Thinking About Stopping Your Psychiatric Meds? Here's What to Know First
Deciding to stop taking a psychiatric medication is a deeply personal choice, and one that should never feel rushed or pressured. Whether you’re feeling better, struggling with side effects, or wondering if you still need your medication, you’re not alone in asking, “Is it time to stop?”
Here’s what research and expert clinical guidance recommend when it comes to safely discontinuing psych meds, and how to protect your mental wellness in the process.
First: Don’t Stop Cold Turkey
Suddenly stopping your medication can be harmful. According to the American Psychiatric Association and the National Institute of Mental Health, abrupt discontinuation of psychiatric medications, especially antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics, can cause withdrawal symptoms and even relapse.
What that means: Even if you’re feeling okay, stopping without guidance could trigger anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, or even a return of previous symptoms.
Always Talk to a Provider First
Before tapering off any psychiatric medication, it’s crucial to check in with a licensed provider. They’ll help assess:
Why you want to stop
Whether your symptoms have been stable
How long you’ve been feeling well
Your current life stressors and supports
Whether a slower taper or medication switch might be better
A collaborative decision rooted in your wellness goals leads to safer outcomes.
What Does the Research Say?
Gradual tapering reduces risk of relapse and withdrawal (Jha et al., 2018).
Longer durations of stability before tapering are associated with better outcomes (Horowitz & Moncrief, 2024)
Relapse prevention plans, like therapy or support check-ins during and after discontinuation, improve long-term recovery (Robberegt et al., 2023).
Some Questions to Consider Before Stopping:
Have I been symptom-free for at least 6–12 months?
Do I have access to therapy or other supports?
What are my early warning signs if symptoms return?
Am I stopping due to side effects that could be managed differently?
These aren’t pass/fail questions — they’re here to help you plan thoughtfully.
What to Expect During a Taper
A slow taper allows your brain and body to adjust to lower doses over time. This may take weeks to months depending on the medication. You might experience:
Minor physical or emotional shifts
Temporary sleep changes
Occasional waves of anxiety or low mood
All of this is normal and should be monitored closely with your provider. If anything feels too intense, it’s always okay to pause the taper or explore other options.
You’re in Charge of Your Care
The goal isn’t to be on medication forever (unless you choose to be). It’s to help you feel safe, supported, and well, with or without medication.
And if your needs change in the future? That’s okay too. Your mental health journey is not linear, and there is no shame in returning to meds if you ever need them again.
✨ Final Thoughts from Floriss Rx
Discontinuing psychiatric medication can be empowering when done safely, slowly, and with support. We’re here to help you navigate that journey with compassion and clarity.
If you're thinking about stopping your meds, let’s talk. Schedule a session with a provider who gets it.
Sources
Horowitz, M. A., & Moncrieff, J. (2024). Gradually tapering off antipsychotics: lessons for practice from case studies and neurobiological principles. Current opinion in psychiatry, 37(4), 320–330. https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000940
Robberegt, S. J., Brouwer, M. E., Kooiman, B. E. A. M., Stikkelbroek, Y. A. J., Nauta, M. H., & Bockting, C. L. H. (2022). Meta-Analysis: Relapse Prevention Strategies for Depression and Anxiety in Remitted Adolescents and Young Adults. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 62(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2022.04.014
Jha, M. K., Rush, A. J., & Trivedi, M. H. (2018). When Discontinuing SSRI Antidepressants Is a Challenge: Management Tips. American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(12), 1176–1184. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.18060692
