Should I Stop Taking My Psychotropic Medication?
Published on May 27, 2021

Have you been seeking treatment for your mental health and now you’re feeling better?  

Have you ever wondered if you still need treatment? 

According to the National Institute of Health, 50%- 85% of patients who have depression will have a recurrent episode of depression within a decade. Studies have also shown that patients who start and stop psychotropic medications have a more difficult time achieving remission with each recurrent onset of depression or anxiety. In fact, with each new trial of medication (after stopping treatment) the likelihood of achieving remission is decreased by 25%.

Mental health disorders can be difficult to understand. Because of the complexity of the neurotransmitter system, and the complex structure of the brain (specifically, the hippocampus) mental health disorders can be a mystery to patients who suffer with these diagnoses. Just like a patient with diabetes or heart disease, patients who are compliant with medication and the treatment plan show much better outcomes than those that stop their treatment without being under the guidance of a provider.

Patients who are compliant with medication and the treatment plan show much better outcomes than those that stop their treatment without being under the guidance of a provider.

Just like with a patient who has diabetes and needs to use medication or insulin to treat the symptoms of their disease, mental health disorders are an imbalance of the neurotransmitter system in the brain and are corrected with medication. Just like if a diabetic patient stops taking their medication, stopping psychotropic medication can cause the disorder to re-flair, sometimes worse than the original occurrence. In fact, “with each prior exposure to antidepressants, the likelihood of their getting into remission decreased by 25%.”

Factors that can influence recurrence are severity of episode, lack of symptomatic improvement with first line treatments, other comorbid psychiatric disorders, and age all increase the likelihood of recurrence of symptoms. This can create a challenge for patients and providers to find adequate treatment for patients, as each recurrence of symptoms carries a 10%-20% risk of becoming unremitting and chronic.

Studies have shown that one of the more common disorders, Bi-Polar Disorder, going untreated has shown to trend into more severe symptoms, longer duration of symptoms, and increased frequency of symptoms, compared to patients who sought consistent treatment of their disease. Even with treatment, about 37% of patients will experience a relapse into depression or mania within the first year and 60% within 2 years. Depression studies have shown that 85% of patients will have a recurrent episode of clinical depression within a decade of the first episode. But patients with these disorders can lead a full, happy life with ongoing treatment and monitoring of their symptoms. A good treatment plan will include the use of treatments such as psychotherapy, medication management, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Some patients are able to stop medication treatment under the close monitoring of a provider. Studies show that remaining on medication treatment for at least 6-9mos after remission of symptoms have a better outcome when titrating off of psychotropic medication. Titrating off medication should be done slowly and under the supervision of a provider who can closely monitor for rebound symptoms and adjust titration appropriately for the patient’s needs. Again, remember that all patients are not able to stop medication treatment. Some patients have recurring symptoms that may require ongoing treatment to prevent relapse into symptoms again. 

Patients with these disorders can lead a full, happy life with ongoing treatment and monitoring of their symptoms.

Just like with the patient who has diabetes, once we are able to help rebalance the brain chemistry, stopping medication will likely result in disrupting this balance and result in relapse of symptoms. If you are feeling better and are interested in stopping your medications, please consult your mental health provider first! They may want you to remain on treatment or titrate slowly to prevent relapse or resistance to medication. Remember that treatment is multifaceted and may include medication, psychotherapy, sleep hygiene, and healthy lifestyle choices. By working with your healthcare team, you can find a balance to effectively treat your symptoms of mental health disorders, as well as prevent future remissions or worsening of symptoms.

Remember, this is what your Psychiatrist specializes in. We’re here to help!

Written by Nurse Audra, with guidance from Dr. Edwards