Background Stopping long-term (> 12 months) antidepressant use can be difficult due to
unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Many people do not recognise withdrawal symptoms or
understand how to minimise them while safely discontinuing antidepressants. To address
the gaps, the authors developed the 'Redressing long-term antidepressant use'(RELEASE)
resources, comprising a medicines information brochure, a decision aid, and drug-specific
hyperbolic tapering protocols. Aim To explore patients' acceptability of the RELEASE …

This Queensland study explored patients' acceptability of RELEASE resources (a medicines
information brochure, a decision aid, and drug-specific hyperbolic tapering protocols) to
assist long-term antidepressant cessation. Fourteen adults who had been taking
antidepressants for > 12 months were recruited from general practice and were
interviewed either face-to-face or via videoconferencing. A think-aloud interview technique
was employed whereby patients verbalised their thoughts, impressions and feelings whilst …