In this article, we will discuss the taper schedule of nortriptyline. We'll also discuss what tapering of nortriptyline is and why the tapering of nortriptyline is essential. Tapering means the gradual decrease in the dose of the medicine over time rather than the abrupt stopping of medicine.
What is a Nortriptyline Taper Schedule?
The nortriptyline taper schedule involves reducing 20-25% of the daily dose. If the patient is on the nortriptyline spectrum for a period longer than six weeks then there is an increased risk of withdrawal symptoms if stopped gradually or suddenly.
Adjustment of the dose also depends on the response. If the patient is not suffering from any withdrawal symptoms then continue to accustom the medicine. Also consider the slow dose reduction for example 12.5% when reducing the final doses. Do not stop the treatment directly after taking the lowest dose. It's advisable to stop the treatment after two weeks while taking the lowest dose.
If the presence of recurrent or withdrawal symptoms then go back to taking your lower doses. In this case, it is recommended to stop the therapy at lower doses like after 6 to 12 weeks by tapering the dose by approximately 5% to 12.5% every month resulting in halting the medicine.
How to Make Small Doses of Nortriptyline?
The lowest nortriptyline available in the market is 10mg. But during tapering, you need small doses of nortriptyline. So to overcome this situation the pharmacies offer pill cutters to cut the medicine in half. Also, liquid or oral preparation of some of the medicines is advised. Ask your options of tapering to your pharmacist so they can guide you better.
As we have deduced there is no definite way to taper the dose of nortriptyline rather the approach is individualized. So some people come off easily while some patients may feel the intensity of withdrawal symptoms at different rates.
How to Monitor For Withdrawal Symptoms?
Monitoring for withdrawal symptoms should be done after three days of stopping the therapy. Inquire the patient about any mood disturbances. Also, monitor the patient after a week for any recurrent symptoms.
Close observation of the doctor is required after stopping the therapy as the response after halting the therapy is individualized. Mild symptoms are common after discontinuation of the therapy. If you're feeling severe symptoms then change the antidepressant and utilize the lowest doses of nortriptyline.
Conclusions
In this article, we have discussed the tapering of nortriptyline and how to taper the dose of nortriptyline. Bottom line must ask your clinician to taper the dose of nortriptyline for you. If he thinks your condition is better he'll evaluate the decision based on the clinical judgment.
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