The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines provides guidance for clinicians through evidence-based, comprehensive and authoritative information on this important aspect of treatment, derived from the latest research and insights from clinical practice (including from patient experts).
Chapters:
Introduction to Deprescribing Psychiatric Medications
Safe Deprescribing of Antidepressants
Safe Deprescribing of Benzodiazepines and Z‐drugs
Safe Deprescribing of Gabapentinoids
support information and guides
Poster: Maudsley guidelines poster.pdf
Maudsley guidelines.pptx (download)
PDF Maudsley Deprescribing in NHS Wales
The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines covers topics such as:
Why and when to deprescribe antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids and z-drugs
Barriers and enablers to deprescribing including physical dependence, social circumstances, and knowledge about the discontinuation process
Distinguishing withdrawal symptoms, such as poor mood, anxiety, insomnia, and a variety of physical symptoms from symptoms of the underlying disorder that medication was intended to treat
The difference between physical dependence and addiction/substance use disorder
Explanation of why and how to implement hyperbolic tapering in clinical practice
Specific guidance on formulations of medication and techniques for making gradual reductions, including using liquid forms of medication, and other approaches
Step-by-step guidance for safely stopping all commonly used antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids and z-drugs, including fast, moderate and slow tapering regimens or schedules for each drug, and guidance on how to tailor these to an individual
Troubleshooting issues which can arise on stopping these medications, including akathisia, withdrawal symptoms, acute or protracted, and relapse.