Should I use a hyperbolic taper to stop my antidepressant?

If you are thinking about stopping or even decreasing your antidepressant you are taking, hyperbolic tapering should be considered as an option. As with all psychiatric medication decisions, carefully evaluating the risk vs benefits of your tapering strategy is key to feeling confident and comfortable with your decision. 

What are the benefits of a hyperbolic taper?

The main reasons to choose a hyperbolic taper or a different type of taper is to reduce the risk of antidepressant withdrawal and reduce the risk of relapse (where the symptoms that had you taking the antidepressant in the first place come back). In people who have failed stopping their medications in the past, there is some research that suggests hyperbolic tapering increases the likelihood you are able to successfully stop your antidepressant and stay off it. 

What are the risks of hyperbolic tapering antidepressants?

The top risks are the same risks of stopping any antidepressant – withdrawal and relapse. Hyperbolic tapering is designed to decrease these risks, but it’s important to know that they are still possible.   

Balancing Risks vs Benefits

Now you have the basic key information to help you make an informed decision with your psychiatrist about tapering your medication.  In my experience, finding a personalized strategy that can include lifestyle interventions like improving sleep, supplements, psychotherapy, alternative medicine like acupuncture and a medication tapering approach specific to your needs is critical to successfully transitioning off antidepressant medication.

References:

van Os J, Groot PC. Outcomes of hyperbolic tapering of antidepressants. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2023 May 9;13:20451253231171518. doi: 10.1177/20451253231171518. PMID: 37200818; PMCID: PMC10185864.