Antipsychotic Deprescribing Gains Momentum Amidst Safety Concerns

Los Angeles, CA – March 2, 2026 – After 72 years since the approval of the first antipsychotic drug, Thorazine, the psychiatric community is increasingly discussing the need to reduce and discontinue the apply of these medications. This shift comes as mounting evidence reveals severe and sometimes irreversible harms associated with antipsychotics, even as new drugs in the same class continue to receive federal approval. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR) asserts that this represents a systemic failure demanding urgent reform.

Widespread Antipsychotic Use and Associated Risks

In 2020, approximately 76.9 million Americans were taking psychiatric drugs, with over 11 million – including more than 829,000 children and teenagers – prescribed antipsychotics. These medications carry significant risks, including metabolic disorders, diabetes, cardiac complications, hormonal disruption, sexual dysfunction, agitation, aggression, and suicidality. A rare but potentially fatal neurological reaction, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, is also a concern.

Tardive Dyskinesia: A Devastating Side Effect

Among the most concerning adverse effects are tardive psychosis and tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD is a drug-induced movement disorder often characterized by involuntary facial and body movements like grimacing, lip-smacking, and tongue protrusion. Estimates suggest that 20% to 50% of long-term users may develop TD, potentially affecting millions of Americans with permanent neurological injury.

Questionable Efficacy and Continued Approvals

A review published in Drug Safety found that treatment failure or relapse rates from antipsychotics range from 38% to 93%, depending on the study. The review concluded that the extent of multi-system injury linked to antipsychotics warrants scientific and regulatory reappraisal. Despite this, approvals for new antipsychotic drugs continue. Between 2017 and 2025, three additional antipsychotic drugs were approved, with another approved in February 2026.

Growing Support for Deprescribing

CCHR highlights a growing professional discussion about gradually reducing antipsychotic use. Research indicates that while initial relapse rates may be higher during dose reduction, long-term outcomes often equalize, and social functioning can improve among those who successfully discontinue medication. Rapid withdrawal, however, can trigger anxiety, agitation, and psychotic-like symptoms often mistaken for relapse.

Alternatives to Traditional Psychiatric Treatment

Jan Eastgate, president of CCHR International, emphasizes that evidence-based, non-coercive alternatives to antipsychotic medication have existed for decades. These include:

The Soteria Model

Developed in 1971 by Dr. Loren Mosher at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Soteria project challenged hospital-based, drug-centered psychiatry. Participants experiencing early psychosis were housed in a home-like setting staffed by trained laypersons. Antipsychotics were not used initially and were introduced only if necessary, at low doses, and with the individual’s consent. After two years, 42% of Soteria participants had never been exposed to antipsychotics, and follow-up evaluations showed improved occupational functioning, independent living, and fewer readmissions compared to conventional hospital treatment. A 2022 review of 486 residents in Soteria programs found that between 63% and 92% avoided hospitalization, and only 19% returned after an initial stay.

The Italian Reform Experience

Beginning in 1968, Italian physician Dr. Giorgio Antonucci rejected restraints and forced treatment, reducing heavy drugging and witnessing patients regain mobility, speech, and autonomy. This approach emphasized integration, voluntary support, and social inclusion rather than chemical management.

Call for Systemic Change

CCHR calls on policymakers and regulators to prioritize funding and investment in proven, rights-based alternatives to antipsychotic medication. The organization argues that the current system favors pharmaceutical expansion over patient well-being. “After decades of expanding antipsychotic use, psychiatry is only now seriously acknowledging the need to reduce long-term exposure,” adds Eastgate. “The evidence is there. The question is whether we will continue expanding high-risk drug models that can inflict serious, irreversible damage, or prioritize systems that place human recovery above pharmaceutical growth and profits.”

To learn more, visit CCHR’s website.