Antidepressants don’t have to be forever

Outro is the first service for safe, evidence-based antidepressant tapering, designed by expert clinicians and patients who’ve been there.

The first evidence-based approach to stopping medications

Based in Dr. Mark Horowitz's leading research, Outro's tapering program combines neurobiology-based tapering, integrative approaches and virtual care to provide an accessible, personalized path off medication.

Who we are

Meet some of our experts in deprescribing

Dr. Mark Horowitz | Expert in antidepressant tapering and withdrawal

Dr. Mark Horowitz

Dr. Horowitz is the world-leading expert in deprescribing. Drawing from his personal experience and academic research, his work has informed international guidelines on safely stopping psychiatric medications.

Dr. Mark Horowitz | Expert in antidepressant tapering and withdrawal

Charlotte Herring, NP

Charlotte is a nurse practitioner, health coach and mindfulness facilitator, highly experienced in providing high-quality care via telemedicine. She is passionate about helping patients build holistic strategies for sustainable mental well-being.

Dr. Mark Horowitz | Expert in antidepressant tapering and withdrawal

Dr. Bryan Shapiro

Dr. Shapiro is a board-certified psychiatrist, holding an academic position at UC Irvine Medical Center. He was involved in the conceptualization on hyperbolic tapering, driven by his own lived experience with antidepressant withdrawal.

Dr. Mark Horowitz | Expert in antidepressant tapering and withdrawal

Adele Framer

Adele is a patient advocate and lay expert in tapering and withdrawal, having founded the website Surviving Antidepressants, as well as the Psychotropic Deprescribing Council, a nonprofit organization for research and education.

A safe, effective program to get off antidepressants

Outro Health's antidepressant tapering service

Science-based taper plans

A neurobiology-based method that's personalized to you, hyperbolic tapering helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of relapse.

Antidepressant tapering appointment | Outro

Support from expert clinicians

Trained by world-leading experts in deprescribing, Outro's clinical team is equipped to help build your taper plan and support you with regular visits.

Outro Portal - SSRI Tapering

Replace medication with holistic health practices

Get expert support in building skills around nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene and more—whatever you'd like to work on for your mental health.

Hyperbolic Tapering

The first tapering method based on neurobiology

Despite the millions of people prescribed antidepressants, there have been no evidence-based approaches to getting off them.

Outro's method is the first approach based on science, accounting for the non-linear effect of dose changes on the brain, and putting the patient at the center of the tapering process.

How it works

Start building your personalized taper plan today

Complete the onboarding

Answer a brief series of questions to see if you could be a fit for our virtual tapering program.

Attend your first visit

Meet with one of our clinicians who can assess your eligibility and build you a personalized taper plan.

Join our taper program

Become a member of Outro's tapering program and receive ongoing support on your path off medication.

Who we are

Meet some of our deprescribing experts

Dr. Mark Horowitz | Expert in antidepressant tapering and withdrawal
Mark Horowitz, MD
Co-Founder

Dr. Horowitz is the world-leading expert in deprescribing. Drawing from his personal experience and academic research, his work has informed international guidelines on safely stopping psychiatric medications.

Charlotte Herring NP | Outro Health
Charlotte Herring
Lead Nurse Practitioner

Charlotte is a nurse practitioner, health coach and mindfulness facilitator, highly experienced in providing high-quality care via telemedicine. She is passionate about helping patients build holistic  strategies for sustainable mental well-being.

Dr. Bryan Shapiro | Outro Health
Bryan Shapiro, MD
Medical Director

Dr. Shapiro is a board-certified psychiatrist, holding an academic position at UC Irvine Medical Center. He was involved in the conceptualization on hyperbolic tapering, driven by his own lived experience with antidepressant withdrawal.

Adele Framer | Outro Health
Adele Framer
Peer Support Advisor

Adele is a patient advocate and lay expert in tapering and withdrawal, having founded the website Surviving Antidepressants, as well as the Psychotropic Deprescribing Council, a nonprofit organization for research and education.

Common questions

Common questions about Outro, tapering and antidepressants withdrawal.

What if I've tried to stop antidepressants before?

Many people have difficulties when they try to go off antidepressants, largely due to tapers that are too fast and lead to withdrawal symptoms. Our team of clinicians, trained in evidence-based tapering, will work with you to develop a tailored program that's informed by the latest scientific evidence and designed to minimize withdrawal effects - even for people who have tried to stop before.

Can you quit antidepressants cold turkey?

Abruptly stopping antidepressants (or going "cold turkey") is not recommended due to the risk of significant withdrawal symptoms. These can include dizziness, nausea, irritability, and electric shock-like sensations. To minimize these effects, it's recommended to work with a healthcare provider trained in the latest deprescribing methods - particularly personalized hyperbolic tapering.

What is hyperbolic tapering?

Hyperbolic tapering is based on the fact that, as antidepressant dose goes up, the a drugs affect on the brain decreases. In research, this forms the graph of a hyperbolic curve. This means that, as you go down closer to zero milligrams of a drug, each dose change has a bigger affect on the brain and increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms. At Outro, we personalize this method to your medication, duration of use, and more, to help you taper at a rate you can tolerate.

What is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome?

In the medical community, antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are often officially referred to as Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome. This occurs when individuals abruptly stop or rapidly decrease their antidepressant medication, particularly after extended use. Due to the wide-ranging effects that antidepressants have on the body, these withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and can last weeks or months if not tapered appropriately.

What is a personalized tapering plan?

A personalized, hyperbolic tapering plan for a drug like antidepressants would take into account the half-life of the medication, how long you've used it, any previous experience of withdrawal symptoms, your current life situation, and other factors that one of our clinicians will take into account to ensure it fits your needs. With ongoing support and symptom monitoring, your taper plan can be paused or adjusted as needed.

What are common antidepressants withdrawal symptoms or side effects?

antidepressants is an antidepressant that, if discontinued abruptly, can lead to withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms are caused because, after taking antidepressants for months or years, the body adapts to the presence of the drug. Common withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritability, vivid dreams, and sensory disturbances known as "brain zaps." Some individuals may also experience mood swings, anxiety, or flu-like symptoms.

How can you reduce antidepressants withdrawal symptoms?

To minimize antidepressants withdrawal symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider trained in evidence-based deprescribing. This is where Outro can help. Outro clinicians can design a personalized tapering schedule to gradually reduce the dosage, allowing your body to adjust safely. Several lifestyle medicine techniques, such as exercise, good nutrition, and adequate sleep, can help support the body during this period of tapering.

Personalized tapering support that’s ready when you are

Explore Outro's antidepressant tapering progam