Tapering Off Medications

In today’s healthcare landscape, it’s common to see a heavy reliance on prescription medications to manage symptoms of chronic illnesses. About 66% of American adults take at least one prescription drug, with some research suggesting that nearly 25% of adults take five or more prescription drugs daily. In the standard care model, medications are often the first line of treatment for symptoms, but the goal should truly be to reduce and, whenever possible, avoid these interventions unless they are essential to root-cause healing.

 

For those embracing the carnivore diet and other nutrient-dense eating regimens, a remarkable outcome has been the reduction or even complete elimination of long-term medications. This achievement illuminates the power of nutrition and lifestyle in addressing underlying health issues rather than merely managing symptoms. 

 

Diet and nutrition alone aren’t the sole factors in chronic illness, but they undeniably play a significant role in metabolic dysfunction—a major driver of many chronic conditions we see today. While some medications are necessary for root-cause healing protocols, our aim should generally be to rely on them as temporary aids, allowing the body to heal with the right nutrients and holistic lifestyle practices.

 

One of the most frequent questions we receive at our practice is how to safely taper off medications. While the general approach to tapering is often consistent across various medication types, certain medications require more in-depth support, careful planning, and often even professional guidance.

 

Let’s take a closer look at the best practices for safely tapering off medications, discuss the nuances of why certain medications, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, require additional support, and explore the proper protocols for minimizing withdrawal symptoms and relapses.   

 

The Reality of Standard Care Prescription Practices

 

 

In the United States, our standard care model is heavily dependent on prescription drugs, with pharmaceutical companies at the center of this approach. The pharmaceutical industry has a long, controversial history of introducing medications that, though initially praised, are later found to be harmful. 

 

Since 2012, the FDA has recalled an average of 1,285 prescription drugs each year due to safety concerns, often after they’ve already been prescribed to millions of patients. Despite the critical role of the FDA in protecting public health, the agency relies solely on safety data provided by the drug manufacturers themselves; it doesn’t analyze the raw data during the approval process. This reliance has contributed to a system where financial incentives and career prospects for FDA officials intertwine with Big Pharma’s interests, leading to a regulatory environment with significant conflicts of interest. 

 

One of the most infamous examples of this failure in oversight is the case of Vioxx, a pain reliever that was found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Despite mounting evidence of these severe side effects, Vioxx remained on the market for years, resulting in an estimated 60,000 deaths before its recall. 

 

This incident, among others, highlights the risks of pharmaceutical companies being in charge of their own safety studies. In addition, certain medications, such as vaccines, are protected by law from legal liability, meaning pharmaceutical companies cannot be held accountable through civil lawsuits if patients experience severe side effects or complications. This exemption raises questions about accountability and the protection of patient safety in these cases.

 

 

Additionally, beyond regulatory and legal concerns, the scientific foundation of some medications has proven to be misleading or even fraudulent. For decades, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were prescribed widely under the chemical imbalance theory, which claimed that depression was caused by a lack of serotonin. 

 

However, recent research has challenged this theory, revealing that serotonin levels or activity may not be the root cause of depression. There currently is no definitive evidence supporting this theory, even though SSRIs rely heavily on it. 

 

Similarly, Alzheimer’s research has faced scandal, with a high-profile study on the role of amyloid plaques later revealed to have allegedly used manipulated data. This falsified research has led to decades of treatment approaches and drug development based on a theory that may not hold up to rigorous scientific scrutiny, diverting valuable resources from potentially effective treatments.

 

All this to say—the pharmaceutical industry’s influence over both science and regulation has far-reaching consequences, particularly in an environment where the goal should be to prioritize root-cause healing over symptom management. 

 

Understanding these layers of influence is essential for patients, practitioners, and policymakers to make informed choices about health and support approaches that align with genuine, unbiased scientific inquiry. 

 

And just to reiterate, not all medications are bad—in fact, some are required in root-cause healing protocols for both acute and chronic conditions, and others can play a foundational role in temporary symptom relief and patient support as they undergo root-cause healing. However, the goal should always be to avoid medications unless medically necessary which unfortunately doesn’t align with our current standard care model.

 

For those who are finding healing through powerful diet and lifestyle changes, many of you may not be aware of the risks of stopping various prescription medications. In standard care, it’s a common challenge that practitioners aren’t trained to help patients safely taper off medications, as most of these drugs are intended for long-term symptom management rather than short-term root-cause healing. 

 

Many prescription drugs come with serious withdrawal risks that patients often aren’t informed about, leading to difficult and sometimes dangerous experiences when trying to discontinue them. Without adequate guidance from trained professionals, patients can struggle to safely reduce and stop their medications.

 

Let’s take a closer look at how to safely taper off medications and the science behind these tapering protocols.

 

How to Safely Taper Off Medications

 

 

If you and your trusted healthcare provider have decided it’s time to stop one of your medications, it’s important to be mindful of the process. 

 

Tapering off medications requires a careful, gradual approach to minimize withdrawal symptoms and allow the body to adjust to each reduction in dosage. The general recommendation for most medications is to taper off slowly and cautiously, often referred to as the “low and slow” method. 

 

This process involves making small decreases in dosage over an extended period, allowing the body and brain time to acclimate to each reduction without experiencing significant stress. Rapid tapering can lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe, disruptive effects, depending on the medication and individual factors. We’ll touch on the nuances of gradually tapering off medications later.

 

For certain types of medications, tapering too quickly can not only cause withdrawal symptoms but may also lead to a temporary surge in the symptoms the drug was intended to treat. For example, people tapering off antihistamines can experience a rebound effect, where their histamine response is heightened temporarily. 

 

This reaction occurs because the body has become accustomed to the medication’s effects and may overreact when removed too quickly by producing excess histamine or amplifying the original symptoms. Tapering slowly helps prevent this by giving the body the time it needs to re-establish its natural regulatory mechanisms.

 

Some medications require additional guidance and support to ensure a safe and successful taper. These include psychotropic drugs, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, which can all lead to particularly challenging withdrawal symptoms if not carefully managed. Psychotropic medications are used for managing the symptoms of mental health disorders, and there are five different categories of these drugs.

 

Why Psychotropic Drugs Require Additional Considerations and Support

 

 

Tapering off any psychotropic drug requires a unique and careful approach due to the ways these medications impact the brain. All psychotropic drugs, including antidepressants and antipsychotics, can lead to issues of tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance occurs when the body gradually adapts to the medication, reducing its effectiveness over time and often requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. That’s why when discontinuing these drugs, the body’s reliance on their presence can result in withdrawal symptoms.

 

Antipsychotics and antidepressants are particularly high risk for tapering and discontinuation because they significantly alter brain chemistry, often leading to intense withdrawal symptoms if reduced too quickly. Here’s why extra considerations and support are essential:

 

• Brain Adaptation and Adjustment: Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of antipsychotics and antidepressants, relying on them to maintain certain chemical balances. If you try to reduce or stop these medications too quickly, the brain doesn’t have enough time to adjust, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms. This process is called “neuroadaptation,” and it’s why these medications need to be tapered very gradually.
• Managing Withdrawal Symptoms: People tapering off these medications too rapidly often experience withdrawal symptoms, which we will explore more in the next section. These effects are the brain’s reaction to the sudden absence of the medication, making it crucial to taper slowly and give the brain the time it needs to gradually regain its natural balance.
• Avoiding a “Relapse” Misinterpretation: Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes look and feel similar to the original condition, which can lead people to believe they still need the medication and go back on it unnecessarily. Tapering slowly can help distinguish between true relapse and temporary withdrawal symptoms.
• Importance of Professional Guidance: For most people, the process of tapering off antipsychotics and antidepressants benefits from the support of an experienced healthcare provider. Having guidance can make a significant difference, as a professional can help customize the tapering schedule to match each individual’s needs and responses, ensuring the process is both safe and comfortable.

 

Understanding these unique aspects of antipsychotics and antidepressants helps showcase that slow, careful tapering with professional support is essential for a smooth transition. 

 

Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms

Antipsychotic and antidepressant withdrawal symptoms share several similarities. Still, they also have distinct differences due to their unique mechanisms of action and the specific neurochemical effects each drug class has on the brain. 

 

Antipsychotic Withdrawal Syndrome

 

 

Withdrawal symptoms occur with many medications, including all classes of psychotropics, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants. Although not widely recognized, withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping both first- and second-generation antipsychotics (FGAs and SGAs) and is referred to as antipsychotic withdrawal syndrome.

 

When stopping antipsychotic medications, some physical and mental symptoms often begin within a few days and usually resolve within a few weeks. These symptoms happen because the body suddenly loses the effects of the medication on specific systems, including those related to cholinergic, adrenergic, serotonergic, and histaminergic functions.

 

For instance, in one study, 13% of people who stopped the antipsychotic clozapine suddenly after just four weeks experienced moderate to severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while 40% had milder versions of these symptoms. These effects are thought to be due to a “cholinergic rebound,” where the body, having adjusted to clozapine’s effects, overreacts after its sudden removal. This rebound can also cause agitation, fear, and even hallucinations, which may appear similar to a relapse of psychosis.

 

In addition to these symptoms, stopping antipsychotics can lead to motor issues, especially with older types of antipsychotics but also with some newer ones. These can include uncontrollable movements (dyskinesia), symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease (parkinsonism), and a potentially severe reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). These motor symptoms can take weeks to appear and might last for months or even longer. About 31-50% of people who suddenly stop older antipsychotics experience some form of motor symptom, although fewer studies have tracked this with newer medications.

 

The following are symptoms associated with antipsychotic withdrawal syndrome. The severity and type of symptoms can vary based on the specific antipsychotic, dosage, duration of use, and individual factors:

 

1. Physical Symptoms

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Sweating (sometimes excessive)
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches)
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep
• Tremors or shaking
• Restlessness (akathisia, or a feeling of inner restlessness)
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity
• Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• Changes in appetite (increase or decrease)
• Gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea, stomach pain)

 

2. Neurological Symptoms

• Motor symptoms (involuntary movements such as tremors, dyskinesia)
• Parkinsonism (symptoms similar to Parkinson’s, like stiffness and slow movement)
• Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements, especially of the face, arms, and legs)
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) (rare but severe, with fever, muscle stiffness, and altered mental state)
• Vertigo, or the sensation of spinning
• Muscle spasms or twitches
• Seizures (in rare cases)

 

3. Mental and Cognitive Symptoms

• Confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
• Memory issues or forgetfulness
• Intense or vivid dreams
• Depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself)
• Derealization (feeling disconnected from reality

 

4. Emotional Symptoms

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Mood swings or irritability
• Agitation or restlessness
• Depression or feelings of hopelessness
• Crying spells or emotional sensitivity
• Fear or feelings of paranoia
• Heightened emotional response (exaggerated sensitivity to stress or minor frustrations)

 

5. Psychotic Symptoms

Withdrawal can sometimes lead to symptoms similar to the original psychotic disorder, making it challenging to distinguish between relapse and withdrawal. These may include:

 

• Hallucinations (auditory or visual)
• Paranoia or heightened suspicion
• Delusions (fixed, false beliefs)
• Disorganized thinking
• Rebound psychosis (a temporary return of symptoms stronger than before)

 

6. Behavioral Symptoms

• Restlessness or pacing
• Impulsiveness or erratic behavior
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Increased cravings (e.g., for nicotine, sugar, or other stimulants)
• Reduced motivation or lack of interest in daily activities

 

7. Sensory Symptoms

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
• Brain zaps or electric shock sensations
• Tingling or numbness in the extremities
• Changes in vision (blurriness or other visual disturbances)

 

8. Relapse-Related Symptoms

Stopping antipsychotics, especially suddenly, can lead to a high chance of relapse. Studies show that people who discontinue antipsychotic medications are at a much greater risk of experiencing a return of psychotic symptoms compared to those who stay on a maintenance dose. This risk illuminates the importance of proper tapering for long-term success. 

 

Some symptoms may mimic the original condition, which can sometimes make it hard to tell if they are due to withdrawal or a recurrence of symptoms. This can include:

 

• Intense fear or anxiety
• Return of paranoid thoughts
• Persistent sadness or depressive symptoms

 

A survey of 585 international antipsychotic users reported that 72% of them experienced withdrawal effects when trying to stop the medication. 100% of them did not recall being told anything about withdrawal effects, dependence, rebound psychosis, or the need to reduce gradually by a prescriber.

 

Gradually reducing antipsychotic doses can lower the risk of early relapse and make withdrawal symptoms easier to handle. Sudden withdrawal can lead to “rebound psychosis” or intense psychological distress, which is why a personalized, slow, step-by-step reduction is generally recommended.

 

Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome

 

 

Antidepressants are one of the most extensively prescribed psychotropic drugs worldwide. Commonly referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS), antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are also prevalent and are recognized with tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and all miscellaneous antidepressants.

 

Withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping or quickly reducing the dose of antidepressants, particularly with SSRIs and SNRIs. One of the primary causes of antidepressant withdrawal is a sudden imbalance in serotonin levels. This is especially true for short-acting antidepressants, such as paroxetine, where a rapid decrease in serotonin can disrupt mood, sleep, and sensory perception. As a result, people often experience symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, and nausea.

 

Beyond serotonin, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome also involves changes in other neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine and dopamine, which play significant roles in mood regulation and the brain’s reward pathways. Disruptions in these systems can amplify symptoms, making sensations such as irritability, anxiety, and “brain zaps” (sudden, shock-like sensations) more intense and uncomfortable. 

 

Additionally, some SSRIs can cause what is known as a “cholinergic rebound” when stopped, resulting in headaches, sweating, and nausea. This effect is especially noticeable in short-acting medications, as the body quickly loses the buildup of cholinergic inhibition accumulated during treatment.

 

Individual differences, including genetic factors, also influence the severity of discontinuation symptoms. For some people, even a brief time on antidepressants can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms when stopped due to unique biochemical differences in receptor sensitivity and neurotransmitter regulation. 

 

Furthermore, research has shown that discontinuing SSRIs can produce effects similar to those seen in rapid tryptophan depletion, which is the amino acid precursor needed to produce serotonin. This depletion results in an acute drop in serotonin levels and related withdrawal-like symptoms.

 

In summary, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome results from sudden changes in serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels, along with individual neurobiological differences. To reduce the risk and severity of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, it is recommended to taper the dosage gradually, especially with SSRIs and SNRIs, rather than stopping abruptly.

 

Here is a list of withdrawal symptoms that people may experience when discontinuing antidepressants. The intensity and type of symptoms can vary depending on the specific medication, dosage, and individual factors:

 

1. Physical Symptoms:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and low energy
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep
• Flu-like symptoms (muscle aches, sweating, chills)
• Electric shock sensations (often called “brain zaps”)
• Muscle spasms or tingling
• Tremors or shaking
• Visual disturbances (blurred vision or “visual trails”)
• Appetite changes (increase or decrease in appetite)
• Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues

 

2. Mental and Cognitive Symptoms:

• Confusion or brain fog
• Difficulty concentrating or mental sluggishness
• Memory issues or forgetfulness
• Disorientation
• Intense or vivid dreams
• Impaired coordination

 

3. Emotional Symptoms:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Depression or mood swings
• Irritability and frustration
• Agitation or restlessness
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Crying spells or emotional sensitivity
• Increased sensitivity to stress

 

4. Sensory and Perceptual Symptoms

• Brain zaps or electric shock sensations in the head
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
• Derealization (feeling detached from reality)
• Depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself)

 

5. Neurological Symptoms

• Restless legs or other body restlessness
• Muscle pain or tension
• Tingling or numbness in the extremities
• Vertigo or a spinning sensation
• Involuntary movements or twitching
• Changes in smell or taste

 

6. Behavioral Symptoms

• Social withdrawal or avoiding others
• Decreased motivation or interest in activities
• Impulsiveness or erratic behavior
• Increased cravings (e.g., for alcohol, sugar, or comfort foods)

 

7. Symptoms Related to Relapse

Some symptoms may mimic a return of the original condition (e.g., depression or anxiety), which can sometimes make it hard to tell if they are due to withdrawal or a recurrence of the condition. These include:

 

• Intense sadness or low mood
• Excessive worrying or fear
• Compulsive thoughts or behaviors

 

Similar to antipsychotics, there is a significant issue with patients not being adequately informed about the long-term risks of stopping antidepressants. Research shows that many patients are unaware of potential withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and long-lasting, including anxiety, insomnia, and mood disturbances that may be mistaken for a relapse. This lack of education leaves many unprepared for the challenging process of discontinuation, often leading to abrupt cessation and high rates of relapse. 

 

The Behavioral Risks of Antidepressants

 

 

It’s also critical to acknowledge the behavioral risks associated with these medications. Research and real-world cases have highlighted serious concerns about their potential to alter brain chemistry, leading to harmful behaviors, including violent actions, in certain individuals.

 

Behavioral and Personality Changes

Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, are known to influence neurotransmitter activity significantly. These drugs can sometimes lead to severe side effects, such as aggression, impulsivity, and emotional blunting. Emotional blunting reduces sensitivity to both positive and negative stimuli, which can diminish overall emotional control and decision-making.

 

Increased Risk of Violent Behavior

Studies have revealed a troubling association between SSRIs and violent crime, particularly in individuals aged 15 to 34, young males, and individuals with prior violent tendencies. This risk persists during medicated periods and can even linger after discontinuation. For some, the medications induce states of agitation or akathisia (a psychomotor restlessness), which may contribute to impulsive or aggressive behaviors.

 

Cases of Violence Linked to Antidepressants

High-profile cases, such as Christopher Pittman’s and Don Schell’s, highlight the real-world consequences of these behavioral shifts. These tragic incidents, occurring shortly after initiating or changing antidepressant regimens, suggest a direct link between these drugs and actions individuals might not otherwise commit. Automatism—a state where actions occur without conscious control—has been proposed as a contributing factor.

 

A study analyzing 484 drugs in the FDA database highlighted the behavior-altering effects of antidepressants, identifying 31 drugs responsible for 78.8% of all reported violence cases. Of these, 11 were antidepressants, with five SSRIs linked to the highest risk of violence: Fluoxetine (Prozac) increased aggressive behavior by 10.9 times, Paroxetine (Paxil) by 10.3 times, Fluvoxamine (Luvox) by 8.4 times, Venlafaxine (Effexor) by 8.3 times, and Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) by 7.9 times.

 

Manufacturer and Regulatory Awareness

Pharmaceutical companies and regulators have been aware of these risks for decades. The inclusion of FDA black box warnings since 2004 showcases the potential for suicidal thoughts, hostility, and aggression linked to these medications. Despite this, drug manufacturers have historically deflected liability, relying on the argument that violence is multifactorial and not definitively caused by antidepressants.

 

Educating yourself about the potential risks of both starting and stopping medications, especially antipsychotics and antidepressants, is essential for avoiding long-term complications, misdiagnoses, and relapses. With a clear understanding of these risks, you can start the discontinuation process more confidently and with the proper support. 

 

Let’s explore how to safely taper off psychotropic medications, ensuring a gradual and well-monitored transition that prioritizes your well-being.

 

How to Safely Taper Off Psychotropic Medications

 

 

The following tapering protocol for psychotropic medications, particularly antipsychotics and antidepressants, is based on research-backed methods developed by academic psychiatrists to ensure a safer and more gradual reduction of these medications. 

 

Here are the best practices for safely tapering off antipsychotics and antidepressants with a focus on minimizing withdrawal symptoms and the risk of relapse:

 

Proportional Tapering Approach for Both Antipsychotics and Antidepressants

Both antipsychotics and antidepressants benefit from a proportional tapering approach, where the dose is reduced by a small percentage of the current dose—typically around 10%—with each step. Unlike a linear tapering approach, where doses are decreased by the same fixed amount each time, proportional tapering is essential due to how these medications impact brain chemistry, especially at lower doses.

 

 

 

When tapering off psychotropic drugs, it’s crucial to understand that the effects on the brain are not uniform across all doses. Even small reductions can feel much stronger at lower levels because of the brain’s heightened sensitivity. As the dose decreases, the brain’s dependence on the medication becomes more pronounced, meaning that a fixed reduction (such as dropping 5mg with each taper) could suddenly feel far more intense as the dose gets lower. This is why linear tapering often results in uncomfortable, sometimes severe withdrawal symptoms, especially toward the end of the taper.

 

 

Proportional tapering, on the other hand, reduces the dose by a consistent percentage of the current dose, allowing for a gentler decrease that respects the brain’s increased sensitivity at lower levels. This method minimizes the shock to the brain, helping to avoid the “rollercoaster” effect of withdrawal symptoms and allowing the brain to adjust more gradually and comfortably. Following a proportional tapering plan enables a smoother and better-tolerated process, particularly as the dosage reaches lower and more sensitive levels.

 

Start Slowly, With Different Rates for Each Medication

• Antidepressants: Begin with a 10% reduction every few weeks, adjusting to smaller reductions if withdrawal symptoms appear. This gradual pace allows your brain to adapt to the lower serotonin levels.

 

• Antipsychotics: Similarly, a 10% reduction every few weeks is a good starting point. However, due to the unique impact of antipsychotics on brain pathways, some may need even smaller reductions, especially at lower doses. Reductions as small as 5% may be more manageable for some people. 

 

Allow Ample Time Between Dose Reductions

For both antidepressants and antipsychotics, waiting at least several weeks between dose reductions is essential to give the body time to adapt. This waiting period may be longer for those experiencing symptoms; many people find that waiting a month or more between reductions makes the process easier to manage.

 

Switch to Liquid Forms if Possible

• Antidepressants: Switching to a liquid version can be helpful because it allows for precise, small reductions, especially at lower doses where small changes matter more. Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider to see if a liquid form is available or if doses can be prepared by a compounding pharmacy.

 

• Antipsychotics: This is especially helpful for antipsychotics, as even tiny reductions at lower doses can have a significant impact. Liquid forms make it easier to achieve accurate doses, helping to avoid sudden shocks to the system as you taper.

 

Pro-Tip: Ask your healthcare provider or any prospective providers if they have experience helping patients taper off these medications with alternative forms such as liquids or compounded doses. Most long-term patients will require a non-conventional oral form to achieve proportional tapering, so if this provider hasn’t had experience with liquids or compounded doses, you may want to find someone more experienced. 

 

Monitor Withdrawal Symptoms

 

 

When discontinuing antidepressants or antipsychotics, it’s common to experience withdrawal symptoms that can mimic the very symptoms these medications were intended to treat, such as depression or psychosis. This overlap can make the process feel confusing and even alarming, as it may be challenging to distinguish between true relapse and temporary withdrawal effects. To support a smoother taper, using a symptom tracker, such as a Food and Mood Journal, allows you to record your emotional and physical responses each day, offering insight into how your body is adjusting to each dose reduction.

 

For antidepressants, the list of withdrawal symptoms above provides a guide to what you might expect. If these symptoms arise, it’s best to pause at your current dose until they settle, and, if necessary, consider reducing the taper rate to as low as 5% to lessen the impact. Slowing down the process helps your brain adjust gradually, reducing discomfort and making withdrawal symptoms easier to manage.

 

Antipsychotics can also lead to withdrawal symptoms that sometimes mimic psychotic episodes, which makes it crucial to track your symptoms and be cautious about interpreting any emotional or psychological shifts. If psychotic-like symptoms or other withdrawal effects emerge, consider pausing at the current dose until you feel more stable or adjust to a slower taper. Because antipsychotic withdrawal can closely resemble relapse, it’s especially important to have the support of a healthcare provider who can guide you through these challenges and help assess any emerging symptoms.

 

Using a symptom tracker allows you to gain a clearer picture of how your body is responding, helping to ensure a safer taper by tracking patterns, noticing trends, and reducing the chance of misinterpreting withdrawal symptoms as relapse. 

 

Customize the Process Based on Personal Response

Each person’s experience with tapering is unique. If you notice intense symptoms at any point, consider reducing them by a smaller percentage or extending the time between reductions. Customizing your plan based on how you feel allows for a more comfortable taper, so feel free to adjust as needed.

 

Work Closely With an Experienced Healthcare Provider

Tapering off either antidepressants or antipsychotics can be complex and requires professional support. Working with a healthcare provider, preferably one familiar with tapering protocols, can ensure a safe, structured process. They can help you set a tapering schedule, monitor for signs of relapse or withdrawal, and provide necessary adjustments or support. For antipsychotics, in particular, having professional oversight is essential due to the risk of psychotic relapse.

 

Pro-Tip: For a more in-depth guide on safely tapering off these medications, read The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines by Mark Horowitz and David M. Taylor.   

 

Do These Best Practices Apply to Other Medications?

While these best practices are specifically designed for tapering off antipsychotics and antidepressants, the same principles also apply to other psychotropic drugs and other types of prescription medications. The concept of proportional tapering—reducing the dose by a percentage of the current dose rather than a fixed amount—is one of the key recommendations for tapering off any psychotropic drug and may be valuable among others. 

 

This method allows for a gentler, more gradual adjustment as the body adapts, helping to minimize potential withdrawal effects. Allowing enough time between dose reductions is equally essential, as it gives your body and brain a chance to stabilize after each step-down, making the overall process smoother and more manageable. 

 

Monitoring symptoms and personalizing the tapering schedule are key to safely discontinuing any medication. Making sure to observe how your body responds at each stage and adjusting the taper accordingly allows you to better support your well-being and minimize any physical or emotional discomfort. 

 

While some drugs may not carry the same level of withdrawal risks as antipsychotics and antidepressants, careful tapering is essential to avoid discomfort and reduce the chances of mistaking temporary withdrawal symptoms for a need to return to the medication. This ensures that you’re gradually and thoughtfully supporting your body, giving it the best chance to adjust smoothly and minimize misinterpretations that could lead to unnecessarily resuming medication.

 

Real Talk With Medications

No one wants to get on medications. We really get to the point of desperation or hopelessness that we think medications are the only solution when what we truly want is to cure whatever is going on. But we usually feel things are wrong because something is wrong. It’s our innate wisdom telling us to change, to grow, to be…

 

And when we pop a pill to try and hush our body’s innate wisdom, the truth is that the root-cause problems never go away. 

 

We have found in our practice that people turn to addictions or struggle with mood imbalances because of hurtful events and past wounds that have just been swept under the rug. We firmly believe in our practice that in order to have root-cause healing, we must uncover the ugly things that are hiding from our past. We must allow these wounds to heal and shed light in areas we have hidden for so long in the dark. 

 

While the answers to healing aren’t easy, it’s much more hopeful than getting into the cobwebs of deceit and false promises from psychiatric medications and beyond. 

 

There is a saying that in silence you find wisdom and clarity. If you are faith-based, it’s similar to how Christ would take time alone in the wilderness. When you aren’t doing well, figure out what is wrong. Take some alone time to see what is hurting your heart, and what is burdening you. (Of course, this is assuming you have cleaned up your diet, sleep, and environmental toxins.)

 

Here are some additional recommendations for finding healing: 

 

• Mind Body Program 
• Psychotherapy (Important Note: We don’t believe in doing talk therapy for years. It just becomes rumination with no benefit. It can serve an important time and place but eventually, you have to do something tactical.) 
• Community and genuine connection
• Regular exercise and movement (A study analyzing 97 reviews with 128,119 patients using a measurement tool reported that exercise was 1.5 times more effective than antidepressants.)

 

Closing Thoughts on Tapering Off Medications

Tapering off medications is a journey that requires patience, care, and self-compassion. Following a slow, proportional tapering protocol allows your body and mind time to adjust, reducing the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Whether you’re tapering off antipsychotics, antidepressants, or other medications, personalizing your approach and working with a trusted healthcare provider can make a tremendous difference, giving you the guidance and support needed for a safe, steady transition. Remember, this process is unique for everyone, and small adjustments along the way are part of creating a plan that truly works for you.

 

Beyond tapering strategies, supporting yourself holistically is essential. A nutrient-dense diet, such as the carnivore diet, can help nourish your body while managing symptoms. Practicing stress management techniques, supporting drainage and detox pathways, staying hydrated, and prioritizing restful sleep are powerful ways to nurture yourself during this time. 

 

These habits help create a strong foundation for healing, fostering resilience, and aiding your body’s natural balancing processes. Tapering may seem daunting, but with the right resources and support, you’re on a hopeful path to reclaiming health and independence. 

 

Work With Our Trusted Carnivore Diet Functional Medicine Practitioners

The Nutrition with Judy practice is honored to be a trusted carnivore diet practitioner support serving patients from around the globe. We’re passionate about helping our patients achieve root-cause healing in order to lead the best quality of life possible that’s nearly symptom-free. Our team is dedicated to providing the nuanced research you need to make informed health decisions. We welcome you to explore our free resources and are always available to support you through personalized protocols. Our Symptom Burden Assessment (SBA) is the perfect starting point for discovering your root cause and is required to work with our team— you can learn more in-depth about this powerful tool here.