Posted by SLS on April 25, 2010, at 10:25:55
In reply to Re: Site with SSRI Discontinuation Advice » Cameron S, posted by 49er on April 23, 2010, at 5:45:02
> I have usually tapered my meds anywhere from 5 to 10% of current dose every 3 to 6 weeks
I would be interested to know how this formula was arrived at. It sounds a bit lengthy. Was it through empirical investigation pooling data using multiple subjects or something theoretical and padded with headroom just to be on the safe side. Perhaps this schedule hits is target. I really don't know. Does one size fit all?
One thing that I read recently, which seems counterintuitive and goes against traditional thought, is that a gradual taper does not protect one from relapse when compared to rapid tapers. I would worry about rebound depression, though.
> You may be one of the lucky ones who can taper faster
I'll just poke a little here. I certainly do not advocate dropping the dose of an antidepressant precipitously. What would it hurt, though, to taper faster than you suggest so as to evaluate what an individual's brain will accomodate? If, during the less gradual taper, withdrawal symptoms become robust, one can simply raise the dosage if necessary and adjust the taper rate. It might save one from a commitment to months and months of time which one could otherwise use to trial other drugs or accomplish a drug-free state.
- ScottThe measure of achievement lies not in how high the mountain,
but in how hard the climb.The measure of success lies only in how high one feels he must
climb to get there.
poster:SLS
thread:943655
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100425/msgs/945013.html