Tapering and Stopping Psychiatric Medications: “De-prescribing”

Tapering Off Psychiatric Medications: SSRIs, SNRIs, and More

Watch our brief video overview to learn more. Services are available in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and through Telehealth so you can access tapering support wherever you are.

Dr. Paula Bu, Lead Clinical Physician at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates.

Medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and Buprenorphine can be life-changing for those managing depression, anxiety, or other conditions. But when considering tapering off medication, it’s critical to work closely with a prescriber to ensure safety and minimize risks.

Many patients share that after years on medication, they’re unsure if it’s still needed—yet stopping leads to difficult withdrawal. Symptoms like brain zaps, dizziness, fatigue, or insomnia are common when tapering off medication. A skilled provider can help determine whether symptoms mean continued treatment is necessary or if they reflect withdrawal that can be safely managed with a structured plan.

Expert Training in Tapering Off Psychiatric Medications

Dr. Pagnani, Medical Director and Founder of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates

Our team evaluates whether continuing or tapering medication is best for each patient. Dr. Pagnani, who trained at Johns Hopkins in medication tapering, leads our providers in offering safe, informed guidance for patients exploring how to get off psych meds. Care is available in-office and through Telehealth across PA, NJ, NY, DE, and FL.

Using Compounding Pharmacies for Safer Tapering

Many medications only come in limited doses, making tapering off medication difficult. By working with compounding pharmacies, we can customize smaller dose reductions to ease withdrawal symptoms and support a smoother transition off psychiatric medications.

Medications that can be tapered utilizing local compounding pharmacies include:

SSRI’s: Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine)

SNRI’s: Cymbalta (duloxetine) & Effexor (venlafaxine)

Benzodiazepines: Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Valium (diazepam)

Other: Remeron (mirtazepine) & Buprenorphine (active ingredient in Suboxone)

Other Medications We Help Patients Taper Off

Patients may also seek guidance on how to get off psych meds such as Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and other medications. Our providers create tailored tapering plans to reduce risks and ease withdrawal.

For more resources on tapering off medication, visit our YouTube Channel with 100+ videos covering antidepressants, benzodiazepines like Valium, and sleep medications such as Ambien. Videos discuss tips on how to get off psych meds safely, with provider supervision, when appropriate.

Compounding pharmacies can make tapering off medication safer, but they often involve out-of-pocket costs since most insurers do not cover compounded doses. On average, patients spend about $60 per month for 30 pills or $90 for 60 pills. In many cases, compounded medications are only needed for a short time while stepping down between standard prescription doses.