Hi, I'm Lonnie Samek

September 9, 2026

It is my son with Autism. Zachari, I am lonnie Samek. his Mom.

3.5 ml 3,5 twice a daily — 6 years — actively tapering | without clinician

4 Replies

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BasedStaffSep 9

Community AnchorEffexor

Welcome, Lonnie. It takes a lot of love to step in here for your son, and that says everything about you as a mom. Zachari is lucky to have you digging into this with him. Since this is your first post, you might find it helpful to log how Zachari is doing under the My Taper section, just so you can spot patterns over time. And when you're ready, share what you've learned so far, other parents here will be grateful for your perspective. We also have a learn section, and blogs with more info. All the best!

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

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CatinaSep 9

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Lonnie Samek, welcome to Taper Community. Your son is fortunate to have such a caring and loving mother. Which drug does he wish to taper? You might want to add the name of it to your Drug History Signature, which will then appear at the bottom of all your posts. You can do this in Settings. Since you're supporting him, here is some helpful information for families and caregivers about psychiatric drug withdrawal. I hope it helps! https://taper.community/thread/ecea5d5c-ab7a-43f4-80b2-994bbee9fbf8 We look forward to having you here with us! Let us know if you need assistance with anything. Catina 💜

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 16.64 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.

Lonnie SamekSep 9

Welcomer

Your post made me cry. Thank you!!! After dealing with numerous healthcare providers, I now have a a clearer idea as to how to reduce and hopefully eliminate this drug dependence. Raising Zachari, who is 18, with level 2 Autism, has been quite the journey. He has taught me so much and continues to do so. My husband and I have a lot of hope for his future life, Drug dependent free!!!

3.5 ml 3,5 twice a daily — 6 years — actively tapering | without clinician

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CatinaSep 9

Community AnchorEffexor

Aww you're so welcome! Glad we can help. I have a couple relatives with autism, so I can understand a bit. You and your husband have every reason to be hopeful so your precious son can be free of psychiatric drugs. Reach out anytime, we're here for you if you have any other questions. 💜

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