- Academics have identified that gradually reducing antidepressant dosage, known as tapering, combined with psychological support is the most effective method for discontinuing medication.
- This approach significantly lowers the risk of depression relapse, potentially preventing it in one in five individuals, compared to abruptly stopping or rapid tapering.
- Research involving over 17,300 patients across 76 clinical trials found that abrupt stopping or fast tapering carried the highest relapse risk, nearly 40 per cent.
- Slow tapering with psychological support was found to be as effective as continuing antidepressants in preventing relapse, reducing the risk by 48 per cent.
- Experts recommend that clinical guidelines be updated to promote individualised deprescribing with gradual tapering and structured psychological support for patients wishing to come off their medication.
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