About Deprescribing

Looking to stop your antidepressants or other psychiatric medication—but want to do it the right way? You’re not alone. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we provide safe, evidence-based deprescribing services for people in Colorado who are ready to reduce or stop psychiatric medications, including antidepressants. Whether you’re in Denver, Boulder, or Westminster, our team of psychiatric experts can help you taper safely and improve your mental health outcomes with personalized care.

Deprescribing Q&A

What Is Psychiatric Deprescribing?

Psychiatric deprescribing is a supervised process of safely reducing or stopping psychiatric medications through gradual tapers and close monitoring—so you can find the right balance for your brain and your life

Your plan starts with a comprehensive assessment, followed by a personalized taper schedule and regular check-ins to adjust doses and manage symptoms. Non-medication supports like therapy, Deep TMS, and lifestyle strategies can be added as needed.

Deprescribing involves careful assessment, slow tapering plans, and constant monitoring to avoid withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and support your body and mind as they adjust. It can be especially helpful for individuals who:

Have been on antidepressants for years and are wondering if they still need them
Experience unpleasant side effects or emotional blunting
Are on multiple medications and want to simplify their regimen (polypharmacy)
Want to pursue non-medication treatments like TMS or therapy

Axis offers deprescribing services in Aurora, Denver, Boulder/Louisville, and Westminster as well as statewide telehealth, with insurance guidance and coordinated care throughout your taper.

Why Consider Getting Off of Antidepressants?

There are many reasons someone may want to reduce or stop antidepressant use. Some people feel emotionally numb or foggy. Others experience weight gain, sexual side effects, or fatigue. And many simply want to see how they feel without long-term medication.

However, stopping antidepressants suddenly or without the right medical oversight can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as:

Brain zaps
Dizziness
Mood swings
Insomnia
Panic attacks

Research shows that up to 56% of people may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping antidepressants (Davies & Read, 2019). That’s why professional support matters.

Meet Our Deprescribing Experts

Ben Egbers, DNP – Clinical Deprescribing Specialist

Ben brings years of psychiatric prescribing experience to deprescribing. With a background in both child and adult psychiatry, Ben has helped hundreds of patients simplify their medication regimens while addressing root causes. Formerly a clinical professor at Montana State University, he now sees patients in-person in Louisville and via telehealth. Ben is particularly skilled in working with patients who need help tapering multiple medications or navigating complex diagnoses.

Our Deprescribing Process

Comprehensive Assessment: Our journey begins with a thorough evaluation of your medical history, current medications, and mental health status. We work closely with you and your healthcare providers to understand your unique needs and goals.
Personalized Plan: Based on the assessment, we create a tailored deprescribing plan that outlines the step-by-step process of reducing or stopping medications. This plan is designed to be gradual, safe, supportive, and minimize withdrawal symptoms while ensuring your mental health remains stable.
Support and Monitoring: Throughout the deprescribing process, our team provides continuous support and monitoring. Regular check-ins and adjustments ensure that the plan is working effectively and safely.
Alternative Therapies: We offer a range of non-medication therapies, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), talk therapy, nutritional psychiatry, mindfulness practices, lifestyle modifications, and more. These therapies aim to provide you with effective tools to manage your mental health without relying solely on medications.

Why Choose Our Deprescribing Services?

Expert Team: Our team of mental health professionals includes psychiatric providers, therapists, and treatment experts with extensive experience in deprescribing.
Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize your well-being and work collaboratively with you to achieve your health goals.
Holistic Approach: We focus on the whole person, considering all aspects of your mental and physical health in our treatment plans.
Evidence-Based Practices: Our deprescribing methods are based on the latest research and clinical guidelines to ensure safe and effective outcomes. We have built a clinical pathway for deprescribing psychiatric medications at our clinic.
Advanced Treatment Options: We provide advanced treatment options like Spravato and TMS conveniently all under the same roof, which also streamlines the process for getting insurance approvals.
Success Stories

Many of our patients have successfully reduced their medication load and improved their quality of life through our deprescribing services. Hear from some of our satisfied clients:

“I never thought I could feel this good without my meds. The team at Axis Integrated Mental Health guided me every step of the way and provided alternative therapies that truly work.” – JM

“Titrating off benzodiazepines was a daunting process, but with the support and expertise of Axis Integrated Mental Health, I did it safely and successfully.” – MW

Start in Aurora, Denver, Boulder, or Westminster

Whether you live in the city or the foothills, our deprescribing psychiatry services are available throughout Colorado. We also support patients statewide via telehealth.

What to Expect

Intake Appointment with Psychiatric Provider
Personalized Tapering Plan and Support Schedule
Optional Add-ons: Therapy, Deep TMS, Spravato ketamine therapy, nutritional psychiatry, lab testing
Insurance and Billing Support

FAQs

Q1. If my meds are working, why should I be deprescribed meds?

Deprescribing psychiatric medications may be appropriate even when working due to long-term side effects, drug interactions, tolerance development, or life changes. Reasons include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, cognitive dulling, metabolic issues, or pregnancy planning. Some patients achieve sustained remission and may safely reduce medications under psychiatric supervision. Polypharmacy risks increase with multiple medications. Deprescribing isn’t always necessary – many patients benefit from continued treatment. The decision requires individualized assessment by board-certified psychiatrists considering symptom stability, duration of wellness, medication burden, and patient goals. Evidence-based deprescribing involves gradual medication tapering with close monitoring for symptom recurrence.

Q2. How long does deprescribing typically take?

Deprescribing timelines vary significantly based on medication type, dosage, duration of use, and individual response. Antidepressant tapering typically takes 2-6 months with gradual dose reductions every 2-4 weeks. Benzodiazepine deprescribing requires slower tapering over 6-12 months due to withdrawal risks. Antipsychotic medications may take 3-9 months for safe reduction. Mood stabilizers require careful monitoring over 3-6 months. Factors affecting timeline include withdrawal sensitivity, symptom stability, and support systems. Rush tapering increases relapse risk and withdrawal symptoms. Successful deprescribing prioritizes patient safety over speed, with psychiatric monitoring throughout the process. Some patients require multiple attempts or maintenance doses.

Q3. Are your deprescribing services evidence-based?

Yes, our deprescribing services follow evidence-based protocols and clinical guidelines from leading psychiatric organizations. We use validated assessment tools, standardized tapering schedules, and outcome measurements supported by peer-reviewed research. Our board-certified psychiatrists stay current with deprescribing literature and best practices. Evidence-based approaches include slow tapering schedules, withdrawal symptom monitoring, relapse prevention strategies, and psychotherapy integration. We follow guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association and International deprescribing networks. Treatment protocols are individualized based on clinical evidence and patient-specific factors. Outcome tracking and safety monitoring ensure evidence-based care throughout the deprescribing process.

Q3. Who should consider deprescribing?

Candidates for deprescribing include patients with stable mental health, medication side effects, polypharmacy concerns, or life changes. Consider deprescribing if experiencing weight gain, sexual dysfunction, cognitive effects, metabolic issues, or drug interactions. Ideal candidates have sustained symptom remission, strong support systems, and motivation for medication reduction. Pregnancy planning, career changes, or lifestyle goals may prompt deprescribing. Patients on multiple psychiatric medications or those with medical contraindications should explore reduction. Contraindications include recent relapse, severe mental illness, poor support systems, or high-risk periods. Collaborative decision-making between patient and psychiatrist determines appropriateness. Comprehensive evaluation assesses mental health stability, medication necessity, and tapering readiness.

Q4. Which medications should I consider stopping first?

Benzodiazepines are highest priority for deprescribing due to addiction risk, cognitive impairment, fall risk, and withdrawal dangers, especially in elderly patients. Anticholinergic medications including tricyclic antidepressants and certain antihistamines cause memory problems and dementia risk. Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta) for sleep have dependency potential and cognitive side effects. Antipsychotics used off-label for sleep or anxiety carry metabolic risks and tardive dyskinesia. Polypharmacy combinations where multiple psychiatric medications interact or duplicate effects. Long-term PPIs, muscle relaxants, and sedating medications in older adults increase fall risk. ADHD stimulants in stable adults and mood stabilizers with significant side effect burden may warrant careful tapering. Evidence-based deprescribing prioritizes medications with high harm potential and limited ongoing benefit.

Take the First Step Towards a Healthier You

If you’re ready to explore deprescribing and reduce your reliance on medications, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a healthier, more balanced life.

Optimize your mental health with our specialized Deprescribing services. Let us help you find a path to well-being that works best for you. Book your consultation today and start your personalized deprescribing journey with Axis Integrated Mental Health.