When should therapeutic doses of medications be continued through withdrawal?

Continuing therapeutic doses of medications through withdrawal is essential to ensure that patients do not experience a resurgence of symptoms that the medication was initially managing. Maintaining the prescribed dose during this period helps to provide stability and minimize potential withdrawal effects.

In situations where a patient has been taking their medication as prescribed, the therapeutic effects of the medication are typically more stable, and there may be less risk of abrupt symptom return. This approach can also assist in a controlled tapering process, helping to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and avoiding sudden changes that could negatively impact the patient’s mental or physical health.

Other considerations, such as a patient's request to stop or their feelings about symptom return, may not align with clinical best practices designed to prioritize safety and efficacy during medication withdrawal. It is paramount that medications are managed based on clinical guidelines and the patient's specific health needs rather than only on subjective experiences or requests.