Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal

Abstract

Psychiatric medications are not only dangerous to take on a regular basis, but they also become especially dangerous during changes in dosage, including dose reduction and withdrawal. This book provides the latest up-to-date clinical and research information regarding when and how to reduce or to withdraw from psychiatric medication. The book is divided into two parts. While <xref>Part I</xref> deals with the reasons to consider drug withdrawal or dose reduction. <xref>Part II</xref> discusses the withdrawal process. Although this book focuses on medication reduction and withdrawal, the person-centered collaborative approach is also a model for helping children, dependent adults, adults who are emotionally or cognitively impaired, and the elderly, as well as those going through psychiatric medication withdrawal. The book begins with reviews of adverse drug effects that may require drug reduction or withdrawal. It then discusses withdrawal effects for specific drugs to familiarize clinicians, patients, and families with these problems. Reasons for withdrawal for antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drugs, antidepressant drugs, stimulant drugs, sedatives and opiates, and lithium and mood stabilizers are described. Medication spellbinding (intoxication anosognosia) is caused by all psychoactive substances, and can lead to dangerous behaviors that are highly uncharacteristic of the individual. Prescribers and therapists who embrace a person-centered collaborative approach to therapy and to medication withdrawal will find it professionally gratifying and will help many patients and their families.