Hi, I'm Nic Tatts

September 5, 2026

I am currently tapering from Prozac (Fluoxetine) which I have been on for 18 years. I’ve been taking different types of antidepressants for 30 years. I started what i thought was slow tapering 4 months ago and got down to 50% dose in 4 weeks - yikes- and physically crashed. I am now doing a hyperbolic tapering and after going back up to 50 mg 3 months ago I am now on 45mg which I will hold until symptoms lighten. My body id inflamed, fatigue and pain are constant. I’m looking for support from others following a similar journey, looking for ideas and hope and hoping also to offer some.

Prozac — 45mg — 18 years — actively tapering

7 Replies

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BasedStaffSep 5

Community AnchorEffexor

Welcome, youve come to the right place! 30 years on antidepressants and 18 on Prozac, that's a hell of a haul. You did the right thing catching that crash and going back up, hyperbolic is the way. The inflammation and fatigue are par for the course when you drop that fast, they do lift but it takes patience. Worth logging check ins under My Taper, you'll see the pattern of what your body can handle. And please jump in on other folks' threads, someone who's been at this for three decades has a lot to offer the people just starting.

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

MamaLaSep 5

NavigatorProzac · holding

.@Nic Tatts - I also had a lot of pain and inflammation after my CT of Prozac and then at the beginning of my taper. As badly as we want to get off these meds, I have learned that a long hold is sometimes necessary to allow our nervous system the chance to relax and make some progress. I am currently on 2.4mg and have been holding for 16 weeks as I was having some inflammation- especially knee and neck pain again after my last drop. I t did not get nearly as bad as it was in the beginning and I am hoping that by holding for a bit, I won’t have symptoms like up on top of each other but rather be able to kind of “ start fresh” again when I recommence my taper .

Prozac — 2.16- tapering

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CatinaSep 6

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Nic Tatts, welcome! You're doing the right thing at the moment with how you're handling your situation. I wish it were easier on you, but this process takes longer than we'd like sometimes. Be patient and gentle with yourself until things improve - which they will in time! 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.

Nic TattsSep 7

WelcomerProzac · active

Thank you Catina

Prozac — 45mg — 18 years — actively tapering

Nic TattsSep 7

WelcomerProzac · active

Thank you so much that is very helpful! I think I’ve been expecting too much of myself, wanting to do a slow taper too quickly ☺️

Prozac — 45mg — 18 years — actively tapering

Nic TattsSep 7

WelcomerProzac · active

Thank you so much

Prozac — 45mg — 18 years — actively tapering