Pheno taper questions

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letaek

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Hi All - currently tapering my phenobarbitol by 7.5 mgs every month. (was originally on 120mg total). Am up to 500x2 of Keppra which my body is tolerating well.

Wondering if it's better to taper every 2 weeks or better to hold at a certain mg dose for a month? Have read conflicting research for both methods.

Thanks,
 
Generally speaking, "low and slow" is a good rule of thumb when tapering or ramping up a med. That is, changing the dose by a very small increment, and staying at that level for a decent length of time (a few weeks to a month) before taking the next step. The longer you have been on the med and the higher the dose, the slower the withdrawal process should be. Going slow tends to minimize the risk of withdrawal side effects or seizures, especially with a med that can cause dependence such as Phenobarb. (Like taking off a bandaid -- too fast and you might rip off the scab and re-open the wound).

Has your doctor given you directions for the taper? If you have any concerns with those directions and/or are considering deviating from that schedule, it's best to get in touch with your doc and keep her or him in the loop.
 
I'm going slower than what he recommended... he was wanting me to taper 30mg a month which is crazy! I am looking for a new neuro to say the least:)
 
Good luck! I hope the taper goes well.
 
Thanks!! We want to try for a kid soon and I'm getting close to 40 so have to try soon:)
 
Hi: Slow and easy. I am glad there is all this new information for women. I was pregnant over 40 years ago and it was the drug of choice at the time and very little information. My two sons had no problems and were excellent students, but if I would of had the information that is now readily available, I would have certainly gone off this drug before becoming pregnant. Remember to ask your dr about starting folate a few months before you conceive. My best to you.
 
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