Ceasing Medication Suddenly: Are There Risks?
I've been taking lurasidone at a dosage of 60mg, and I thought I could safely discontinue it without any weaning process. Now, three days have passed since I stopped taking it, and I haven't experienced any issues so far. Does this mean I'm likely out of the woods in terms of withdrawal symptoms? F20
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 2:20:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're paying attention to how you're feeling after stopping lurasidone, but it's important to recognize the risks of sudden discontinuation of any medication, especially psychiatric medications like lurasidone.
Key Points: Discontinuing lurasidone suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of underlying symptoms. Even if you haven't experienced issues yet, there's still a possibility of encountering side effects.
Explanation: Lurasidone is an atypical antipsychotic used in the treatment of mood disorders. Stopping it abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may include anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, and in some cases, the return of mood or psychotic symptoms that the medication helped stabilize. Symptoms often manifest several days to weeks after stopping the medication, and individual experiences can vary widely.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a close eye on how you're feeling mentally and physically. Take note of any changes in mood, sleep patterns, or any other unusual symptoms.
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Stay Hydrated and Healthy: Ensure you're eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. This will help your body adjust during this time.
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Consider Medication Review: If you haven't already, think about discussing your situation with a healthcare provider. While you may feel fine now, they can provide insight into whether you need to gradually reintroduce the medication or another treatment method.
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Seek Support: Engage family or friends for support in case you start feeling any withdrawal symptoms or mood changes.
If at any point you start to feel unwell or notice concerning symptoms, it's important to seek help promptly. Your well-being is a priority.
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