An Overview of the Process of Tapering Psychiatric Drugs

An Overview of the Process of Tapering Psychiatric Drugs

An Overview of the Process of Tapering Psychiatric Drugs - Flowchart Tapering Psychiatric Drugs in Practice Tapering Psychiatric Drugs in Practice

«Flowchart»

Step 1: Make initial dose reduction based on estimate of risk

Step 1: Make initial dose reduction based on estimate of risk

Step 1: Make initial dose reduction based on estimate of risk

Step 1:

Step 2: Monitor withdrawal symptoms

Step 2: Monitor withdrawal symptoms

Step 2: Monitor withdrawal symptoms

Step 2

Continue similar-sized reduction (in terms of receptor occupancy, i.e. hyperbolic)

Continue similar-sized reduction (in terms of receptor occupancy, i.e. hyperbolic)

Continue similar-sized reduction (in terms of receptor occupancy, i.e. hyperbolic)

Next Node>

Next Node>

Next Node>

Next Node>

Step 3: Repeat cycle of reduction, monitoring, and decision on next reduction (as above)

Step 3: Repeat cycle of reduction, monitoring, and decision on next reduction (as above)

Step 3: Repeat cycle of reduction, monitoring, and decision on next reduction (as above)

Step 3

End

End

End

Return to dose at which patient was last stable

Return to dose at which patient was last stable

Return to dose at which patient was last stable

Delay further reduction until symptoms resolve or increase dose

Delay further reduction until symptoms resolve or increase dose

Delay further reduction until symptoms resolve or increase dose

Symptoms do not resolve

Symptoms do not resolve

Symptoms do not resolve

Allow time to stabilise.
Make reductions more gradually (e.g. shift to slower regimen)

Allow time to stabilise.
Make reductions more gradually (e.g. shift to slower regimen)

Allow time to stabilise.

Allow time to stabilise.
Make reductions more gradually (e.g. shift to slower regimen)

Allow time to stabilise.
Make reductions more gradually (e.g. shift to slower regimen)

Allow time to stabilise.
Make reductions more gradually (e.g. shift to slower regimen)

Step 2: Monitor withdrawal symptoms

Step 2: Monitor withdrawal symptoms

Step 2: Step 2: Monitor withdrawal symptoms

Step 4: Reduce dose to zero when the reduction is no larger than previously tolerated reductions, in terms of receptor occupancy (see drug-specific guidance)

Step 4: Reduce dose to zero when the reduction is no larger than previously tolerated reductions, in terms of receptor occupancy (see drug-specific guidance)

Step 4 Step 4: Reduce dose to zero when the reduction is no larger than previously tolerated reductions, in terms of receptor occupancy (see drug-specific guidance)

Pre-existing condition might emerge as medication is reduced which might require specific management

Pre-existing condition might emerge as medication is reduced which might require specific management

Pre-existing condition might emerge as medication is reduced which might require specific management

^*The definition of ‘tolerable’ will vary from patient to patient.

^*The definition of ‘tolerable’ will vary from patient to patient.

^*The definition of ‘tolerable’ will vary from patient to patient.

^*

No or tolerable^* withdrawal symptoms (e.g. 0-4 out of 10)

No or tolerable^* withdrawal symptoms (e.g. 0-4 out of 10)

^* ^* No or tolerable

Moderately severe withdrawal symptoms (e.g. 5-8 out of 10)

Moderately severe withdrawal symptoms (e.g. 5-8 out of 10)

Moderately severe withdrawal symptoms (e.g. 5-8 out of 10)

Severe withdrawal symptoms (e.g. 9-10 out of 10)

Severe withdrawal symptoms (e.g. 9-10 out of 10)

Severe withdrawal symptoms (e.g. 9-10 out of 10)