Antidepressant withdrawal effects and safe deprescribing

This session provides a structured, evidence-based approach to safely deprescribing psychotropic medications, including antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Clinicians will gain practical strategies to support patients through tapering, minimise withdrawal risks, and implement best-practice deprescribing protocols in clinical settings. A panel discussion will offer insights into consumer and clinical perspectives, helping GPs and clinicians navigate real-world challenges and improve patient outcomes.

This in-person event features Dr Mark Horowitz, co-author of ‘The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines ’ (Wiley, 2024) comprehensive resource for safely reducing or stopping (deprescribing) antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids and z-drugs for patients. 

Dr Horowitz will share evidence-based insights, focusing on:

• A structured framework for the safe and effective deprescribing of medications, including antidepressants and benzodiazepines, to suit the individual needs of each patient. 
• Practical strategies to support patients during tapering. 
• Ensuring safe and effective deprescribing practices.

This will be followed by a panel discussion which will provide valuable localised insights into consumer and clinical issues around deprescribing. The panel will explore what best-practice clinical support could look like. Supported by counselling service Reconnexion, this event offers an invaluable opportunity to deepen understanding of deprescribing practices and learn how to implement them. 

The event is suitable for general practitioners and health professionals involved in prescribing or managing psychotropic medications.

There will be a break and space available for participants who observe Ramadan.

Speaker bio:

Dr Mark Horowitz is an Australian training psychiatrist, now working in London as a Clinical Research Fellow in the NHS and an Honorary Clinical Research Fellow at UCL. He completed a PhD in the neurobiology of depression and the pharmacology of antidepressants at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London.

Learning outcomes:

1. Identify when, why and in whom to stop antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs such as benzodiazepines.
2. Describe the risks of stopping these medications too quickly.
3. Distinguish between withdrawal effects and relapse of an underlying condition.
4. Apply evidence-based principles to safely taper these drugs classes, adjusted to the individual patient.

Registration and light refreshments at 6.00pm with session start at 6.30pm