How to Discontinue Aripiprazole 7.5 mg
Aripiprazole 7.5 mg can be safely discontinued by reducing the dose gradually over 1-2 weeks, though some patients may require a slower taper extending over several weeks to months depending on duration of use and individual tolerance.
Understanding Aripiprazole's Pharmacology
Aripiprazole has unique pharmacokinetic properties that inform the tapering approach:
- The elimination half-life is approximately 75 hours (about 3 days) for aripiprazole and 94 hours for its active metabolite dehydro-aripiprazole 1, 2
- Steady-state concentrations are reached after 14 days of dosing, and the drug accumulates significantly during this period 3
- Full therapeutic effect may take 1-4 weeks to develop, which means withdrawal effects may similarly be delayed 2
This long half-life provides a built-in "self-tapering" effect, meaning abrupt discontinuation carries lower risk compared to shorter-acting medications.
Recommended Tapering Schedule
Standard Taper (For Most Patients)
Reduce the dose by approximately 25-50% every 1-2 weeks:
- Week 1-2: Reduce from 7.5 mg to 5 mg daily 4
- Week 3-4: Reduce from 5 mg to 2.5 mg daily 4
- Week 5-6: Reduce from 2.5 mg to discontinuation 4
Slower Taper (For Long-Term Users or Sensitive Patients)
If you have been on aripiprazole for years or develop significant withdrawal symptoms, extend the time between dose reductions:
- Reduce by 2.5 mg every 2-4 weeks instead 4
- If withdrawal symptoms become severe, temporarily return to the previous well-tolerated dose before attempting further reductions 4
- Do not set arbitrary time limits for completing the taper; individualize based on your response 4
Monitoring for Withdrawal Symptoms
Watch for potential discontinuation effects, which may include:
- Return of original psychiatric symptoms (psychosis, mood changes)
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances 3
- Anxiety or agitation 3
- Nausea or gastrointestinal upset 5
- Restlessness or akathisia (inner sense of restlessness) 6
These symptoms typically emerge within 1-2 weeks of dose reduction but may be delayed given aripiprazole's long half-life 1, 2.
Optimizing Taper Success
Time the final discontinuation during periods of lower life stress to improve tolerability 4. This practical consideration can significantly impact your ability to manage any withdrawal symptoms.
If severe withdrawal symptoms develop despite slow tapering, consider:
- Returning to the last tolerated dose and maintaining it for 2-4 weeks before attempting further reduction 4
- Reducing the dose by even smaller increments (e.g., 1.25 mg reductions)
- Extending the interval between reductions to 3-4 weeks
Special Considerations
Unlike benzodiazepines, aripiprazole discontinuation does not carry risk of seizures or life-threatening withdrawal 7. However, the return of underlying psychiatric symptoms remains the primary concern.
The recommended starting dose of aripiprazole is 10-15 mg daily, so your current dose of 7.5 mg is already below the typical therapeutic range 1, 2. This lower dose may make discontinuation somewhat easier.
When to Seek Additional Support
Contact your prescribing physician if:
- Psychiatric symptoms worsen significantly during the taper
- Withdrawal symptoms are intolerable despite slowing the taper
- You experience severe restlessness or akathisia 6
- You have been on aripiprazole for multiple years and are concerned about a prolonged taper
The taper should be guided by your tolerance, not a rigid schedule 4. Some patients complete the taper in 2-3 weeks, while others may require 2-3 months or longer.