Hi Carolyn,
Some things to note:
I was on a low dose, barely a maintenance dose, of Stelazine for 20 years and it stopped working three years ago. Now I consider myself to be on a high dose of Geodon.
Someone I know who is in her early sixties is on Haldol, and her psychiatrist recently lowered her dose because he feels that she doesn't need a higher dose anymore because she is 62.
The reality is, some people who discontinue their SZ meds experience symptoms within three days of stopping the meds.
I wouldn't go by what is the "norm" for someone else because it might not reflect your individual needs. I know a person who is on 20 mg of Zyprexa, and another person who takes just 5 mg of Zyprexa.
Of course we would all like to go without the meds if possible or be on a low dose. That isn't always possible.
Another thing is the belief system of the psychiatrist. Some psychiatrists undermedicate, and others overmedicate, depending on their preference (which could be a lack of judgment).
Please do not feel poorly about the dose you're on as it's not a reflection of your progress, which has been inspiring. I know it's hard because for so many years I prided myself on being on only 5 mg of Stelazine. That was a risk I took because I was on such a low dose with all the stress in my life at the time.
I wish you to have some comfort today and hope I've answered your question.
Best regards,
Christina