Withdrawing psychotropic drugs

For detailed advice on stopping psychotropic drugs, see the Psychotropic guidelines.

As in the general population, if the person’s condition is not improving significantly within the expected timeframe for that drug, consider tapering and stopping the drug.

Assess the capacity of the person with developmental disability to self-monitor and report problems during drug withdrawal. Collaborate with carers or support people if required. It is helpful to have a clear baseline of mental state and function prior to drug withdrawal. Ensure the person and their carers or support people understand the rationale for stopping the drug and are aware of potential withdrawal effects.

Psychotropics should be withdrawn in small increments, with close monitoring for symptom relapse or withdrawal effects. Ensure the rationale and outcome of drug withdrawal are clearly recorded in the person’s health record.

Withdrawal from long-term psychotropic therapy is more likely to be difficult if the patient:

• is taking high doses of the drug
• has a high baseline of challenging behaviour.

Effects of withdrawal from antipsychotic drugs may include temporary exacerbation of behavioural difficulties or withdrawal dyskinesias.