Experts Urge Careful Review Before Stopping Mental Health Medications
26 Feb 2026
They say patients and GPs should work together to make decisions about starting, continuing, or stopping these medicines.
A study in JAMA Network Open brought together 45 psychopharmacology experts from around the world, including Australians, to decide when it’s safe to consider stopping psychotropic medications.
The experts said that prescribing, renewing, and deprescribing medications should be a flexible process, with doctors keeping a close eye on patients and working alongside them throughout their treatment.
Deprescribing may be considered when a medication is no longer helping, or when its risks outweigh its benefits. But doctors should make sure the patient is taking their medicine correctly and think about how stopping might affect their life and wellbeing.
‘Doctors need to recognise when medications may become unnecessary or even harmful,’ the researchers said.
Dr Karen Spielman, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests in Psychological Medicine, said the study shows how important it is for GPs to take a careful and informed approach.
‘Medication can be very helpful when used properly, but it can also cause harm,’ she said. ‘It’s important to take time to talk with patients and involve them in decisions about their care.’
The study also highlighted that patients on psychotropic medicines should have regular check-ins to review whether the treatment is still working and safe.
‘Ongoing support and follow-up are essential,’ Dr Spielman said. ‘This includes regular reviews, access to therapy and lifestyle measures, and collaboration with psychiatrists when needed. Once these supports are in place, stopping a medicine becomes part of routine care.’
Experts also agreed that decisions about risks and benefits should involve patients as much as possible. Dr Spielman said this helps patients feel in control and improves their overall wellbeing.
‘Patients should be active in their care. We aim for a collaborative approach that gives them confidence to make informed choices,’ she said.
The findings support current RACGP guidelines, which include guidance for GPs on reviewing long-term antidepressant use and resources to help patients safely reduce or stop medications if appropriate.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: JAMA Network Open, RACGP