Hi, I'm Roxann

August 20, 2026

Hello, I'm a 51 y/o female that developed tinnitus after 18 months that were packed with medical trauma (sepsis, two foot surgeries, and double jaw joint replacement) coupled with personal trauma (father's death and suicide of a close friend). When the tinnitus started I went off my medications (Quetiapine and Welbutrin). When it didn't subside after about 5 weeks I went back on them. The tinnitus spiked. I have tried another med and got a spike. I was taking Clonazepam (Benzo) .5-1 mg roughtly twice a week to help me cope with tinnitus, but after taking it I would experience a rebound effect. The doctor told me I could just stop taking it. This, too, led to a spike. I need to clear my system of the Quetiapine (50 mg) and need it to be a very slow taper as my tinnitus is debilitating already and I don't want to exacerbate it. I've read that Quetiapine could be contributing to my tinnitus spikes and tapering could also make my tinnitus worse. I need all meds out of my system so my CNS can adjust. I'm also on Cyclobenzaprine for muscle relaxing and plan to try to get off that as well.

Seroquel — 50 mg — have bene taking it for 3-5 years — researching taper

4 Replies

guava378Aug 20

Community AnchorAbilify · active

Hi, welcome to the Taper Community and good luck with your taper!

- Aripiprazole / Abilify:
17-May-2026 (15mg -> 10mg)
11-July-2026 (10mg-> 7.5mg
17-Aug-2026 (7.5mg -> 5mg)
28-Sep-2026 (5mg -> 3.6mg)
11 months - actively tapering
- Procyclidine 5mg - 11 months - actively tapering
- Propranolol - 20mg - 14 months - holding
- Xanax - 0.25mg - 9 months - holding

⭐

CatinaAug 20

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Roxann, welcome! You've been through a lot, and I can understand you wanting to be free of your medications. When you initially went off your two medications, did you do any kind of taper? Going off and then going back on them can sensitize the nervous system, so it's not surprising that the tinnitus actually got worse (sorry!). Your nervous system is in a very destabilized state right now from all the drug changes. Tinnitus is also a common withdrawal symptom. You're right in thinking that you need to taper your Seroquel slowly because you definitely don't want it getting any worse. However, if you're currently unstable it may be best to hold for the time being until things stabilize a bit more before trying to taper again. When you feel ready, then you can begin a slow Hyperbolic taper of the Seroquel. Don't taper to find stability, taper from stability. (that's what ChatGPT told me once and it made a lot of sense) When dealing with multiple drugs, it's best to taper only one at a time. I know it all may seem daunting, but it's the safest way to do it. We look forward to supporting you on your journey off your medications so you can reclaim your health. Reach out anytime, and let us know if you have any questions. Catina 💜 https://taper.community/thread/c378f707-808b-4db9-881e-e0108e5d2c5a https://taper.community/resources/blog/tinnitus-from-medication-withdrawal

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.

RoxannAug 20

WelcomerSeroquel · researching

Hello Catina, I did a taper off the Wellbutrin and the Quetiapine initially but they weren't slow tapers. I took them every other day for a few days as they were only at 150 mg and 25 mg respectively. The PA I was working with didn't micro dose them. I also went off them at the same time. She also didn't think there was an issue with starting them again. I put my system in a complete state of alarm looking back, as I also went off hormones at that time, and then back on. My jaw surgeon had me take 1 mg of Clonazepam for a month (the month before going off Quetiapine and Wellbutrin and subsequently the hormones) after my surgery and he didn't have me taper off it at all. I was always under the impression that that medication was PRN so I didn't even think about tapering. I have two questions: 1. How do I know when my nervous system is stable? 2. Do you see individuals in these types of situations whose tinnitus comes down? I had a spike last night again, which I think is from taking Tylenol for a horrible headache. Thank you! Roxann

Seroquel — 50 mg — have bene taking it for 3-5 years — researching taper

⭐

CatinaAug 20

Community AnchorEffexor

"1. How do I know when my nervous system is stable?" — @Roxann

This article will help you understand what "stability" means: https://taper.community/thread/achieving-stabilization-after-reinstatement-or-updosing-ff7ce496-025a-4391-95b4-cdd0063f092b

"2. Do you see individuals in these types of situations whose tinnitus comes down? I had a spike last night again, which I think is from taking Tylenol for a horrible headache." — @Roxann

Oh absolutely! You have every reason to be hopeful. Be cautious with anything that is known to trigger it. For headaches, have you tried using ice or heat? For me, heat works really well.

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