I thought I would start a thread that we can all contribute to, share and even return to whenever we need on what works when the symptoms of withdrawal are so very LOUD?
In those moments of usually utter terror, it’s so easy to forget what we can do to help ourselves.
I’ll start off.
- Sometimes what works for me is delving back into the research, including anecdotal stories of what is happening to our bodies.
- Other times, when I’m not suffering from intrusive thoughts listening to my favourite music helps. I’ve learned that when I am experiencing heightened intrusive thoughts and music can also bring up difficult memories, I simply listen to upbeat kind of music in languages I do not know.
- Then, there are others times when ultimately a medication such as a single dose of diazepam may help.
- There were times when s@x and orgasms helped too. I hope that’s not too much information to share only I would like to be frank on what helps/did help me.
I want to know what are your go to tools?
Fluoxetine 10mg (liquid) - Holding since 2018 after taper from 20mg Paroxetine (tablets). On and off Paroxetine for over a decade. During taper, intense withdrawal symptoms of pain at 10mg and psychiatrist and I agreed to swap to 10mg fluoxetine.
Quetiapine 25mg (tablet) - Taking this since 2023 as aid for sleep.
Lamotrigine (tablet) - Tapering. 4mg October 2026. Started 25mg circa June 2026, titrated to 100mg, intense pain developed, possibly side effects/withdrawal symptoms from original Paroxetine taper. Abrupt withdrawal due to the pain, resumed at 25mg 3 weeks later in September 2026. Began rapid tapering 2 weeks later due to intense pain. Started this medication as developed persistent depression with distressing suicidal type thoughts from circa February 2026.
I am based in England UK and my tapers are largely self managed without clinicians though I tend to keep clinicians informed about my tapering decisions.
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