Question about a taper

[Tapering]

Here's my question (after some intro):

Sure, I was abusing the medication, taking 16 a day on a regular schedule for about a year.  After awhile, I really had no desire to take them, but I knew what the w/d effects were and didn't want to experience them.

I've been tapering since the Wednesday after the Super Bowl.  I'm down to four - two at each 9:00.  The taper has been super easy.  I honestly have little to no psychological compulsion to take any more than I have to in order to avoid w/d.  The w/d from dropping a pill has been really minimal and easily tolerable.  I'm cutting out a pill each week from here on out until I'm down to just 1/2 per day (1/4 2x per day).

Even with the slow taper, what can I expect when I take that final 1/4 pill?  Will the symptoms still be really bad, or will they be negligible?

[Jaquableu]

I am sorry I didn't realize-I failed to mention- I am under a DOC's instruction and didn't say that.
Emily is right-- everyone has a different situation and varied medical and mental complications.  Ask your Doc for advice- and good luck.

[Emily_MHManager]

Hi everyone -

Please do not post tapering info/schedules/doses.  Tapering can be dangerous for some, and should ideally be done under a doctor's supervision, as someone may have underlying medical conditions we (or they) are not aware of that may be made worse by tapering/WDs.

Thanks!

[Jaquableu]

Thats a great idea.  I went from one 15 mg a day to 0 and I am having withdrawels alot more than I thought I would-- I will still do it and can do it.  I am a stubborn Scorpio. But I would suggest you cut down to 1/2 a day then 1/2 every other day.  I should have but am here now.  Good luck.  

[eyeofhorus2010]

Tapering is the best way to go to avoid the the nastiest of withdrawals. Most addicts aren't disciplined enough to make the taper work.  My last and final "quit" was after a somewhat quick taper. I went from 80 plus Vics a day down to 0 in a weeks time and experienced a couple of days of minor withdrawal that mostly consisted of RLS and little sleep.  I cold turkeyed from a large amount a couple of times and found it unbearable. Tapering if you can do it is by far the best route.
Keep up the quest, you're doing great.

[Tapering]

Just to follow up for anybody that read earlier - day 2 with no pills and it's smooth sailing.  Not a hit of withdrawal.  Sound sleeping, no stomach problems, shakes, sweats, or anything.  Easy as pie.

[cathy7871]

Way to go.  I give you so much credit already for being able to taper.  That shows right there already how strong of a person you are.  I went CT, so I am guessing your WD will be very managable.  Good Luck and stay focused.