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taper
Pharmacology:
- to discontinue a medication slowly in accordance with a schedule
Indications:
1) medication may have properties of dependence
a) opiates
b) benzodiazepines
c) barbiturates
d) glucocorticoids
2) may be rebound effects from discontinuing medication
- rebound hypertension with
1] alpha-2 adrenergic agonists
- clonidine >> guanfacine, tizanidine
2] beta-blockers
3) other effects (see drug adverse effects of ...)
a) antidepressants [2]
- fluoxetine may be exception because of long 1/2life
b) anticonvulsants [2]
c) baclofen [2]
d) tramadol [2]
e) antipsychotics [2]
f) carisoprodol (Soma) [2]
Specific
prednisone taper; glucocorticoid taper
General
medication dosage adjustment
References
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999
- Prescriber's Letter 15(12): 2008
Common Oral Medications that May Need Tapering
Detail-Document#: 241208
(subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com