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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by floatingbridge on November 10, 2009, at 17:35:43
Do I need to taper? Can I just stop the 50 and suffer for a few weeks? (Yeah, yeah, the saga, emsam....) I want it over with asap.
fb
Posted by Phillipa on November 10, 2009, at 17:40:51
In reply to need to taper 50 pristiq?, posted by floatingbridge on November 10, 2009, at 17:35:43
fb the patch seriously what dose? Does you doc want a taper. I thought 6mg didn't need One. But what do I know. Love Jan ps big decision made!!!!!
Posted by floatingbridge on November 10, 2009, at 18:16:29
In reply to Re: need to taper 50 pristiq? » floatingbridge, posted by Phillipa on November 10, 2009, at 17:40:51
Hi Phillipa,
Haven't seen the doc--my son's been sick, but will definitely see him friday (I arranged childcare if need be.). I feel that my mind is made up. He said I could do it if I wanted, so here I am, wanting to. Don't know how he'll want to do it. I just assume a two week washout means no pristiq for two weeks.
Anyone know any risk involved at 50mg?
fb
Posted by Maxime on November 10, 2009, at 18:33:52
In reply to need to taper 50 pristiq?, posted by floatingbridge on November 10, 2009, at 17:35:43
I think you should go down to 25 mg for a few days and then stop. The risk is the withdrawal syndrome which isn't fun. Sometimes we think these meds aren't working and as we come off them we feel awful and realise that maybe they were doing a bit of good afterall.
You could always try going off it completly and then if you feel bad go up to 25 mg.
Best of luck!
Posted by Phillipa on November 10, 2009, at 20:01:54
In reply to Re: need to taper 50 pristiq? » floatingbridge, posted by Maxime on November 10, 2009, at 18:33:52
Got to either write Robert or google washout for emsam. Love Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on November 10, 2009, at 21:09:36
In reply to Re: need to taper 50 pristiq?, posted by Phillipa on November 10, 2009, at 20:01:54
Hi Phillipa,
I read the entire thread a while back, and still don't retain it all. I just though I didn't need to taper. I expect brains zaps and the works, since I've had them before on other ADs (lucky me!).
I'll let you know what pdoc advises.
I also like Maxime's idea of going to 25 for a few days....
Of course, you understand my desire to do this asap.
fb
Posted by SLS on November 11, 2009, at 7:01:37
In reply to need to taper 50 pristiq?, posted by floatingbridge on November 10, 2009, at 17:35:43
> Do I need to taper? Can I just stop the 50 and suffer for a few weeks? (Yeah, yeah, the saga, emsam....) I want it over with asap.
>
> fbI think it is preferable to taper a drug to minimize the occurrence of a withdrawal syndrome. This might be important to prevent subsequent drug sensitivities. Numerically, I have no idea what the ideal rate of taper is with Pristiq. In the past, I have tapered Effexor by "feel". Over the course of a day, I take the minimum amount of medication necessary to quell the withdrawal effects for another 4-6 hours once they appear. I might dose 3-4 times a day. On multiple occasions, I have tapered from Effexor 300mg within two weeks using this flexible dosing strategy.
- Scott
Posted by 49er on November 11, 2009, at 14:26:24
In reply to need to taper 50 pristiq?, posted by floatingbridge on November 10, 2009, at 17:35:43
> Do I need to taper? Can I just stop the 50 and suffer for a few weeks? (Yeah, yeah, the saga, emsam....) I want it over with asap.
>
> fbFB,
According to Joseph Glenmullen, who is not antimeds, 70% of people who cold turkey meds suffer major side effects. And going from 50mg to 25 and stopping is cold turkey.
You think you're getting it over with but if you suffer cold turkey withdrawal symptoms, you're not saving any time and you will extend the misery.
Sorry, I don't mean to be so blunt but I have seen so many people on this board suffer endlessly because they tapered meds too quickly.
If you want to know how to taper Prisiq slowly, babble mail me. I have nothing to sell.
49er
Posted by floatingbridge on November 11, 2009, at 16:49:51
In reply to Re: need to taper 50 pristiq? » floatingbridge, posted by SLS on November 11, 2009, at 7:01:37
Thanks scott, for the reminder. I do remember your protocol now that you mention it--one of the things I did not retain from my summer research.
Impatient, but thankful for advice,
fb
Posted by floatingbridge on November 11, 2009, at 16:53:16
In reply to Re: need to taper 50 pristiq? » floatingbridge, posted by 49er on November 11, 2009, at 14:26:24
Hi 49er,
Your bluntness is very much appreciated!. In my haste, i just want to get on with it. I've cold turkey'd before, but it's true, the effects lasted probably much longer than necessary. and I'm not getting any younger!
Thanks for taking the time to weigh in,
fb
Posted by floatingbridge on November 11, 2009, at 16:54:43
In reply to need to taper 50 pristiq?, posted by floatingbridge on November 10, 2009, at 17:35:43
Thanks for all your input and wisdom gleaned of experience!
hugs to all,
fb
Posted by Maxime on November 12, 2009, at 9:35:10
In reply to o.k., ok. I'll taper!, posted by floatingbridge on November 11, 2009, at 16:54:43
This is the end of the thread.
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