Hyperbolic tapering vs slow-fast taper

June 9, 2026

If I do not or cannot do a hyperbolic taper, for various reasons, what may be the process of dropping the last pill? I can drop Prozac at just 1/16 of maximum dose (5 mg) no worries, the worst would be Buspirone with a cold turkey at 1/8 of the maximum dose and very short half life. Perhaps I shouldn't even touch this one for a long while if there is doubt.

Prozac — 40 mg — 6 months — holding | Zyprexa — 20 mg — 6 years — holding | Depakote — 600 mg — 8 months — **tapering** | Buspirone — 20 mg — 8 months — holding | with clinician
"If life is painful, start a rebellion and make it good."

3 Replies

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CatinaJun 9

Community AnchorEffexor

The SERT occupancy of 5 mg of Prozac is still 50-70%. Are you sure dropping to zero from this dose won't cause you any issues? Remind me again why a Hyperbolic taper presents issues for you. Yes, Buspirone is less forgiving due to its shorter half-life.

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 16.64 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.

WolfJun 10

Community AnchorProzac · researching

That does not sound good. I thought 5 mg is like 12,5 mg of sertraline?

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CatinaJun 10

Community AnchorEffexor

"I thought 5 mg is like 12,5 mg of sertraline?" — @Wolf

Hmmm....I'm not sure about this. Maybe Based Psychiatrist will know.

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