Coming off psychiatric medication
Explains why you might decide to come off psychiatric medication, how to do this safely and where you can go for support. Also includes tips for friends and family wanting to support someone who is coming off medication.
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Useful contacts
Other organisations
benzo.org.uk
benzo.org.uk
Information on benzodiazepines and Z drug sleeping pills, including addiction, withdrawal and detailed dosing schedules.
Bipolar UK
bipolaruk.org
Information and support for people affected by bipolar disorder, hypomania and mania. Offers a telephone peer support line, an online peer support community, and local support groups across the country.
electronic medicines compendium (emc)
medicines.org.uk/emc
Library of information about medications, including Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) available to download.
Hearing Voices Network
hearing-voices.org
Information and support for people who hear voices or have other unshared perceptions, including local support groups.
Mad in America
madinamerica.com
Publishes articles about different aspects of psychiatric medication.
Mind Recovery Net
mindrecoverynet.org.uk
Publishes information on recovery colleges, including a searchable list of providers.
Mood diaries
bipolaruk.org/FAQs/track-your-mood-diary
emoodtracker.com
Some examples of mood diaries – many more are available. Mind doesn't endorse any particular one.
NHS 111 (England)
111
18001 111 (text relay)
NHS 111 BSL service
111.nhs.uk
Non-emergency medical help and advice for people in England.
NHS 111 (Wales)
111
111.wales.nhs.uk
Non-emergency medical help and advice for people living in Wales. Select option 2 to access a 24/7 helpline offering urgent mental health support.
PostScript 360
0117 966 3629
postscript360.org.uk
Information and support for those coming off tranquillisers and sleeping pills. Formerly known as Battle Against Tranquillisers (BAT).
Recovery Road
recovery-road.org
Information about withdrawing from antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Samaritans
116 123 (freephone)
[email protected]
Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
samaritans.org
Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
Seroxat & SSRI User Group
seroxatusergroup.org.uk
For people who are taking or withdrawing from paroxetine (Seroxat).
Surviving Antidepressants
survivingantidepressants.org
Online peer support for people withdrawing from antidepressants.
The Withdrawal Project
withdrawal.theinnercompass.org
Information and support for people wanting to withdraw from medication.
This information was published in April 2021. We will revise it in 2024.
References and bibliography available on request.
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