V
Hi, I'm Valentina
July 12, 2026··
In 2007 I consulted a psychotherapist (who is not a physiologist and can't prescribe any medication in Italy). She suggested me to use Paroxetine 20 mg./daily and Alprazolam on demand if needed, no specific dose. Then I started using them, prescribed by my family physician, not a specialized one. Afetr 10 years I consulted my first psychiatrist and it tooks 8 more years to quit with benziodiazepine addiction. Nowadays I'm trying to taper Paroxetine and Vortioxetine and my final goal is to completely phase out antidepressants. At the moment the only official diagnosis I got was reactive depression.
Paxil — 9 mg. — 19 years — planning taper | Trintellix — 5 mg. — 1 year 3 months — supporting others | without clinician
4 Replies
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Catina2mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
Hi @Valentina! Welcome - glad to have you here!
I'm really sorry about what you went through with the benzo dependence and taking so many years to get off. Benzos aren't supposed to be prescribed for longer than two weeks, yet doctors put people on them for years. I'm so glad that you were finally able to get off!
In having to taper more than one drug, it's best to taper one at a time.
We look forward to supporting you on your tapering journey off your drugs! If you're able to, take some extra time to welcome new members that join and offer an encouraging word. We need all the support we can get from each other!
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.
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Community AnchorEffexor
Hey @Valentina thanks for joining us! Please let us know how youre doing with check ins :). Also if you need it theres a taper planner in the side bar, and please dont hesitate to share youre knowledge with others and welcome people to Taper Community! Looking forward to supporting you on your journey to 0mg.
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