Tapering: Difference between revisions
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'''Tapering''' refers to the gradual lowering of a drug's dosage over a prolonged period of time. It is a [[responsible use|harm reduction practice]] which is highly recommended for those who are physically dependent on [[psychoactive substances]] because stopping one's extended usage abruptly will result in [[withdrawal symptoms]], which can sometimes be life-threatening.<ref>Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain - Appendix B-6: Benzodiazepine Tapering | http://nationalpaincentre.mcmaster.ca/opioid/cgop_b_app_b06.html</ref> It is important to note that the sudden discontinuation of [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]], and [[barbiturates]] can be fatal, sometimes resulting in seizures and death.<ref>A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19465812</ref> | '''Tapering''' refers to the gradual lowering of a drug's dosage over a prolonged period of time. It is a [[responsible use|harm reduction practice]] which is highly recommended for those who are physically dependent on [[psychoactive substances]] because stopping one's extended usage abruptly will result in unpleasant [[withdrawal|withdrawal symptoms]], which can sometimes be life-threatening.<ref>Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain - Appendix B-6: Benzodiazepine Tapering | http://nationalpaincentre.mcmaster.ca/opioid/cgop_b_app_b06.html</ref> Withdrawal symptoms can generally be minimized or avoided by tapering the dose slowly and carefully monitoring for symptoms. It is important to note that the sudden discontinuation of [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]], and [[barbiturates]] can be fatal, sometimes resulting in seizures and death.<ref>A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19465812</ref> | ||
Withdrawal symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms increase the longer one uses the substance. Symptoms vary depending on the specific substance and can include (but are not limited to) increased heart rate and/or blood pressure, irritability, [[anxiety]], [[nausea]], headaches, tremors, insomnia, depression, sensitivity to pain, hallucinations, seizures, and death. | Withdrawal symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms increase the longer one uses the substance. Symptoms vary depending on the specific substance and can include (but are not limited to) increased heart rate and/or blood pressure, irritability, [[anxiety]], [[nausea]], headaches, tremors, insomnia, depression, sensitivity to pain, hallucinations, seizures, and death. | ||
===See also=== | ===See also=== | ||
*[[Responsible use]] | *[[Responsible use]] | ||
Revision as of 02:04, 16 September 2016
Tapering refers to the gradual lowering of a drug's dosage over a prolonged period of time. It is a harm reduction practice which is highly recommended for those who are physically dependent on psychoactive substances because stopping one's extended usage abruptly will result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, which can sometimes be life-threatening.[1] Withdrawal symptoms can generally be minimized or avoided by tapering the dose slowly and carefully monitoring for symptoms. It is important to note that the sudden discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates can be fatal, sometimes resulting in seizures and death.[2]
Withdrawal symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms increase the longer one uses the substance. Symptoms vary depending on the specific substance and can include (but are not limited to) increased heart rate and/or blood pressure, irritability, anxiety, nausea, headaches, tremors, insomnia, depression, sensitivity to pain, hallucinations, seizures, and death.
See also
References
- ↑ Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain - Appendix B-6: Benzodiazepine Tapering | http://nationalpaincentre.mcmaster.ca/opioid/cgop_b_app_b06.html
- ↑ A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19465812