Tapering: Difference between revisions

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'''Tapering''' refers to the gradual lowering of a drug's dosage over a prolonged period of time. It is a [[responsible use|harm reduction practice]] which is highly recommended for those who are physically dependent on [[psychoactive substances]] because stopping one's extended usage abruptly (also known as going [[~~cold turkey method|~~cold turkey]]) can result in unpleasant [[withdrawal|withdrawal symptoms]], which can sometimes be life-threatening.<ref>Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain - Appendix B-6: Benzodiazepine Tapering | http://nationalpaincentre.mcmaster.ca/opioid/cgop_b_app_b06.html</ref> The sudden discontinuation of [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]], and [[barbiturates]] can result in seizures and death.<ref>A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19465812</ref>

'''Tapering''' refers to the gradual lowering of a drug's dosage over a prolonged period of time. It is a [[responsible use|harm reduction practice]] which is highly recommended for those who are physically dependent on [[psychoactive substances]] because stopping one's extended usage abruptly (also known as going [[cold turkey]]) can result in unpleasant [[withdrawal|withdrawal symptoms]], which can sometimes be life-threatening.<ref>Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain - Appendix B-6: Benzodiazepine Tapering | http://nationalpaincentre.mcmaster.ca/opioid/cgop_b_app_b06.html</ref> The sudden discontinuation of [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]], and [[barbiturates]] can result in seizures and death.<ref>A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19465812</ref>

[[Withdrawal|Withdrawal symptoms]] may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms increase the longer one uses the substance. Withdrawal symptoms can generally be minimized or avoided by tapering the dose slowly and carefully monitoring for symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the specific substance and can include (but are not limited to) increased heart rate and/or blood pressure, irritability, [[anxiety]], [[nausea]], headaches, tremors, insomnia, depression, sensitivity to pain, hallucinations, seizures, and death.

Revision as of 03:08, 10 October 2016 view source >Oskykins →Tapering methods ← Older edit		Revision as of 00:51, 17 October 2016 view source >Oskykins No edit summary Newer edit →
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	'''Tapering''' refers to the gradual lowering of a drug's dosage over a prolonged period of time. It is a [[responsible use\|harm reduction practice]] which is highly recommended for those who are physically dependent on [[psychoactive substances]] because stopping one's extended usage abruptly (also known as going [[~~cold turkey method\|~~cold turkey]]) can result in unpleasant [[withdrawal\|withdrawal symptoms]], which can sometimes be life-threatening.<ref>Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain - Appendix B-6: Benzodiazepine Tapering \| http://nationalpaincentre.mcmaster.ca/opioid/cgop_b_app_b06.html</ref> The sudden discontinuation of [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]], and [[barbiturates]] can result in seizures and death.<ref>A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) \| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19465812</ref>		'''Tapering''' refers to the gradual lowering of a drug's dosage over a prolonged period of time. It is a [[responsible use\|harm reduction practice]] which is highly recommended for those who are physically dependent on [[psychoactive substances]] because stopping one's extended usage abruptly (also known as going [[cold turkey]]) can result in unpleasant [[withdrawal\|withdrawal symptoms]], which can sometimes be life-threatening.<ref>Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain - Appendix B-6: Benzodiazepine Tapering \| http://nationalpaincentre.mcmaster.ca/opioid/cgop_b_app_b06.html</ref> The sudden discontinuation of [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]], and [[barbiturates]] can result in seizures and death.<ref>A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) \| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19465812</ref>

	[[Withdrawal\|Withdrawal symptoms]] may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms increase the longer one uses the substance. Withdrawal symptoms can generally be minimized or avoided by tapering the dose slowly and carefully monitoring for symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the specific substance and can include (but are not limited to) increased heart rate and/or blood pressure, irritability, [[anxiety]], [[nausea]], headaches, tremors, insomnia, depression, sensitivity to pain, hallucinations, seizures, and death.		[[Withdrawal\|Withdrawal symptoms]] may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms increase the longer one uses the substance. Withdrawal symptoms can generally be minimized or avoided by tapering the dose slowly and carefully monitoring for symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the specific substance and can include (but are not limited to) increased heart rate and/or blood pressure, irritability, [[anxiety]], [[nausea]], headaches, tremors, insomnia, depression, sensitivity to pain, hallucinations, seizures, and death.