Deprescribing in Psychiatry: Supporting You Through Medication Changes

My Approach to Deprescribing

Deprescribing means carefully and gradually reducing or stopping a medication when it may no longer be the right fit. It is never rushed — it is a thoughtful process built around your needs.

Your Reasons Matter

Whether it's side effects, cost, wanting to feel more like yourself, or simply wondering if you still need a medication — your reasons are valid. Your goals and values are at the center of every decision we make together.

What If I Have Concerns?

Sometimes I may share concerns about the risks of stopping a medication. That is not a "no" — it is part of an honest conversation. I will explain my thinking, explore options with you, and listen. If you still want to move forward, we will build a safe plan together.

My Commitment to You

I will not step back from your care because we see things differently. A supervised, gradual taper with regular check-ins is always safer than going it alone — and I will walk alongside you through it. The only time I may ask us to slow down is if stopping poses a serious and immediate safety risk, and even then, the conversation stays open.

What a Safe Plan Looks Like

  • Slow, gradual dose changes with time to adjust between steps

  • More frequent check-ins to see how you're feeling

  • Clear signs we agree on for when to pause or adjust

  • Support along the way — therapy, trusted people, other resources

  • The understanding that changing course is never a failure

Withdrawal vs. a Return of the Original Condition

As your body adjusts to a lower dose, you may notice temporary symptoms like dizziness, nausea, trouble sleeping, irritability, or "brain zaps." These are common and usually settle within one to two weeks. They are not a sign you need the medication forever — they are a sign your body is adjusting.

A true return of depression or anxiety usually builds gradually over weeks and feels familiar. Withdrawal tends to start within days of a dose change and often includes physical symptoms that were not part of your original condition. Sometimes the difference is not immediately clear, and that is okay — we will figure it out together using regular check-ins and symptom tracking.

In some cases, especially after long-term use, withdrawal symptoms can linger longer. If that happens, it may simply mean we need to go slower. We can always pause, hold at a dose, or add extra support while your body catches up.