Hi, I'm mark

October 26, 2026

Hi I am Mark. 18 years on 20mg Citalopram (Celexa) here in Australia. In end stages of a slow 9 month taper and now at 0.6mg with three step downs to go. Finding this last push very challenging and hoping to use forums for support.

Lexapro — 0.6 — 18 years — actively tapering

2 Replies

anne noni mossOct 26

LighthousePaxil · holding

welcome! You are in the right place. Slow is good. We are here for you! I'm about to go below 1 mg of paxil...so glad you are here with me and us!

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.

⭐

CatinaOct 26

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @mark, welcome to Taper Community! Congratulations for getting so far in your taper. That's no small feat! The greatest changes in receptor occupancy happen at these very low doses, so the last leg of the taper can be the most difficult. Take things slow, holding when necessary. This is the most crucial part of the taper. Remember, it's a marathon not a sprint. If you go to the Symptoms and Self-Care section of the forum and click on the Guides tab, you'll find lots of helpful information and tips. We look forward to supporting you on your tapering and healing journey! 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.

Join the conversation

Need a clinician who understands tapering?

Browse our map of deprescribing-informed providers worldwide.

Find a Deprescriber