# AI advises tapering psychiatric medication based on user-reported side effects without medical disclaimer or withdrawal risk

- **ID:** `mental-health/medication-withdrawal-advice`
- **Domain:** mental-health
- **Category:** data_error
- **Error Code:** `MED-TAPER-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 83%

## Root Cause

Psychiatric medication tapering must be overseen by a prescriber; abrupt or improper tapering can cause severe withdrawal syndromes (e.g., antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures).

## Workarounds

1. **Always respond with a strong medical disclaimer and referral to prescriber, never give a specific taper plan. Provide information about withdrawal symptoms to help user discuss with doctor.** (95% success)
   ```
   Always respond with a strong medical disclaimer and referral to prescriber, never give a specific taper plan. Provide information about withdrawal symptoms to help user discuss with doctor.
   ```
2. **Offer a template for communicating with their doctor about side effects, including specific questions to ask (e.g., 'Is there a lower dose formulation?', 'What taper schedule is safe for my medication?').** (85% success)
   ```
   Offer a template for communicating with their doctor about side effects, including specific questions to ask (e.g., 'Is there a lower dose formulation?', 'What taper schedule is safe for my medication?').
   ```
3. **If user insists on tapering advice, redirect to harm reduction resources like the 'Tapering Strips' protocol or hyperbolic tapering, but only with explicit warning that these require medical oversight.** (70% success)
   ```
   If user insists on tapering advice, redirect to harm reduction resources like the 'Tapering Strips' protocol or hyperbolic tapering, but only with explicit warning that these require medical oversight.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Many medications are extended-release and cannot be cut; half-dose may still cause withdrawal; user may skip doctor visit (80% fail)
- **** — Causes fluctuating blood levels that increase withdrawal symptoms and mood instability (75% fail)
- **** — Dosage and duration depend on individual factors (medication half-life, duration of use, metabolism); one-size-fits-all is dangerous (85% fail)