Hi, I'm Steve

October 27, 2026

Hi I’m Steve, been on meds since 2007 when wife and I nearly split. Lifelong anxiety. 54 and currently unable to work. Likely CPTSD. Being assessed for ADHD and autism. Meds history Paroxetine - 1995-1996 and 2015-2017 Fluoxetine - 2007-2014 and then 2023 to current. Venlafaxine - 2017 - 2023 Vortioxetine - 2023 (6 months) Mirtazapine- 2024 to current Propranolol - 2007 onwards Also briefly tried Sertraline and Escitalopram in 2015. I have been trying to taper Mirtazapine and fluoxetine, but am in protracted withdrawal so having to go very slowly. Nervous system kindled from cold turkey attempts in 2017, 2022 and 2024. Fluoxetine has been the best of a bad bunch. Sexual side effects on Paroxetine and Venlafaxine. Currently very destabilised and lots of mental and physical symptoms. Life is a survival game right now. Been like this for 3 years now. Not sure when I’m going to be well enough to taper again. Petrified of what lies ahead Mirtazapine is particularly bothersome to me. Looking for support and hope in these difficult times. Wife tries to help but one of the beautiful withdrawal symptoms I get is relationship OCD so I’m constantly pushing her away.

Prozac — 8mg — 3 years — holding | Mirtazapine — 4.95mg — 2 years 10 months — researching taper | Inderal — 20mg — 20 years — holding | without clinician

5 Replies

Charm2Oct 27

WelcomerEffexor · researching

Hi. Even though you have a lot on your plate it’s still doable. Knowing you are the one in control of your taper should help ease your fears. You can go at your own pace, backup, slowdown … whatever you need to do to stabilize and keep symptoms manageable. Good luck and we’re here when you need us.

Effexor — 150 mg — 8 years — researching taper

⭐

CatinaOct 27

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi Steve, welcome to Taper Community! Glad you found your way here. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry for your struggles. If you're currently in protracted withdrawal, it might not be the best time to try and taper anything else right now. Also, when dealing with multiple drugs it's best to taper only one at a time. I think if you can keep your doses and drugs consistent until you stabilize, that will probably be the best thing right now. Any more changes could upset the apple cart even further, and I know you don't want that. Here are some things to keep in mind right now as you heal: https://taper.community/thread/57d0fb51-6e6e-4517-9d3d-1dd2f2e3880c If you go to the Tapering Protocols, Symptoms & Self-Care, and I Need Support sections of the forum and click on the Guides tab, you'll find lots of helpful advice and tips. We look forward to supporting you on your tapering and healing journey! Warmly, 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.

SteveOct 27

Prozac · holding

Thanks. Appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Prozac — 8mg — 3 years — holding | Mirtazapine — 4.95mg — 2 years 10 months — researching taper | Inderal — 20mg — 20 years — holding | without clinician

SteveOct 27

Prozac · holding

Thanks Catina👍.

Prozac — 8mg — 3 years — holding | Mirtazapine — 4.95mg — 2 years 10 months — researching taper | Inderal — 20mg — 20 years — holding | without clinician

Mcat6d ago

Mirtazapine · holding

It's so tough for those of us with significant CPTSD dealing with the ill-effects of these drugs on top - you have my full empathy. Mirtazapine is also my poison, and you're right; it is a hard taskmaster and not to be underestimated. I've been tapering for over three years and am currently at 0.12mg. Your profile says you're tapering Prozac, but you say in your post that the Mirt is particularly troubling to you. Can you say more about what you mean by that? Are you saying that it's the one you're most concerned about tapering? In any event, you should even think about tapering more than one at a time, even at the best of times, and that's even more important given you're already kindled and destabilised.

Mirtazapine — 0.12mg — 3 years, 7 months

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