My taper update

March 2, 2026··

I was previously on Lexapro, which did not affect my anxiety or depression in any way, and was also having uncomfortable side effects. I tapered off onto Pristiq 25mg, saw improvement and minimal side effects. Went up to 50mg with improvement in mental health but started experiencing GERD. Because I have gastritis, and due to therapy helping my mental health greatly, I am tapering off completely. I went down to 25 mg with little issue. I am going to 0 and am about a week into taking 25mg every other day. It has not been terrible but has been a bit uncomfortable at times and my emotions are on a bit of a roller-coaster.

Pristiq — 25mg to 50mg — 5 months — actively tapering now with clinician from 25mg

3 Replies

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CatinaMar 2

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi there...welcome! Thanks for sharing your experiences. From what I've learned from being a member of Surviving Antidepressants, skipping days to taper is not recommended. It's like playing ping-pong with our brain. I think if you can take it every day things might improve for you. Hope this link helps! We'll be here to support you along the way so you can successfully taper off. ❤️ 🙂 https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/406-tips-for-tapering-off-escitalopram-lexapro/

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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BasedStaffMar 2

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi there! welcome to the community. I agree with what Catina says. Try to take smaller steps and avoid every other day dosing. Check out the learn section on the website for more info, it has good videos in it too. I f you want more info id be happy to share

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

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CatinaMar 2

Community AnchorEffexor

"Check out the learn section on the website for more info" — @Based Psychiatrist

I need to get in the habit of referring to this 👍. I'm programmed to automatically reference links from SA lol.

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