctors. Does anyone struggle with making even small reductions? How did you deal with this? Has anyone found a solution? I am at 2.75 mg now. Thanks a lot!

Zoloft — current 2.75 mg — on medication for 6 years — actively tapering since July 2025 - tapered starting from 50 mg

3 Replies

anne noni moss3h ago

Trusted VoicePaxil · holding

Hi Ani, I feel sick whether I'm tapering or not, so I guess I could say yes, even small reductions "hurt". I do get a bit "worse" for awhile when I go down. That's why it's taking me FOREVER. Holding so long is hard, but I tried the "fast" way 4 times before...and here I am. So, you are not alone!

atypical in presentation of side effects, super sensitive to small doses and general delayed responder. never took a psych med that didn't' make me sick immediately with infections and restless legs. have never been able to tolerate being on them, but have never had support to get off so I've been bouncing back and forth. i don't like capital letters. sorry.

Paxil — 1 mg — 2 yrs — holding until Oct. 7 doc appt.
Seroquel — 50 — planning taper |
trileptal -75 planning taper
prasozin 1 mg planning taper

started my psych med saga in 2001 and wish I never had. I had some difficulties with sleep and anxiety, but NOTHING like what was in store for me after trying every med out there. My last treatment center promised to "get me totally off" in 2022 but it was a lie. They just switched drugs and added more and more in a desperate attempt to help me "stabilize," so they could call me a "success story" once insurance stopped paying. I agree with those who state that this industry needs to change. AND I'm working on not being resentful about my suffering because it doesn't help anyone.

been on an off cocktails since 2001. Most recent mixture, prescribed in 2024: 20 mg Paxil, 150 Trileptal, 50 Seroquel, 2 mg prasozin, (for PTSD/nightmares.)

immediately went to 1 mg prasozin, and after 3 months cut to 10 mg paxil. No felt effects. Then went to 5 about 3 months later, (though I didnt' keep track so I'm rusty.) No felt effects. So, I've roughly been on 5 mg for a year and a half.

Side effects always force to to start tapering RIGHT AWAY.

I didn't start keeping track of my Paxil taper until this year. I went from 3mg to 1 in 10 months, using a liquid Maudsley-ish slow taper. Again, no felt effects until now.

October 2026...sleeping less and feeling more sedated during the day. Having trouble managing my social life without getting over-stimulated. Must set boundaries according to my body and not my heart.

Holding 1 mg paxil until blood work done and evaluated, and to see if build a social life that doesn't make me lose sleep. Sounds silly as I type it, but actually, nothing is "silly" on this ride! Everything is WILD!!!! LOL

Keeping all other meds the same. Sorry so long.

MamaLa3h ago

LighthouseProzac · holding

That sounds very frustrating for sure. Have you attempted an extended hold to allow your nervous system some extra time to adjust? I was tapering and finding it getting extremely difficult, I ended up having somewhat of a “ crash” which made me hold for a 6 month time frame. I can honestly say after my hold, tapering has gotten somewhat easier with way less symptoms than previous. When we are actively tapering our nervous system is forever trying to adjust and find its balance. I feel for myself that the hold gave my mind and body some time to find its balance and feel safe enough to continue the taper when I was ready to.

Prozac — 2.0mg tapering

Ani3h ago

Trusted VoiceZoloft · active

Thank you for the input, both of you, I appreciate it! Yes, I thought about a longer hold, my longest hold was just 2 months so maybe I should really consider to hold for a few months. I might also get some confidence back if I feel well for some time. Somehow I was scared that long holds will just get my brain more used to the medication but I am scared a lot these days in general. I saw some video about a taper being possible without too many symptoms if done really slow, but who really knows anything for sure about this, probably no one. This is crazy. I am sorry you are having a hard time too @anne noni moss @MamaLa !!

Zoloft — current 2.75 mg — on medication for 6 years — actively tapering since July 2025 - tapered starting from 50 mg

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