@gailb, we always advise to consult your physician when tapering off or changing your medications. I am sorry to hear that your physician did not respond well to your requests. I am glad to hear that you tried to take the necessary precautions because changing medications on your own can be dangerous. Was the pharmacist helpful?

@gailb, I had the same thing happen with my pain management doctor. I don't know if it is simply golf/hunting/whatever trips or if there is actually money swapping hands, but there is a remuneration system from pharma companies to doctors at some level and with some doctors. That is why you will see so much money on the marketing line if you read a pharmaceutical company's income statement. You don't see ads for generics on TV, but they still have marketing reps hitting doctor offices, sending in lunches for staff, etc...I also think they are more likely to have a bit of a god complex (I don't mean that is always a negative - I want my physicians to have a tremendous amount of confidence) than most other types of physicians I come in contact with. I have heard people with cardiologists say the same, but don't know that personally. So, when you discontinue a med that they would have you take, you are being defiant and how could you know more than them. 30 years ago, I don't believe you would have seen these type of issues between patients and physicians. Just my 1/2 cents worth.

Gail if you take 4 a day go down slowly reduce 3-2-1over 3weeks .This is how I tapered down to just 1I take it at bedtime so I can sleep as our muscles need to relax during sleep and a pain pill does this Good luck Linda