Feeling Stuck on Psychiatric Medication? A Safer, More Thoughtful Way to Deprescribe Antidepressants

Many people begin antidepressants during a season of crisis—depression, anxiety, trauma, insomnia, or overwhelming stress. At the time, medication may have been helpful or even life-saving.

But months or years later, a common question emerges:

“Why do I still feel stuck on this antidepressant medication—and how do I safely come off?”

If this question resonates with you, you are not alone. A growing number of patients are seeking deprescribing support: a careful, evidence-informed process of reducing or discontinuing psychiatric medication when clinically appropriate, without destabilizing mental health or triggering severe withdrawal symptoms.

This is exactly why we created our Deprescribing Service (TaperWell).

Why Patients Feel “Stuck” on Antidepressant Medication

Many patients want to stop medication, but feel trapped for reasons such as:

• Fear of withdrawal symptoms

• Previous failed taper attempts

• Being told “you’ll need this for life”

• Worsening anxiety or mood when doses are reduced too quickly

• Lack of provider support or time to taper slowly

• Side effects like emotional blunting, weight changes, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, or cognitive fog

For some, medication is still appropriate. For others, the dose, duration, or type of medication no longer aligns with their current mental health needs.

The problem is not the desire to taper.

The problem is how tapering is done.

Deprescribing Is Not “Just Stopping Medication”

Deprescribing is a structured clinical process, not an abrupt decision or a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our deprescribing model focuses on:

• Thorough medication review and history

• Assessing nervous system sensitivity

• Identifying withdrawal vs. relapse symptoms

• Supporting the brain during tapering

• Integrating lifestyle, nutrition, and nervous system regulation

• Adjusting pace based on how your body responds

At the center of this work is understanding how medications interact with the brain over time—and why tapering method matters.

Who Is Deprescribing Antidepressants Appropriate For?

Deprescribing may be appropriate if you:

• Feel emotionally numb or unlike yourself

• Have been stable and want to reassess medication necessity

• Experience ongoing side effects

• Have attempted tapering before and struggled

• Want a second opinion on long-term medication use

• Are motivated to support mental health through lifestyle, therapy, and nervous system care

Deprescribing is not rushed, and it is never forced. For some patients, the goal is full discontinuation. For others, it may mean dose reduction or simplification.

Both are valid outcomes.

What Makes Our Deprescribing Service Different

This service was designed specifically for patients who want thoughtful, ethical, and medically grounded support, not pressure or ideology.

Our approach includes:

• Individualized taper planning

• Education on withdrawal vs. relapse

• Hyperbolic tapering when indicated

• Coordination with therapy and lifestyle supports

• Focus on nervous system regulation

• Functional and integrative strategies when appropriate

• Ongoing reassessment—not rigid timelines

The goal is not simply to remove medication.

The goal is to restore autonomy, safety, and confidence in your mental health care.

You Are Not Weak for Wanting to Taper

Wanting to reassess medication does not mean medication “failed” or that you did something wrong.

It means you are listening to your body.

Deprescribing antidepressants, when done correctly, is not about rejection of psychiatry—it is about precision, respect for the nervous system, and informed choice.

If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unheard, you deserve support that meets you where you are.

Ready to Explore Deprescribing Safely?

If you are considering tapering psychiatric medication and want a clinically guided, individualized approach, we invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss whether deprescribing is appropriate for you.

You do not have to do this alone—and you do not have to rush.

Contact Us