How long do you normally tell your patients to taper off ssris? do larger doses need to be tapered longer?

Depends...: Kind of depends on the one you're taking. Zoloft, prozac, Paxil (paroxetine) seem to cause people a bit more distress when stopping too quickly. I might have them taper down 50% per week for 2-3 weeks if i feel they are doing well with depression or anxiety at the time. We sometimes go faster if transitioning to a different medicine. We always stay in close contact with patients tapering in case of trouble.