Benicar does not need to be weaned. It can usually be stopped without consequence. However, if you are not in remission yet, you should be prepared for an exacerbation of symptoms that may have been suppressed by Benicar. Continue to diligently avoid sun/lights to avoid sun flares while your hormones may be readjusting to new levels while off Benicar.
The Benicar actually activates the immune system so that it can sense and attack the intra-phagocytic bacteria. Your immune system will often continue to do this in the absence of antibiotics, and even in the absence of Benicar. Thus, regular doses of antibiotics can be modulatory and may actually reduce your herx, and the regular 48 hour cycles make the herx fit into a predictable pattern.
You cannot just stop taking the antibacterials and expect to go back to baseline. That will require careful management, especially dealing with the weaning process. Please make sure your physician contacts us so that we can discuss the safe weaning procedures.
If you were formerly on blood pressure medication which you discontinued when starting the Benicar, your doctor may want to restart that BP medication.
If you want to stop Benicar because you are having difficulty adjusting to it, please consult Staff to help you problem-solve ways to make the Marshall Protocol work for you.
Long-term use
As for long-term use of Benicar, it has so many anti-inflammatory benefits that you may want to ask your doctor about continuing to take it after you are in remission. ARBs were initially designed for long-term use for hypertension and their long-term safety record so far is excellent.
As you heal, you will find the amount needed will drop, although it waxes and wanes as different bug 'colonies' are addressed every few months or so. Eventually you find your need drops the point where you forget to take the tablets.
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