A

WelcomerZoloft

Hey Troy! This sound very familiar to me. Last January I dropped my dosage to low(40mg to 37.5) and experienced heavy withdrawals. Updosed to 40 and the withdrawals settled but I got bad exercise intolerance after that. Gym and lifting weights was a thing I loved, but that went out of the window Increased activation, louder symptoms and sensitivity after any session. Also I thought id mention that the day before my most recent withdrawals phase(that Im in), I had my hardest session since christmas and then boom, strep infection and full blown severe withdrawals.

⭐

CatinaSep 26

Community AnchorEffexor

I'm sorry @Troy, that sounds frustrating. I personally haven't dealt with this, but it's actually very common during psychiatric drug withdrawal. Exercise takes a lot of effort from our bodies, and withdrawal creates a temporary vulnerability that can make it more difficult. Try to honor your limitations and not push yourself too much. I know it's not want you want, but realize it's only temporary and you'll be able to build back your strength again.

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

TroySep 26

@Anton yep, I have been pretty much tolerating gym before my latest wave, now I can't go because it makes me flare. It's so confusing because I have no idea what changed, going from 3-4 days at the gym to not tolerating it 🤷 I've been training my whole life including Muay Thai, it's, the one thing that was helping me through this journey, now I can't even workout, even taking my sensitivity in to account. I really greive this part of my life that has to stop. I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing the same thing, it's a cruel process.

Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.

TroySep 26

@Catina thank you. I often think that if I could just get the gym it would make getting through this journey easier. Training is part of my identity so suddenly losing it is really hard!

Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.

⭐

CatinaSep 26

Community AnchorEffexor

You're welcome @Troy. You might have to alter the way you do things for awhile, but the person you are is still there. ❤️

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

M

MamaLaSep 26

NavigatorProzac · holding

@Troy - I feel for you and understand how difficult the exercise intolerance is. I was a 5 days a week heavy lifter amongst other things like hiking long distances on the regular ,who is now able to walk( much shorter distances)and do some yoga as long as I don’t push myself too hard. This happened to be in about March of 2026 and got worse after a too large decrease. It is so difficult when exercise has always been a staple to my mental health and at the time when I needed it most, it got ripped away. It seems that my tolerance is slowly increasing again so I remain very hopeful that my true active self is still in there. I believe We will get back to being ourselves, hopefully sooner than later. But for now, this has been a really big lesson in patience as well as listening to my body.

Prozac — 2.16- tapering

Peggy WallaceSep 26

NavigatorCymbalta · holding

I keep going daily through this withdrawal knowing that It is temporary. self-care that requires patience is very difficult. Persevere! I’ll do that too!

In my life, have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Amytriptiline, Ambien, Seroquel, Zoloft, pamelor, Nortriptiline, Clonazepam, Suboxone (for insomnia), Effexor, Valium, Trazadone, Zanax, and Gabapentin. These, I remember.
Currently on,Duloxetine 60 mg — 2 yr — holding | without clinician

TroySep 27

@Catina I guess what I'm struggling with is that I was good for weeks going to the gym and pacing myself, I did one accidental overshoot session which caused a multi week wave and my tolerance has suddenly dropped. That's what I'm struggling with the most, I was pretty good before that 🤔😬

Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.

⭐

CatinaSep 27

Community AnchorEffexor

"I did one accidental overshoot session which caused a multi week wave and my tolerance has suddenly dropped" — @Troy

I can see how frustrated this would make you, especially since things were going so well. 🙁 This article give some nice suggestions: https://taper.community/thread/04cdcfc2-b4ca-4fce-9152-6a15f663d508 Wishing you a speedy recovery. ❤️‍🩹

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

TroySep 27

@Catina I hope this passes soon. Thanks again.

Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.

⭐

CatinaSep 27

Community AnchorEffexor

You're welcome Troy. Keep us updated with how you're doing. Rest assured that things will get better, it just takes time. Show yourself some compassion and kindness right now. It's not your fault.

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

TroySep 28

Back in a horrendous wave, although thinking it's a setback. Increased symptoms for past 7 or so weeks, exercise tolerance gone and just more sensitive in general. Would I be right in calling this a setback if that is different from a wave? I just want me back 😢

Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.

⭐

CatinaSep 28

Community AnchorEffexor

Sorry you're struggling Troy! A setback and wave are pretty much the same thing. As I said before, the old "you" is still in there and he'll be back. This article contains some other tips about things to avoid while going through withdrawal. I hope you find it helpful: https://taper.community/thread/57d0fb51-6e6e-4517-9d3d-1dd2f2e3880c Here is an article from our community about exercise: https://taper.community/resources/blog/exercise-during-medication-withdrawal Maybe what your body needs most right now is rest....and that's okay. ❤️‍🩹

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

TroySep 28

@Catina thanks once again. I have stopped the gym which really hurts me to say, I hope this sensitivity will pass and I can get back. I haven't had this intolerance since the acute phase, that's why I'd confusing me so much. I had weeks where I was feeling better, now weeks of this 🤷😢

Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.

⭐

CatinaSep 28

Community AnchorEffexor

You're very welcome Troy. I hate that this is all so hard for you. Please know it will pass; it's only temporary.

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

anne noni mossSep 29

NavigatorPaxil · holding

I absolutely have dealt with this. It has been hard to be MUCH LESS active. I have so much pain and fatigue. But I've read a lot about withdrawal and I know it is temporary. We can do this!!!

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.

TroySep 30

@marz for me it is a loss of identity, I was an athlete before all this. There's a lot of grief attached to this, I'm desperate to get back to the gym and it's an itch I can't scratch at the moment 😔

Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.

TroyOct 3

Is a 2 month long wave/setback after a good 5 week window ad normal? I'm back in a window thank god but that was the worst I've had in months!

Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.

⭐

CatinaOct 3

Community AnchorEffexor

Great to hear you're back in a window now! I know how hard this has been on you.

"Is a 2 month long wave/setback after a good 5 week window ad normal?" — @Troy

I think anything can be considered "normal" on this crazy journey. Try not to push yourself too much in regards to the exercise, and keep in mind this is all temporary. And remember, you are still YOU! 🩷

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

anne noni mossOct 3

NavigatorPaxil · holding

@Troy I was a pilates teacher so I can relate a bit. My body craves the activity and I am suffering low self esteem and lack of funds. But I wouldn't say I lost my identity. I guess because I'm older? And hard knocks taught me my identity is never what I do. I guess that's one of the hidden gems I suffering. We must find identity, meaning, and purpose in deeper, or higher places. The grief is real. But when I allow myself to feel it and let it transform me, life can be beautiful no matter what my role or job or abilities. May you have peace with your journey!

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.

TroyOct 4

@anne noni moss i guess I say I've lost some of my identity is because it's not just gym, it's lifestyle to me. I also do Muay Thai and have traveled to Thailand to fight and train with some of the best, that's had to stop also. I know this will go eventually but as you know it's so hard having something you love ripped away, it's actually cruel. I know I'll get back but it's so hard considering I was such a strong motivated person.

Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.

AniOct 4

LighthouseZoloft · active

This is so interesting, I used to go running as it helped with self regulation but since last winter I can't do that anymore. I managed swimming during the summer 1-2 times a week but since my last reduction I struggle to even take a walk. But who knows maybe in a few months I'll be able to do more again? I try to do "pacing", do as much as is sustainable even if it is a short walk. Maybe this is easier for me personally because I was never very sporty. But I grief other things, feel shame for not having paid work. Thank you all for sharing, it helps to read it when I feel low.

Zoloft — current 2.8 mg — 6 years — actively tapering - tapered from 50 mg

K

Kevin RoyOct 4

1/3 is your diet, 1/3 is your body and a 1/3 is your brain. Something changed. Drugs, food or infection are the go to reasons for having a hard time exercising.

TroyOct 5

@Kevin Roy havent changed my diet and not on drugs, I think I pushed to hard and my cns went "nope". I'm easing back in now and I won't push to hard, I'll pace it and look to do it over more time.

Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.

K

Kevin RoyOct 5

"cns went "nope"" — @Troy In withdrawal, that'll do it :)

Exercise tolerance

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