Pred reducing

[Clucket]

I thought I would try and use the dsns reduction to get from 11.25 to 10. I used a 5 1/2 week taper which started 5 days on 11.25 then a day on 10 and going down to 4 days 11.25 etc etc.

However on getting to 4 days and 3 days interval the ache in my neck and sacroiliac joints burning were increasing day by day.

I went back to the 4 day interval and then only decreased to 10.5 instead of 10 and the aches seem to be going.

Is this because the decrease was too big or did I not do a long enough taper.

I had tried reducing normally to 10 from 11.25. without success preciously.

If the reduction to 10.5 doesn't aggravate my neck and SI joint should I just keep on and try the 3 day reduction interval next?. If the aches come back , I don't really know what to do next.

Would you be able to advise what to do when having problems when reducing in this way?

Thanks in anticipation

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I would say taper probably too big - it’s very often trial and error.Just because you are following a slower taper doesn’t mean everything will be okay - if you go below the dose you need, you go below it!

Just pause where you are for a week and see if things settle, if not, go back one step and then restart.

Can you get 1mg tablets? If so, then try that drop - 11.25-10mg is a bit odd - is that because you are using larger size tablets and having to cut?

[Clucket in reply to DorsetLady]

I have cut down a 2.5 tablet. Reducing to 10 seemed not too big an increase. So should I now stick to 10.5 and carry on with that , or go back to trying the reduction to 10 .

If I try a week off from reducing, do I go back to a 4 day interval straight away?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Clucket]

Stick at 10,5mg and hope things settle.

[Clucket]

Thanks. Will try that.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

1/2mg can make a massive difference - even once you reach a dose and are not trying to reduce.

Starting with a bigger interval slows it down a lot and allows your body longer to recover between new dose days. Some people simply can't cope with the big change.

[Clucket]

Ok. Thanks. Is it better to go to a longer interval eg 7 or just keep repeating 4 or 5 days till I get used to it ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Clucket]

You'll have to try and see which works for you