Hi NyxBean,

How is it going with your taper? I weigh out the little beads. 37.5 mg is the minimum effective dose but even at that dose you still have 80% serotonin receptor occupancy by the drug! So, it's no wonder when we try to jump off from that point that all hell breaks lose!

So yes, you've probably figured it out. The number of balls per capsule can vary, so it is best to take the average of a few capsules, and then try to take the same number of beads each day.

The SurvivingAntidepressants.org forum recommends a 10% reduction of the previous dose each month, must slower than anyone else recommends, but it is a harm-reduction approach aimed at keeping one comfortable and functional while reducing.

I went off too fast over a year ago and had 10 months of protracted withdrawal hell before reinstating. I'd been on for 12 years. Our brains actually down-regulate serotonin production and receptors in an effort to regain homeostasis while taking the drug, so my neurons were very slow to adapt back without it. I am now resigned to taking a couple of years to get off, going slowly enough for my nervous system to adapt back as I taper by small amounts. Knowing what these drugs do to you, there's no other choice in my opinion!

I had an improvement of sex drive when I went off, but the anorgasmia got worse - PSSD. When I went back on, I got slightly more responsive, but my sex drive disappeared. I'm hoping some day I can have the kind of enjoyment of sex I had before I ever went on these drugs.

I hope you are doing ok with your taper.

WTG