Stopping your antidepressant more slowly and in a method informed by the ways the drugs work, as Outro does, will reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, making the process smoother so that you can continue your normal activities.
The time required to taper is highly individual and depends on a variety of factors, including how much time your brain takes to readapt to a state without an antidepressant medication. Because everyone's experience is different, we take a personalized approach, closely monitoring your progress at each step. During this process, we adjust your taper plan based on how you're responding to each dose reduction and any symptoms you may experience. This ensures that the taper is as safe and comfortable as possible for you.
At your first appointment, we will discuss a starting approach and may be able to offer a general timeline, but it’s important to understand that we do not provide a fixed, detailed taper schedule right away. The plan will evolve over time, based on your unique needs and progress.
Based on current guidelines, if you’ve been on antidepressant medication for more than a year, a safe tapering process will typically take at least 3-6 months. This gradual reduction helps minimize both the risk of withdrawal symptoms and the potential for relapse. We will work with you throughout this period, adjusting the taper as needed to ensure your comfort and well-being.