This section presents research and personal experiences relating to the use of and withdrawal from antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drugs. You can use this page to:
Click here to select another drug type.
What causes withdrawal symptoms? The exact mechanism is unknown, but a proposed theory is that, over time, the body adapts to the presence of the drug by altering the number or sensitivity of neurotransmitter receptors. When the drug is reduced or stopped, these adaptations are uncompensated for by the drug and the result is withdrawal symptoms. This adaptation is known as oppositional tolerance and is proposed as the reason that withdrawal can persist long after the drug is âout of the bodyâ. Click here to read a more detailed account of how psychotropic drugs act on the brain.
Are antipsychotics addictive? Doctors will sometimes reject any suggestion that psychiatric drugs can be addictive. As far as the technical distinction between dependence and addiction is concerned, this is correct. However, it would be misleading if the assertion that psychiatric drugs âare not addictiveâ was used to imply either that the drugs are without risk, or that they cannot lead to dependence. For some people, dependence can be a result of using antipsychotic drugs exactly as prescribed.
How many people will suffer withdrawal effects when coming off antipsychotics? There have been only a small number of research projects looking at the number of people reporting withdrawal when coming off antipsychotics. Many factors influence the likelihood of withdrawal including the length of time on the drugs, the dosage taken, the age of the person taking them and whether other prescribed or street drugs are also involved. A wide range of experiences are reported between those who can come off relatively easily with mild, short-lived symptoms, to those who experience protracted withdrawal lasting many months or sometimes years.
What are recommended tapering speeds? The time taken to taper from psychiatric drugs is highly variable and dependent upon many factors and personal preference. Professional groups often recommend very short tapers, in the range of four to six weeks, but feedback from those with lived experience is that longer, more gradual tapers are preferable when aiming to minimise withdrawal effects. Recent research is providing evidence that tapering will often need to be months to years rather than days to weeks. You can read more in our withdrawal protocols document.
A review of the evidence for antipsychotics in short-term use, their adverse effects, and their impact on long-term outcomes.
Reviews of the scientific literature on antipsychotic withdrawal including discontinuation syndrome.
An examination of the available guidance on antipsychotic withdrawal from both professional and lived experience perspectives.
Göran Högberg has developed a useful checklist for suspected side effects of psychiatric drugs. Open a PDF copy or download in Microsoft Word format.
Rxisk â maintains a searchable database of adverse effects of prescription drugs that have been reported to the FDA in the United States, Health Canada, and to RxISK.
Inner Compass Initiative â provides information, resources, tools, and connecting platforms âto facilitate more informed choices regarding all things âmental healthâ.
Will Hallâs Harm Reduction Guide to Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs.
Tapering Strips â an innovative option for gradual reduction of prescribed psychiatric drugs.
‘Abilify’ the antipsychotic drug, awareness of the dangers to your health
Living with Akathisia – Support for anyone living with Akathisia. Akathisia is a state of agitation, distress, and restlessness caused from a side effect of medication.
Maastricht World Survey On Antipsychotic Drug Withdrawal – Please join and share this international study on antipsychotic drug withdrawal and attempts to withdraw, led by Will Hall and Maastricht University.
