The article discusses the challenges of safely tapering off psychiatric medications like SSRIs, highlighting withdrawal effects that arise from abrupt cessation. Expert Mark A. Horowitz advises that gradual tapering is crucial, especially for long-term users, to minimize withdrawal symptoms. He emphasizes that the pharmacology of these drugs means users need to reduce their dosage to very low levelsâmuch lower than usual tabletsâbefore completely stopping. The commonly held belief in 'white-knuckling' through withdrawal is criticized due to its associated risks, underlining the need for informed strategies in deprescribing.
Withdrawal effects occur when the body is missing a drug and has not adjusted to having less of it.
Very small doses can still have big effects on the brain, meaning people need to go down to very low doses before stopping.
One of the risk factors for severe withdrawal is duration of use, meaning longer-term users need a slower taper.
Misplaced heroism around 'white-knuckling' persists, despite the risks of abrupt stopping.
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