Depression

Can I stop taking psychiatric medication if I feel better?

Don't stop psychiatric medication without medical supervision; feeling better often means the medication is working, not that you no longer need it.

It's tempting to stop medication when you're feeling better, but this can be risky. Feeling better often means the medication is working, not that you no longer need it. Stopping medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and a return of your original symptoms.

If you want to reduce or stop your medication, work with your doctor to create a gradual tapering plan. They can help you determine if you're ready to reduce medication and how to do it safely.