Taper

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Taper

Taper (/ˈteɪpər/), from the Old English tapur, is a term used in the medical field to describe the gradual reduction in the dosage of a drug or medication over a period of time. This process is often used to prevent withdrawal symptoms or adverse effects that may occur if the medication is stopped abruptly.

Usage

In medicine, a taper is often used when discontinuing medications that can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants. The tapering process allows the body to adjust to the decreasing levels of the medication, reducing the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.

Related Terms

  • Withdrawal: The physical and mental symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing intake of a drug.
  • Dosage: The size or frequency of a dose of a medicine or drug.
  • Opioids: A class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription.
  • Benzodiazepines: A class of psychoactive drugs used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety and insomnia.
  • Antidepressants: Medications designed to treat depression and other mental health disorders.

Etymology

The term taper comes from the Old English tapur, which referred to a candle, which gradually decreases in size as it burns. This is a metaphor for the gradual reduction in dosage that characterizes a medical taper.

See Also

External links

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