TaperCommunityTaperCommunity
R

planning

1 posts

Sarasota, Florida

Hi, I'm Rhodes Frederickson

May 7, 2026··
Yes, my name is Rhodes. I diagnosed bipolar two 28 years ago. Been on various antidepressants and other psych meds. Antidepressants never really worked so I don’t really have an issue with those. For the past 28 years I’ve been on Seroquel 150 mg at night. Pregabalin 100mg twice a day. And, Clonzepam 1mg as needed- usually every other day or so. I feel stuck being on these medicines. I’m now older and don’t feel as unstable as I was when I was younger. Though I believe these medications have affected my libido, my desire to thrive in life and sensitivity to light. Lethargy and the lack of desire to engage much in life. I really want to taper off these medication’s but they have become such a part of me that when I try becomes extremely uncomfortable and I end up going back to them. I was such a vibrant, younger person. Luckily, I’ve studied a lot as far as vitamins and minerals and other nutrients and herbs for 30 years. I believe taking a lot of these help me from spiraling into an even worst case scenario. But there’s been many of time when I just wanted to give up and take my own life because of what it’s done to me. Sorry to be a bummer here, but it’s the truth. I haven’t found many doctors that are willing to listen to this part of my experience. They tend to just hush me off and think that it would be worse for me to get off the medication than to stay on it! I’ve just recently learned about this issue has being a legitimate thing in the last six months, and have listened many stories similar to mine. However., the big question here for me is I’ve been on these drug for an awfully long time. Can I legitimately get off of them and live a worthwhile life? Have these drugs become such a part of my physiology that even tapering off them for over a year, would I just be in a worse state than I am now? I’ve thought about checking myself into some sort of Clinic to do this but again I’ve been on them so long I have to be in a place for rather one period of time. If people know of a Taper clinic that works in natural medicines, amino drips, to rebuild my physiology as I’m coming off of these drugs I would be interested in the feedback? Thank you.

1mg — 15 years — planning taper | without clinician

2 Replies

D
Welcomer
Hi Rhodes, Thanks for sharing your story and no need to worry, you’re not being a bummer at all. This is a safe space 🙂 Tapering can be tough, but it is doable. Don’t give up on yourself! We’ve got an experienced deprescriber in Florida you can book a free consultation with. Just click the “Find a provider” button on the left, then click on Florida (you’ll see a green check mark) to pick a time. Let us know if you run into any issues along the way.
Catina
Catina4mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
Hi @Rhodes Frederickson...it's really nice to have you here. Thank you for sharing your story. You're not alone in reaching a point in your life where you want to see who you really underneath of any chemical restraint. Long-term antipsychotic use can cause many, many health issues. It's commendable you're taking an active interest in bettering your health naturally! I absolutely feel that you can successfully taper off and live a life that is drug-free. Please don't lose hope or give up on yourself or your precious life. I'm glad that @Domagoj Jureta is helping you with finding a knowledgable provider to help you taper safely. Better to do it that way than go to some sort of "detox" clinic. They would most likely rapidly taper you off. You've been on these drugs for many years, so it's going to take some time for your brain to adjust to life without them. Slower is faster when it comes to tapering. It's a marathon, not a sprint. When dealing with multiple drugs, however, it's best to taper only one at a time. Your fellow members are here for you anytime you need support or have questions. Catina 💜

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 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

Sign in to share your experience and connect with others.

Need a clinician who understands tapering?

Browse our map of deprescribing-informed providers worldwide.

Find a Deprescriber