I started at 15mg, 12 mg, 10 mg and now I am taking 9 mg tapering 1 mg every 4 weeks (2 weeks more than you) So far no pain except when I do too much fiscal work with my hands, wrists and shoulders. My biggest side affect are the palpitations every day, sometimes very low heart rate (32-34 bpm), dizziness. Wishing you all the best!