Neuroscience-based tapering, by specially-trained clinicians

Outro provides flexible, medically-supervised tapering plan with gradual dose reductions tailored just for you. Our hyperbolic tapering method, where reductions become progressively smaller, gently minimizes nervous system disruption and withdrawal discomfort. We personalize your tapering plan based on your response, preferences, and what's happening in your life.

Safe antidepressant deprescribing requires a comprehensive approach that is often difficult for an individual prescriber to provide due to the time required. It also requires up-to-date knowledge on the latest techniques in tapering antidepressants that are not yet widely taught in the United States. Think of Outro as a specialist in tapering.

At Outro, we walk with you every step of the way. Our specialized, high-touch care team takes time to get to know you and your goals, and provides an advanced, individualized approach to tapering off antidepressants informed by the latest guidance and clinical evidence. Through Outro’s app, your symptoms and progress are continuously monitored by your provider, who can reach out to offer coping strategies or adapt your care plan accordingly. If you have questions or concerns that arise in between appointments, your Outro provider is available via 1-to-1 chat.

Many people have difficulties when they try to go off antidepressants. Our team of expertly trained clinicians will develop a tailored tapering program, informed by the latest scientific evidence and designed to minimize withdrawal effects - even for these people who have tried to stop before.

We currently offer taper management for antidepressant medications (e.g., duloxetine, escitalopram, sertraline, venlafaxine). You can see the full list here.

We are making preparations to expand to other psychotropic medications like benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids, which also follow the hyperbolic tapering method. You can express an interest in tapering these medications in our sign-up form.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.