| Why and When to Taper Medicine: Sometimes, cold turkey is dangerous, as this doctor explains. |
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When stopping medications, a little planned procrastination may save your health. by Addie Onsanit, M.D.
—Bob, Colorado ANSWER: Several medicines have well-known withdrawal syndromes and some even have rebound effects. But in general, blood thinners like warfarin are on/off meds. When your physician says you can stop them, most likely, you don’t need to worry about tapering off. (But always ask questions if you’re not sure.) Some other medications, such as antidepressants and blood-pressure meds, do need a tapering schedule. Sometimes docs will taper them over two weeks, from 75 percent of the dose to 50 percent, 25 percent and 0. But this depends on several factors: how long you’ve been on the med, what dose you’re on, your age and what other meds you’re taking. So, as with the rest of your health care, there’s no one formula, and your physician will tailor a schedule that’s just right for you. By the way, please never discontinue a medicine without asking your doctor. For example, if you immediately stop antidepressants, you can experience extreme symptoms, such as depression or anxiety, that are worse than what you’re trying to treat. And your blood pressure can go sky high if you abruptly stop medicine for it. Sporadically taking other medications, such as ones for diabetes and your thyroid, means your body never reaches the right balance and you run into other issues. So, if the cost is too much or the side effects are unbearable, please discuss alternatives with your doctor. Your health is too important to let things go untreated.
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