Generally, tapering is done to avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms that arise from neurobiological adaptation to the drug.
[1][2] Prescribed psychotropic drugs that may require tapering due to this physical dependence include opioids,[3][4][5] selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,[6] antipsychotics,[7] anticonvulsants,[8] and benzodiazepines.
[9][10] Cross-tapering refers to the practice of reducing one drug, while introducing a new medication that is titrated to an effective dose.
[11]: 156 Peer support groups, such as survivingantidepressants.org, provide a medium where those tapering medication can discuss approaches and withdrawal symptoms.
[14] Along with sharing tapering tips, members of the groups discuss the risks of prescription cascade, where withdrawal symptoms or the side effects of a psychotropic medication result in further medication, and the risk of neurobiological "kindling" effects where repeated unsuccessful withdrawal attempts yield progressively poor results upon drug reinstatement or, later, may increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms.