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Tapers
Nov 18, 2007 06:06PM
- 3 comments
Tapers. Do they help? Well, the consensus seems to be that yes they do help. The problem lies in the actual taper itself. The truth is that we are addicts, and addicts have a very hard time tapering. To be told that you may only have a set number of pills at a set time just goes against the grain of the very way that an addict thinks. So, here are some tips that may make your taper a success…
-Have someone “dispense” your meds just like a pharmacist. Many people find this is the only way to taper successfully.
-If you have enough meds, and are actually able to limit your intake to the allotted amount each day, then slow tapers are the best.
-One key to a successful taper is to keep the levels in your body even throughout the day. Unless the medicine is slow release (think Oxycontin), it will have a fairly short half-life. What does this all mean? Simply put, 4 smaller doses every 6 hours in a 24 hours period is better than 1 big dose every morning.
OK, now the question becomes how much to take and when to reduce doses. There’s no cookie cutter taper schedule simply because everyone takes a different initial dosage. So, here’s a safe rule of thumb. Try to reduce 10 percent of your dose every 4-5 days. So, let’s say that you take 10 10/500 Hydros daily. You’d simply reduce that to 9 for 4 days, then to 8, 7, etc. Don’t drop doses until you’re comfortable at your current dose. HOWEVER, don’t use this as an excuse to continue at your current level. If you’re pretty much OK for the last couple of days, then drop.
So, the three things to keep in mind are. find a WAY to taper (have someone GIVE you the meds when you need them. reduce the temptation), keep the levels even throughout the day by taking smaller doses evenly spaced throughout the day, and reduce your dosages by around 10 percent every 4-5 days (or when you’re comfortable).
Here's a couple of tips that I just thought of..if anyone has any to share..please comment here or let me know..I'll include them..
-Always plan your "jumping off" point (your last pill and going cold turkey) so that it corresponds with a long weekend or just plain weekend. The last thing you need is withdrawals hitting on the Monday that starts a full work week
-Clonidine can be a life saver DURING the taper as well as the ct afterwards. The clonidine can definitely soften the blow of a reduced taper dosage. It works especially well with the sweats and RLS (and anxiety).
-Have someone “dispense” your meds just like a pharmacist. Many people find this is the only way to taper successfully.
-If you have enough meds, and are actually able to limit your intake to the allotted amount each day, then slow tapers are the best.
-One key to a successful taper is to keep the levels in your body even throughout the day. Unless the medicine is slow release (think Oxycontin), it will have a fairly short half-life. What does this all mean? Simply put, 4 smaller doses every 6 hours in a 24 hours period is better than 1 big dose every morning.
OK, now the question becomes how much to take and when to reduce doses. There’s no cookie cutter taper schedule simply because everyone takes a different initial dosage. So, here’s a safe rule of thumb. Try to reduce 10 percent of your dose every 4-5 days. So, let’s say that you take 10 10/500 Hydros daily. You’d simply reduce that to 9 for 4 days, then to 8, 7, etc. Don’t drop doses until you’re comfortable at your current dose. HOWEVER, don’t use this as an excuse to continue at your current level. If you’re pretty much OK for the last couple of days, then drop.
So, the three things to keep in mind are. find a WAY to taper (have someone GIVE you the meds when you need them. reduce the temptation), keep the levels even throughout the day by taking smaller doses evenly spaced throughout the day, and reduce your dosages by around 10 percent every 4-5 days (or when you’re comfortable).
Here's a couple of tips that I just thought of..if anyone has any to share..please comment here or let me know..I'll include them..
-Always plan your "jumping off" point (your last pill and going cold turkey) so that it corresponds with a long weekend or just plain weekend. The last thing you need is withdrawals hitting on the Monday that starts a full work week
-Clonidine can be a life saver DURING the taper as well as the ct afterwards. The clonidine can definitely soften the blow of a reduced taper dosage. It works especially well with the sweats and RLS (and anxiety).
I wish there were an easier way.....thanks for the information
I'm hoping I get to a low enough dose that I won't jones to terribly once I have tapered down to almost nothing.
I'm hoping I get to a low enough dose that I won't jones to terribly once I have tapered down to almost nothing.
thank you this help's
Better late than never any possible help is welcome to me .
I am as desperate to abuse my meds. as get off the junk! I am sick and tierd of it ruling my every thought.
Not to mention how hard it can be when loved ones don't understand what withdraw feels like.
Not feeling sorry for myself just trying to figure the most effective ways.
I am as desperate to abuse my meds. as get off the junk! I am sick and tierd of it ruling my every thought.
Not to mention how hard it can be when loved ones don't understand what withdraw feels like.
Not feeling sorry for myself just trying to figure the most effective ways.
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