Q I've been taking it for over 10 years — can a medication taken this long still be tapered?
A Even medication taken for a long time can be tapered, but it needs to be reduced even more slowly and in smaller stages for the body to adapt comfortably. The longer the use, the more important it is not to rush, and the tapering plan must always be made together with your doctor.
Detailed Answer
Even after more than 10 years of use, tapering isn't impossible. However, the longer the medication has been taken, the more deeply the body has adapted to that state, so reducing it quickly can cause severe discontinuation syndrome. That's why the principle is to reduce in very small increments with sufficient intervals between steps, and flexibility to slow down or hold steady if symptoms appear. All of these adjustments proceed together with your doctor.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
Dongjedang takes ample time to revive the body's own resilience that's been suppressed by long-term use. At each tapering stage, we calm the fluctuating sleep and autonomic nervous system, gradually consolidating balance so that even long-term use can move onto a tapering track without strain. The pace and extent of tapering always follow your doctor's judgment.
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