5 week taper

[Groggrim]

Hi, I was thinking about when I return to tapering with Dorset Lady's 5 week taper. I'm not sure which would be more effective, to reduce 0.5mg every 5 weeks or 0.25mg every 5 weeks. I am currently @ 7mg and understand about going slower as you get lower.

[piglette]

I would have thought that 0.5mg drop should be fine at 7mg area. It is when you get lower you may need a smaller amount, but a lot of people never go lower than 0.5mg and some don’t go below 1.0 mg even. Best of luck.

[Groggrim in reply to piglette]

Thank you piglette, makes perfect sense. 0.5 to start, reducing to 0.25 as I get lower. I want it to work this time, I haven't had much success since 7mg.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Groggrim]

But it isn't necessarily the taper that is the problem - it is just as likely you are at your lowest effective dose and you won't get below that whatever the taper.

[Groggrim in reply to PMRpro]

Do you really think so? 😒

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Groggrim]

Your history really does suggest that. It doesn't mean you won't get lower, just not yet and given the timescale, 7mg is actually not bad at all. If you try to force it, you will just get in a tangle again - that is what has been your problem before.

[Groggrim in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your wisdom and plain speaking and also your patience. I have been trying to please everyone, the GP, my endo, my family, my late mother, even other forum members for some peculiar reasoning hidden in my psyche. Leave this with me, it has given me something to think about. Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Groggrim]

Stop trying to please everyone and everything - except your PMR that is...😏

Stay put for now, on current dose..and reevaluate in a month or so - when other things in your life have return to status quo.. and I don't mean the band for us old R&R fans!

[Groggrim in reply to DorsetLady]

Typed a reply and lost it 🙄Thank you x

[Charlie1boy in reply to Groggrim]

Yes, it’s only your PMR you need to please! PMR is the boss.

[Groggrim in reply to Charlie1boy]

Thanks Charlie, I think I've had the wrong mindset and approach. I'm a slow learner

[Charlie1boy in reply to Groggrim]

You are getting there.

[Groggrim in reply to Charlie1boy]

I'm getting somewhere but I think I'm taking the long way round 😄

[Charlie1boy in reply to Groggrim]

Slowly slowly catchee monkey! No harm in the long way round!

[Bcol]

0,5mg every five weeks worked for me, but I have to agree with PMRpro's thoughts about this.

[Groggrim in reply to Bcol]

I know Bcol, she knows me and I trust her, as well as DLady. I'm still fighting it, it's a mental thing rooted in my upbringing, seeking attention and affirmation back in the classroom aged 6, in order to function.

[Kingcharlesdog]

Hi I personally think you have done very well to get to where you are in the timescale. I was diagnosed in March 2024 and I am on a slow taper . Now down to 5.5 mg . It is frustrating as I can’t do what I used to do but I am learning to be selective about my activities.

Keep your spirits up x