How to Safely Stop or Reduce Antidepressants with Expert Psychiatric 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.

What Is Psychiatric Deprescribing?

Psychiatric deprescribing is the process of safely reducing or stopping psychiatric medications under clinical supervision. It's not about giving up treatment. It's about finding the right balance for your brain and your life.

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

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.

Jamie Teunis, DNP – Psychiatry and Collaborative Taper Planning

Jamie combines a collaborative, patient-centered approach with deep expertise in psychiatry and advanced depression treatments. She helps patients create safe, sustainable tapering plans based on their individual needs. Jamie also supports patients who are transitioning off medications and onto therapies like Spravato, Deep TMS, or CBT. Based in Denver, Jamie works with patients across Colorado via telehealth.

Our Deprescribing Process

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 Denver, Boulder, or Westminster

Whether you live in the city or the foothills, our deprescribing psychiatry services are available throughout Colorado:

• Denver: In-person or telehealth care with Jamie Teunis and our integrated psychiatric team

• Boulder/Louisville: In-person or telehealth visits with Ben Egbers

• Westminster: Telehealth and in-clinic appointments available

We also support patients statewide via telehealth.

What to Expect

1. Free Consultation Call

2. Intake Appointment with Psychiatric Provider

3. Personalized Tapering Plan and Support Schedule

4. Optional Add-ons: Therapy, TMS, nutritional psychiatry, lab testing

5. Insurance and Billing Support

FAQs

1. What is the safest way to get off antidepressants?

2. How long does deprescribing typically take?

3. Will I experience withdrawal symptoms?

4. Is deprescribing covered by insurance in Colorado?

5. Can I switch to therapy or TMS instead of medication?

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.