Michw3: New Here, my story

[Michw3]

Hello everyone,

 

I’m 52 years old and i have been on Prozac 40 mg for 17 years. I started taking it for PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). I am in menopause now and I really want to stop it. I don’t want to live with the side effects anymore. 
 

I’m down to tapering to 20 mg under my doctor’s instructions. In two weeks I will go down to 10 mg for two weeks. And then 10 mg every other day for two weeks until I stop.

 

I’m starting to feel depressed. I just don’t want it to take over. The last time I tried this, I felt so mad ALL the time. I don’t want to be like that again. 
 

Any advice is appreciated. 

[Catwoman73]

Hi @Michw3, and welcome to SA!  We are a community of volunteers providing peer support in the tapering of psychiatric medications, and their associated withdrawal syndromes.

 

Thank you for completing your drug signature.  I'm sorry to say, but you've been given bad/outdated advice on appropriate tapering strategy for psychiatric medications.  We base our advice here at SA on the recently released Maudsley Deprescribing Guidlines, which advise decreasing your dosage by no more than 10% of your current dose, no more often than every four weeks.  So as an example, 10mg-9mg-8.1mg-7.3mg and so on.  This is known as hyperbolic tapering, and is designed to release the receptors in the brain at a rate that is tolerated by most people, and also allows the brain to very slowly reverse all the physiologic and genetic changes that have resulted from long term use of these drugs.  We also advise against skipping days to taper, as this thoroughly destabilizes your nervous system, thereby worsening your withdrawal symptoms, and increases your risk of developing protracted withdrawal.  If you are already experiencing problems with your approach, I can assure you that it will only get harder following the plan that you have in place.  Read more about hyperbolic tapering and the importance of consistent daily dosing here:

 

Never Skip Doses to Taper

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

It is not uncommon at all for doctors to be unfamiliar with these guidelines.  Most are still thoroughly convinced that what the pharmaceutical companies say is true- that withdrawal is mild and short lived.  Sadly, we know differently.  Some doctors are willing to learn, and allow patients to taper in a way that makes sense to them, other doctors push their own agenda.  My doctor is one of the latter- I had to lie to him to keep getting my prescriptions so that I could create my own liquid at home, and taper at a much slower rate.  

 

Since you have already cut your prescription in half, and are experiencing some depression, I want to assure you that this is NOT you- this is the absence of a drug that your brain has come to rely on.  It has undergone biochemical and genetic changes that will take time to undo.  This is withdrawal, it is NOT the return of some pre-existing condition!  Read more here on what is happening in your brain, and check out the list of typical withdrawal symptoms:

 

What is Happening in your Brain?

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

From where I stand, you have two options.  One- you can hold for longer than two more weeks.  Likely a fairly long hold- think weeks to months.  This will allow your brain to slowly start adapting to the lower dose that you are now on.  If your symptoms are fairly tolerable right now, I would recommend this route.  If not, I would recommend the second option- you could updose by a small amount, to see if it eases your symptoms enough that you can find a dose that would be tolerable to do that longer hold.  You would need to increase very slowly- 1-2mg, then hold for at least a week, preferably two, to see if it helps ease the symptoms.  If you updose too quickly, or jump quickly to too high a dose, it can lead to a hypersensitivity reaction, or its more serious cousin, kindling, which would leave you in a world of hurt.  Read more on updosing and hypersensitivity reactions here:

 

About Reinstating and Stabilizing to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

 How long does it take to stabilize after reinstating or updosing?

 Hypersensitivity and kindling

 

As you hold, you will notice that you go through periods where you feel a bit better, and periods where you feel worse.  This is a normal part of the healing process, known as the windows and waves pattern of stabilization.  Experiencing this is a good sign that you are stabilizing and healing!  Tracking your symptoms in a journal is an excellent way to help you identify windows and waves, and allows you to see how far you've come over time.  Read more about windows and waves here:

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Whichever option you choose- holding where you are or updosing, I have a few recommendations that will help with healing.  Most are rather intuitive.  Eat a balanced, whole foods diet (additives and preservatives in packaged foods can be very destabilizing for some people), stay adequately hydrated, get enough rest/sleep, engage in gentle exercise/movement (intense exercise can also trigger symptoms in some people).  Avoid all neurologically active substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs, as these will destabilize your nervous system, and create more symptoms for you.  Also, avoid taking other psychiatric medications to mitigate the withdrawal effects of psychiatric medications- the effects are not predictable when used on a nervous system destabilized by withdrawal.  Not to mention, taking other psych meds just creates a situation where you have to taper from something else in the future, thereby prolonging your withdrawal journey. 

 

Here at SA, we recommend only two supplements: magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.  Do be mindful though- it is quite common for those in withdrawal to become hypersensitive to all sorts of things- medications, supplements, and even foods.  So, if you decide to try any supplements, even those we recommend, start at a very low dose and see how you fare.  You can increase slowly over time if you tolerate them.  I am a prime example of this hypersensitivity- magnesium is supposed to help with relaxation/sleep- for me, it causes brain zaps and insomnia!

 

In terms of coping with your withdrawal symptoms, it is very important to start establishing some non-drug coping mechanisms very early in your journey.  We have many, many threads on this here on SA.  I will link some of them below.  You may find some of your own methods too.  Personally, I practice mindfulness every minute of every day, I use guided meditations/yoga Nidra at night to help with sleep. I spend time in nature.  I use CBT techniques like box breathing and challenging my negative thoughts.  I often like to simply distract myself- I enjoy cooking, swimming (I actually feel normal when I'm in water!), and I love artistic projects.  But the mindfulness is the definitely the cornerstone.  It doesn't start to work overnight- it takes a lot of practice and effort, but I can assure you, it is worth doing the work! 

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 Easing your way into meditation for a stressed-out nervous system

Music for self-care: calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

Ways to cope with daily anxiety

"Change the channel" - dealing with cognitive symptoms

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

Symptoms and self-care

 

In summary, a longer hold to allow your nervous system to adapt to the lower dosage you are now on, or potentially a small updose would be an appropriate short term strategy for you to get your current symptoms under better control.  This would allow you the time to start a symptom journal, and to start working hard on finding some non-drug coping mechanisms that work well for you.  When ready, tapering hyperbolically is most certainly the best way to help minimize the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms as you get lower and lower on your dosage.  I am happy to help you figure out the best approach for getting the oddball doses that are required for hyperbolic tapering- some of us here use a jewellers scale to weigh and shave pills, and some of us use liquid formulas.  I make my own liquid at home with excellent results. 

 

Most of all, please don't lose hope.  I have done rapid tapers and skipped doses before, and like you, I've had terrible rage issues, along with a whole host of other symptoms.  I can promise you that tapering hyperbolically is infinitely easier!  And you will heal from all of this.  We are always healing, all the time, whether we feel like we are or not.  That's what we are designed to do! 

 

This is your introduction topic.  Each member gets one intro topic.  Please post any updates, questions or concerns here, on this thread.  But do explore the rest of the forum- there is so much good information here!  And if you feel up to it, read some of the intro threads of other members, and drop a comment/word of support.  Withdrawal can be a very lonely journey.  I've found it helpful to create a community for myself here.  There's not a soul on this site that doesn't understand the hardships that come with tapering and withdrawal, so the peer support here is excellent!

 

Sending you healing vibes!!!  I look forward to following your journey, and helping you out along the way. ❤️‍🩹

[Franco12]

 

Hola, @Michw3

As time goes by you will gradually be better, I have no doubt. You will not always have to be on medication, but it is important to note what reduction mechanisms can be our allies in the reduction process to avoid acute phases of discontinuation syndromes. All the best.

[Michw3]

Thank you! I appreciate all of the information. For right now I think I’m going to do what my doctor erroneously said to do. He’s not great. He says different things every time I talk to him. At one point he said to just stop taking it and since it has a long half life, I won’t have any symptoms. I know that’s wrong. 
 

You have done the taper I’m doing before with bad results? I just want to know that I won’t be mad for the rest of my life. Lol

15 hours ago, Catwoman73 said:

Hi @Michw3, and welcome to SA!  We are a community of volunteers providing peer support in the tapering of psychiatric medications, and their associated withdrawal syndromes.

 

Thank you for completing your drug signature.  I'm sorry to say, but you've been given bad/outdated advice on appropriate tapering strategy for psychiatric medications.  We base our advice here at SA on the recently released Maudsley Deprescribing Guidlines, which advise decreasing your dosage by no more than 10% of your current dose, no more often than every four weeks.  So as an example, 10mg-9mg-8.1mg-7.3mg and so on.  This is known as hyperbolic tapering, and is designed to release the receptors in the brain at a rate that is tolerated by most people, and also allows the brain to very slowly reverse all the physiologic and genetic changes that have resulted from long term use of these drugs.  We also advise against skipping days to taper, as this thoroughly destabilizes your nervous system, thereby worsening your withdrawal symptoms, and increases your risk of developing protracted withdrawal.  If you are already experiencing problems with your approach, I can assure you that it will only get harder following the plan that you have in place.  Read more about hyperbolic tapering and the importance of consistent daily dosing here:

 

Never Skip Doses to Taper

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

It is not uncommon at all for doctors to be unfamiliar with these guidelines.  Most are still thoroughly convinced that what the pharmaceutical companies say is true- that withdrawal is mild and short lived.  Sadly, we know differently.  Some doctors are willing to learn, and allow patients to taper in a way that makes sense to them, other doctors push their own agenda.  My doctor is one of the latter- I had to lie to him to keep getting my prescriptions so that I could create my own liquid at home, and taper at a much slower rate.  

 

Since you have already cut your prescription in half, and are experiencing some depression, I want to assure you that this is NOT you- this is the absence of a drug that your brain has come to rely on.  It has undergone biochemical and genetic changes that will take time to undo.  This is withdrawal, it is NOT the return of some pre-existing condition!  Read more here on what is happening in your brain, and check out the list of typical withdrawal symptoms:

 

What is Happening in your Brain?

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

From where I stand, you have two options.  One- you can hold for longer than two more weeks.  Likely a fairly long hold- think weeks to months.  This will allow your brain to slowly start adapting to the lower dose that you are now on.  If your symptoms are fairly tolerable right now, I would recommend this route.  If not, I would recommend the second option- you could updose by a small amount, to see if it eases your symptoms enough that you can find a dose that would be tolerable to do that longer hold.  You would need to increase very slowly- 1-2mg, then hold for at least a week, preferably two, to see if it helps ease the symptoms.  If you updose too quickly, or jump quickly to too high a dose, it can lead to a hypersensitivity reaction, or its more serious cousin, kindling, which would leave you in a world of hurt.  Read more on updosing and hypersensitivity reactions here:

 

 

About Reinstating and Stabilizing to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

 How long does it take to stabilize after reinstating or updosing?

 Hypersensitivity and kindling

 

As you hold, you will notice that you go through periods where you feel a bit better, and periods where you feel worse.  This is a normal part of the healing process, known as the windows and waves pattern of stabilization.  Experiencing this is a good sign that you are stabilizing and healing!  Tracking your symptoms in a journal is an excellent way to help you identify windows and waves, and allows you to see how far you've come over time.  Read more about windows and waves here:

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Whichever option you choose- holding where you are or updosing, I have a few recommendations that will help with healing.  Most are rather intuitive.  Eat a balanced, whole foods diet (additives and preservatives in packaged foods can be very destabilizing for some people), stay adequately hydrated, get enough rest/sleep, engage in gentle exercise/movement (intense exercise can also trigger symptoms in some people).  Avoid all neurologically active substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs, as these will destabilize your nervous system, and create more symptoms for you.  Also, avoid taking other psychiatric medications to mitigate the withdrawal effects of psychiatric medications- the effects are not predictable when used on a nervous system destabilized by withdrawal.  Not to mention, taking other psych meds just creates a situation where you have to taper from something else in the future, thereby prolonging your withdrawal journey. 

 

Here at SA, we recommend only two supplements: magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.  Do be mindful though- it is quite common for those in withdrawal to become hypersensitive to all sorts of things- medications, supplements, and even foods.  So, if you decide to try any supplements, even those we recommend, start at a very low dose and see how you fare.  You can increase slowly over time if you tolerate them.  I am a prime example of this hypersensitivity- magnesium is supposed to help with relaxation/sleep- for me, it causes brain zaps and insomnia!

 

In terms of coping with your withdrawal symptoms, it is very important to start establishing some non-drug coping mechanisms very early in your journey.  We have many, many threads on this here on SA.  I will link some of them below.  You may find some of your own methods too.  Personally, I practice mindfulness every minute of every day, I use guided meditations/yoga Nidra at night to help with sleep. I spend time in nature.  I use CBT techniques like box breathing and challenging my negative thoughts.  I often like to simply distract myself- I enjoy cooking, swimming (I actually feel normal when I'm in water!), and I love artistic projects.  But the mindfulness is the definitely the cornerstone.  It doesn't start to work overnight- it takes a lot of practice and effort, but I can assure you, it is worth doing the work! 

 

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 Easing your way into meditation for a stressed-out nervous system

Music for self-care: calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

Ways to cope with daily anxiety

"Change the channel" - dealing with cognitive symptoms

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

Symptoms and self-care

 

In summary, a longer hold to allow your nervous system to adapt to the lower dosage you are now on, or potentially a small updose would be an appropriate short term strategy for you to get your current symptoms under better control.  This would allow you the time to start a symptom journal, and to start working hard on finding some non-drug coping mechanisms that work well for you.  When ready, tapering hyperbolically is most certainly the best way to help minimize the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms as you get lower and lower on your dosage.  I am happy to help you figure out the best approach for getting the oddball doses that are required for hyperbolic tapering- some of us here use a jewellers scale to weigh and shave pills, and some of us use liquid formulas.  I make my own liquid at home with excellent results. 

 

Most of all, please don't lose hope.  I have done rapid tapers and skipped doses before, and like you, I've had terrible rage issues, along with a whole host of other symptoms.  I can promise you that tapering hyperbolically is infinitely easier!  And you will heal from all of this.  We are always healing, all the time, whether we feel like we are or not.  That's what we are designed to do! 

 

This is your introduction topic.  Each member gets one intro topic.  Please post any updates, questions or concerns here, on this thread.  But do explore the rest of the forum- there is so much good information here!  And if you feel up to it, read some of the intro threads of other members, and drop a comment/word of support.  Withdrawal can be a very lonely journey.  I've found it helpful to create a community for myself here.  There's not a soul on this site that doesn't understand the hardships that come with tapering and withdrawal, so the peer support here is excellent!

 

Sending you healing vibes!!!  I look forward to following your journey, and helping you out along the way. ❤️‍🩹

 

[Michw3]

Yesterday I went down to 20 mg. So far so good. I know that’s not an indication that everything will be fine. Lol. 
 

I’m just worried that when all is said and done, I won’t be angry and irritated for the rest of my life. Because that’s what happened last time I went off Prozac. I thought, this is ME off Prozac. An angry person. 

[Catwoman73]

1 hour ago, Michw3 said:

 

You have done the taper I’m doing before with bad results? I just want to know that I won’t be mad for the rest of my life. Lol

 

 

Yes, I have.  10 months of severe protracted withdrawal culminating in a full blown breakdown, resulting in hospitalization and polydrugging.  I would not recommend you follow your doctor's recommendations.  It's dangerous, and will likely land you in a world of hurt.  It's your body, but I would strongly advise against it.   I was subsequently rapidly tapered from the three drugs I was on after that incident, and ended up with seven plus years of protracted withdrawal, with very severe rage as my biggest symptom.  I feel like I ruined my daughter's childhood (though she tells me differently lol).  Seriously- tapering the way your doctor has recommended is very dangerous. 

 

 

[Michw3]

1 hour ago, Catwoman73 said:

 

Yes, I have.  10 months of severe protracted withdrawal culminating in a full blown breakdown, resulting in hospitalization and polydrugging.  I would not recommend you follow your doctor's recommendations.  It's dangerous, and will likely land you in a world of hurt.  It's your body, but I would strongly advise against it.   I was subsequently rapidly tapered from the three drugs I was on after that incident, and ended up with seven plus years of protracted withdrawal, with very severe rage as my biggest symptom.  I feel like I ruined my daughter's childhood (though she tells me differently lol).  Seriously- tapering the way your doctor has recommended is very dangerous. 

 

 

Okay. I will taper off how you think I should. So I just started 20 mg yesterday. Where should I go from here? I was on 40 mg and took 30 mg for two weeks. And I don’t have liquid. I have 20 mg and 10 mg pills. 😕

[Catwoman73]

18 minutes ago, Michw3 said:

Okay. I will taper off how you think I should. So I just started 20 mg yesterday. Where should I go from here? I was on 40 mg and took 30 mg for two weeks. And I don’t have liquid. I have 20 mg and 10 mg pills. 😕

 

How are you feeling right now?  If you are feeling ok right now, I would recommend holding at 20mg for a couple of months.  Take that time to start a symptom journal to help figure out what your windows and waves feel like, and if you have any triggers.  Then you have a good baseline to go from.  Then you can try a 10% drop to 18mg, and hold for a month.  If tolerated, keep dropping by 10% from there. 

 

You can make your own liquid at home.  I would recommend transitioning to liquid in a month or so, once you are sure you are fully stable on the 20mg.  to make your own liquid, you will need a variety of sizes of syringes (can purchase on amazon)- I have 10mL, 5mL, 3mL and 1ml ones, and some kind of medium, like pure maple syrup- not the fake stuff, or ora-plus (can also purchase on amazon).  Maple syrup is cheaper (believe it or not), and I think it tastes better.  

 

In order to make your own liquid, take a 20mg pill, and dissolve it in about 15mL of water.  It takes a few minutes for it to fully dissolve.  Once dissolved, add 5mL of maple syrup/ora plus.  This is a thicker medium that allows the drug particles to remain suspended in the solution more evenly.  Don't worry if there are a few little floaty bits in the solution- that's just the filler in the pills.  Prozac is fully soluble in water.  Stir or shake well, and then draw up your dose.  This will give you a solution that is 1mg/mL, so for taking 20mg, you would take the whole thing.  When you taper to 18mg, you would take 18mL of the solution.  

 

Here's more info on making your own liquid.  There are also lots of good videos on YouTube.  I'm happy to help if you have further questions!

 

How to Make a Liquid from Tablets or Capsules

Using an oral syringe, and other tapering techniques

 

The other alternative is purchasing a jewellers scale and weighing and shaving your pills by weight.  I don't love this option, because it can be very fussy, particularly when you get down to lower doses.  The advantage though, is that some people have a bit of an adaptation period when switching over to liquid, and can develop some symptoms in the process.  Personally, I had a bit of dizziness and that's it.  But others struggle more.  This option eliminates that problem.  Here's some info on the weighing option:

 

Using a Scale to Weigh and Measure Doses

 

Take the time to read about the different methods, and decide what's best for you.  I'm happy to help either way!

 

 

[Michw3]

On 9/13/2024 at 12:44 PM, Catwoman73 said:

 

How are you feeling right now?  If you are feeling ok right now, I would recommend holding at 20mg for a couple of months.  Take that time to start a symptom journal to help figure out what your windows and waves feel like, and if you have any triggers.  Then you have a good baseline to go from.  Then you can try a 10% drop to 18mg, and hold for a month.  If tolerated, keep dropping by 10% from there. 

 

You can make your own liquid at home.  I would recommend transitioning to liquid in a month or so, once you are sure you are fully stable on the 20mg.  to make your own liquid, you will need a variety of sizes of syringes (can purchase on amazon)- I have 10mL, 5mL, 3mL and 1ml ones, and some kind of medium, like pure maple syrup- not the fake stuff, or ora-plus (can also purchase on amazon).  Maple syrup is cheaper (believe it or not), and I think it tastes better.  

 

In order to make your own liquid, take a 20mg pill, and dissolve it in about 15mL of water.  It takes a few minutes for it to fully dissolve.  Once dissolved, add 5mL of maple syrup/ora plus.  This is a thicker medium that allows the drug particles to remain suspended in the solution more evenly.  Don't worry if there are a few little floaty bits in the solution- that's just the filler in the pills.  Prozac is fully soluble in water.  Stir or shake well, and then draw up your dose.  This will give you a solution that is 1mg/mL, so for taking 20mg, you would take the whole thing.  When you taper to 18mg, you would take 18mL of the solution.  

 

Here's more info on making your own liquid.  There are also lots of good videos on YouTube.  I'm happy to help if you have further questions!

 

How to Make a Liquid from Tablets or Capsules

Using an oral syringe, and other tapering techniques

 

The other alternative is purchasing a jewellers scale and weighing and shaving your pills by weight.  I don't love this option, because it can be very fussy, particularly when you get down to lower doses.  The advantage though, is that some people have a bit of an adaptation period when switching over to liquid, and can develop some symptoms in the process.  Personally, I had a bit of dizziness and that's it.  But others struggle more.  This option eliminates that problem.  Here's some info on the weighing option:

 

Using a Scale to Weigh and Measure Doses

 

Take the time to read about the different methods, and decide what's best for you.  I'm happy to help either way!

 

 

I’m three days in with taking 20 mg. I feel unhappy at times, that empty feeling inside that wants to take over. But I’m able to handle it and make myself do things. 

[Catwoman73]

35 minutes ago, Michw3 said:

I’m three days in with taking 20 mg. I feel unhappy at times, that empty feeling inside that wants to take over. But I’m able to handle it and make myself do things. 

 

This is good, @Michw3. This is probably a good place for you to hold for a while then to let your body and brain play catch up.  

 

Prozac has a very long half life, so you may not feel your drops for a couple of weeks as you proceed.  Even with escitalopram, which has a shorter half life, I tend to get the worst of my withdrawal symptoms about 15 days after a drop.  If you start that journal, you'll be able to identify your pattern.  A predictable pattern is helpful- you know when the symptoms are going to hit, and you can arrange future drops around things that you don't want ruined.  An example- I'm going on vacation in December, and I don't want to be at my worst while I'm there, so I'll make sure I'm in day 1-7 after a drop during that time. 

[Michw3]

2 hours ago, Catwoman73 said:

 

This is good, @Michw3. This is probably a good place for you to hold for a while then to let your body and brain play catch up.  

 

Prozac has a very long half life, so you may not feel your drops for a couple of weeks as you proceed.  Even with escitalopram, which has a shorter half life, I tend to get the worst of my withdrawal symptoms about 15 days after a drop.  If you start that journal, you'll be able to identify your pattern.  A predictable pattern is helpful- you know when the symptoms are going to hit, and you can arrange future drops around things that you don't want ruined.  An example- I'm going on vacation in December, and I don't want to be at my worst while I'm there, so I'll make sure I'm in day 1-7 after a drop during that time. 

Thats what I will do. And I started a journal. Thanks for the advice. 😅 

[Michw3]

Doing well today. So far. Lol. I bought some magnesium glyconate because I’m having trouble sleeping. Hopefully this helps. 
 

I’ve been staying busy so that helps.

[Catwoman73]

Glad to hear you're having a good day!

 

Start slow with the magnesium and watch carefully for adverse reactions.  Even a small dose of magnesium gave me brain zaps and severe insomnia- live and learn, right?  It does help most people, but adverse reactions/hypersensitivites are a possibility.  Now that you're keeping a journal, it should be very easy to identify if it's helping or not.  I hope it does make a difference for you!  Many here swear by it!

[Michw3]

Been doing just fine on 20 mg. Exercising and eating healthy too. I should do this for how long? I only have a certain amount of 10 and 20 mg. pills.

[Catwoman73]

Hold for at least a month.  It can take a while for any weird effects to show up.  Then try a 10% drop, and hold that for a month.  Slow and steady is the safest way to approach this!

 

If you could update your signature to reflect your current tapering plan, we would appreciate it!  This helps us with knowing where you are at, and where you are going without having to read your entire thread. 

 

Your Drug Signature

[Patient2022]

5 hours ago, Michw3 said:

Been doing just fine on 20 mg. Exercising and eating healthy too. I should do this for how long? I only have a certain amount of 10 and 20 mg. pills.

Hey just came to say I really advise reading through the links (posted above) to understand why you’re tapering at a slower rate. It helps to understand how your brain works to heal itself etc. 

 

My doctors always told me to taper quite fast, “take every other day” or to lower a massive dose after 2 weeks. I have CT’d (cold turkey) a few times. At the beginning I’ve felt fine, after 4-6 months I’m awful. I’ve read many others on here have a similar experiences. It’s important to go slow especially with other changes happening (ie menopause). 
 

I wish you all the best with the start of this journey. This forum has been so useful providing much needed information on the topic. It’s such a shame the doctors aren’t up to date with this!
 

Sending love x