• Deprescribing Medications for Mental Health in Australia
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Deprescribing is not the same as stopping. It is an entire process.

Deprescribing begins with a structured, you-centred assessment. It is to ensure that you have the information and support to decide that the medication you take is appropriate, effective, and aligned with your current needs as well as your future goals.

Step 1 of 3

Your Comprehensive Medication Assessment

Your first step is to a  gather a complete and accurate list of all medications you are taking. This includes:

  • Prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) products
  • Vitamins and herbal supplements


It may even take into account your diet, as well as caffeine, alcohol, marijuana, and other non-prescription drugs.

Step 2 of 3

Evaluate Each Medication

Then the medication can be systematically reviewed to determine whether it remains appropriate. This includes assessing:

  • Current indication – why are you taking it?
  • Effectiveness – is it helping you? How do you judge this for yourself?
  • Potential side effects – do you have any? Could there be side effects you might not be noticing?
  • Drug–drug and drug–disease interactions – how do these all combine?
  • Personal factors – such as your age, life stability, other medical issues, and your goals – including your preferences for being on medication or not.

This step recognises that medication is a personal choice – based on informed consent with the best information about all your options.

Step 3 of 3

Plan Out Your Next Steps

Doing this review might make you realize that you are already where you want to be.

Or it may give you a plan for what you want to change, and how specifically to go about it.

Most importantly of all, it may help you identify where you need to get more information, or support, or advice to develope a plan that is right for you.

Why This Matters

A structured deprescribing process helps to:

  • Reduce the use of medication only where appropriate
  • Minimise the risks of coming off or changing medication
  • Ensure appropriate “informed consent” for your choices
  • Set you up for better success now and long-term.


A deprescribing review isn’t always about getting off medication — it is about optimising therapy through a thoughtful, practical, and you-centred process.