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How to reduce the dosage and gradually stop my medicines without side effects?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 23 year old male. I want to quit my medicines permanently. I am taking Valkem OD 500, Soltus 100 mg, Flunil 20, and Ativan 2 mg. How to reduce the doses and completely stop taking these medications without any side effects?

Answered by Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your post.

You are on Divalproex (Valkem) which is used for epilepsy; in addition, you are on antidepressants and antipsychotic meds.

Firstly, if you have a seizure disorder, for which you are taking Valkem, then your EEG (electroencephalogram) should be normal and you should have had no fits for the last two and a half years.

The problem is, you have not mentioned what was the reason for starting this treatment.

You can decrease Ativan (Lorazepam) to 1 mg and Flunil (Fluoxetine) to 10 mg. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and decrease it with their consent. However, before decreasing the dosage of Soltus and Valkem you need to mention why you were started on it.

Regards.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I was started on this treatment as I was having panic disorders and then gradually obsessive negative thoughts. My hands were shaking all the time and I was afraid to go out in crowds. But, when I try to stop all the meds, the only problem I have is obsessive thoughts.

Answered by Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Well, it will be a gradual decrease in meds. Now, you have mentioned the reason for your meds. If you have taken the meds regularly and you are symptom-free for more than a year, then you can start tapering them.
  • The first one should be Valkem. I suggest you decrease it to 250 mg once for two weeks, and then stop it. Once you have stopped Valkem, decrease the dose of Ativan to 1 mg for two weeks and then stop it.
  • You will have to continue Soltus (Amisulpride) and Flunil (Fluoxetine) for a year or two because panic disorders have high recurrence rates.

Meanwhile, keep a watch on your symptoms once you start tapering the meds.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Answered byDr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At November 17, 2017
Reviewed AtFebruary 12, 2024

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Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey
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