antipsychotic deprescribing

Management

• if the antipsychotic was initiated within the last year, a gradual dose reduction (GDR) must be attempted in two separate quarters (with at least one month between attempts)
• if the antipsychotic has been prescribed for more than one year, a GDR must be attempted annually
• if no antipsychotic GDR has been attempted, the prescriber must document a taper is clinically contraindicated
• when antipsychotic therapy is decreased or discontinued, informed consent is not needed*
• ref recommends deprescribing antipsychotics for adults with behavioral & psychological symptoms of dementia treated for at least 3 months (symptoms stabilized)
• discontinuation of antipsychotics prior to hospital discharge associated with reduced risk of rehospitalization, fall-related emergency department visits & all-cause mortality within 6 months

* also see antipsychotic Management: for antipsychotic prescribing

More general terms

• medication deprescribing

Additional terms

• antipsychotic agent