TaperCareby FeelGround
Integrative mental health

Tapering guide

ADHD medication

Stimulant ADHD medicines generally don't cause the physical dependence seen with benzodiazepines, and many people take planned breaks. Stopping can still bring back ADHD symptoms, tiredness or low mood, and some non-stimulants must be reduced gradually. NICE recommends a yearly review of whether medication is still needed.

Common withdrawal effects

  • Return of ADHD symptoms
  • Tiredness and oversleeping
  • Low mood or irritability
  • Increased appetite
  • Rebound blood pressure (guanfacine, if stopped suddenly)

Tapering principles

1

Plan a trial break

A supervised break, often at a lower-demand time, helps show whether medication is still helping.

2

Taper non-stimulants

Guanfacine must be reduced gradually (e.g. 1 mg every 3–7 days) to avoid rebound high blood pressure.

3

Agree what to watch for

Ask family, teachers or colleagues what changes they notice.

Before you begin

  • Never stop guanfacine abruptly.
  • Watch mood closely in the first weeks off stimulants.

Research & sources

  1. 01
  2. 02
    The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines

    Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024