Hi, I'm MamaLa

September 4, 2026

Was on Zoloft starting at age 21 when I was in nursing school. Took that until age 44 when I decided enough was enough, was also having a lot of GI and sleep issues that had popped up in the last few years. Tapered on my own, by no means a proper taper, and stayed off for 2 years. Perimenopause hit hard and I was a mess. Due to a breast cancer history, the Dr tried Effexor- caused liver damage which thankfully reversed when I got off but my whole life unravelled. Was polydrugged following finally landing on Prozac 4 years ago. I honestly have not felt good since. Tried to stop at 10 mg in May 2025, derailed and started researching. Ended up back on in Aug 2025 and began a proper taper in October, which was also probably a bit too soon. Have been holding my current dose for 16 weeks. Some days are good, others are not. I am determined to be successful no matter how long it takes and also hope my story may be helpful to someone else 💕

Prozac — 2.16- tapering

2 Replies

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BasedStaffSep 5

Community AnchorEffexor

MamaLa, that is a hell of a history to carry. Nursing school at 21 on Zoloft, twenty three years, then Effexor causing liver damage on top of a breast cancer history. And you still came back to do it properly. Holding at your current dose for 16 weeks is a good idea. The good days and bad days mixing together is the normal shape of this, the bad ones do not erase the long hold. Worth logging check ins under My Taper as you go, even on the rough days. You will see the pattern clearer after a few weeks and it gives you something concrete to show a prescriber if you ever need backup. You mentioned hoping your story helps someone. It already will. Please do not hesitate to comment on other members' posts when you see someone struggling with a similar mess, your experience with the failed tapers and the liver scare is worth more than you think. Someone three months behind you needs that.

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

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CatinaSep 6

Community AnchorEffexor

I @MamaLa, welcome! You've been through so much! I think many of us feel like we could write a book about our experiences. I'm so glad you're determined and committed to becoming drug-free. This process can take much longer than we expected, but in the end it's better to go slow. We look forward to having you here at Taper Community and supporting you during the rest of your taper! Catina 🩷

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 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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