This network meta-analysis of 76 trials found that slow tapering (over 4 weeks) combined with psychological support was most effective for preventing relapse when stopping antidepressants. Abrupt discontinuation and fast tapering substantially increased relapse risk and should be avoided.
[read the full story...]
Eleanor Dawkins explores a new review and meta-analysis suggesting that cognitive impairment is linked with anticholinergic medication in psychosis, providing grounds for more careful monitoring and review of medications.
[read the full story...]
Gemma Lewis and Glyn Lewis summarise a robust systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the incidence of symptoms when discontinuing or withdrawing from antidepressants. The data suggest that 8-14% of patients will experience antidepressant discontinuation symptoms, and for around 2% these symptoms will be severe.
[read the full story...]
In her debut blog, Asha Ladwa discusses a secondary analysis of data from the ANTLER trial, which investigated the clinical factors associated with relapse in primary care patients on long-term maintenance antidepressants.
[read the full story...]
Hannah Bowers summarises a study exploring the need for antidepressant withdrawal support, from 708 survey respondents with lived experience.
[read the full story...]
Amelia Talbot considers a qualitative study that explores family members’ perspectives on reducing or discontinuing antipsychotic medication.
[read the full story...]
Adele Framer summarises a systematic review which finds that major guidelines on antidepressant discontinuation only give clinicians vague guidance on distinguishing withdrawal from relapse.
[read the full story...]
Jessica Scaife reviews a individual patient data meta-analysis exploring the continuation of antidepressants versus sequential psychological interventions to prevent relapse in depression.
[read the full story...]
Mark Horowitz considers a recent article written by Adele Framer, Founder of SurvivingAntidepressants.org, which describes how best to help people who are tapering off antidepressants.
[read the full story...]
Adele Framer, Founder of SurvivingAntidepressants.org, explores a recent Cochrane review on antidepressant discontinuation versus continuation for adults with depression or anxiety, which highlights huge uncertainty in the science about antidepressant withdrawal.
[read the full story...]
