Drop to 1.5mg

[diana1998]

I felt wonderful on 1.5 having dropped from 2mg after 3 months. I have been able to drop easily with no side effects from 3.5mg to 2mg dropping 0.5mg staying 3 months on each dose. But realise this is a big percentage.Then on the 5th day, Wham, pmr pain back across the collar bone and the wrists. Took 2.5mg, then back to 2mg and now ok. No use stressing but just so disappointed.

(I know Professor Dasgupta keeps some patients on 2mg for 9 months). But I've never had pain when dropping .

Maybe I should try the DSNS method or just stay on 2mg for longer or try cutting pills and try 1.75). Would love some advice from the Experts please.

I am busy and active but do rest for an hour every afternoon to get through the evening . Been on pred for 7 years.

[herdysheep]

I am no expert but know the lower you get, the harder tapering can be. May be PMRPRO's dripping tap has caught up. Think I would stay a little longer to make sure build up has been knocked on the head. Currently doing same thing although my hiccup was from 3 1/2 to 3 - back on 4 at the mo.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"I know Professor Dasgupta keeps some patients on 2mg for 9 months"

Not quite - that's a mix! Rod Hughes keeps patients at 5mg for up to 9 months, he finds it makes the rest easier. Baskhar Dasgupta keeps some patients at 2-3mg longterm, no specified duration, as it reduces the risk of relapse.

[piglette]

I should stay on your current dose until you feel absolutely positive everything is OK and then try the 0.25mg drop and see if that work. Remember even such a seemingly small drop is quite a high percentage drop.

[diana1998]

Yes it is. Dropping easily from 2.5mg to 2 was so easy it made me too cocky!

[Gossiplady]

Hi diana1998! I am no expert, but I have found 0.25mgs taper has worked for me so far. Slow but sure. Keep strong!

[diana1998 in reply to Gossiplady]

Yippee! Hope I can do the quarter cuts!

[Gossiplady]

hi diana1998! Do you use a pill cutter? If you are on the usual tablets, easy! Available online from the usual Mr.A.

[diana1998]

I've got 2 but they seem to blunt easily. I need another one but for now use a very sharp knife and a board.