RPS makes Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines available for RPS members

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has alerted free access to pharmacy members about a new addition to their e-library collection

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) recently announced a valuable addition to their e-library collection: the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines, authored by renowned experts Mark Horowitz and David Taylor.

Designed to assist pharmacists and clinicians in recognising and appropriately treating withdrawal effects of medications, the guidelines have garnered praise from industry figures like Peter Pratt, National Speciality Advisor for Mental Health Pharmacy and RPS Fellow.

This initiative responds to the increasing demand for guidance on safely reducing or discontinuing psychiatric medications, providing comprehensive support for clinicians and patients alike.

Drawing on insights from contributors to The Lancet Psychiatry, the handbook offers step-by-step instructions for tapering antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and z-drugs, along with troubleshooting strategies.

Emphasising informed patient choice, the guidelines bridge gaps in existing guidance by offering evidence-based insights derived from research and clinical practice.

With a focus on deprescribing principles and tailored tapering regimens, the handbook serves as an essential resource for healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, GPs, pharmacists, nurses, and medical trainees.

This release marks a significant advancement in psychiatric medication management, addressing the often-neglected aspect of deprescribing and reflecting a global call for patient autonomy in treatment decisions.

Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations highlighted patients' rights to be informed about discontinuing treatment and receiving support in doing so.

Key features include insights into deprescribing rationale and timing, identification of barriers and enablers to successful discontinuation, and differentiation between withdrawal symptoms and underlying disorder manifestations.

The guidelines also provide specific guidance on tapering techniques and formulation considerations to meet individual patient needs.

Sharing the news on social media platform X about the e-book access, Mark Horowitz said:

"Pleased that the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines has been made available free to pharmacists in the UK by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society."

By equipping healthcare professionals with practical strategies, the guidelines aim to enhance patient safety and treatment outcomes.

Designed for a broad audience, the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines empower stakeholders to make informed decisions about mental health treatment, ultimately improving patient care.