Lancet Psychiatry

What’s the best way to deprescribe antidepressants?

December 16, 2025

This network meta-analysis of 76 randomized trials (17,379 adults) found that slow tapering of antidepressants with structured psychological support was as effective as continuing medication at standard dose in reducing relapse risk—and significantly better than abrupt or fast discontinuation (relative risks, ~0.4–0.52; number needed to treat [NNT] ≈5; moderate certainty).

Clinical takeaway: When considering deprescribing in remitted depression, opt for a gradual taper combined with psychological support rather than abrupt cessation or dose reduction alone to minimize relapse risk.

Source:

Zaccoletti D, et al. (2026, January). Lancet Psychiatry. Comparison of antidepressant deprescribing strategies in individuals with clinically remitted depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41386898/