Principles of rationalising psychotropics in palliative care

Follow the principles of medication rationalisation when rationalising psychotropics in palliative care.

For patients with severe psychiatric disorders (eg treatment-refractory psychiatric disorders, schizophrenia, severe major depression, bipolar disorder), seek advice from their psychiatrist or mental health team to plan an approach to managing the disorder at the end of life. Close monitoring of symptoms and mental state is required when making changes to drug regimens (eg deprescribing of an antidepressant or antipsychotic). If mental state deteriorates, a return to their previous dose may be needed.