Anticholinergic drugs

If used daily for more than 3-4 weeks

  • Reduce dose by 50% every 1 to 2 weeks. Once at 25% of the original dose and no withdrawal symptoms have been seen, stop the drug.
  • If any withdrawal symptoms occur, go back to approximately 75% of the previously tolerated dose.

Withdrawal Symptoms and monitoring guidance

If any withdrawal symptoms occur, go back to approximately 75% of the previously tolerated dose.

Anticholinergic drugs have traditionally been linked to cholinergic rebound syndrome that features jitteriness, nervousness, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and nightmares. This has traditionally been thought to be a 48-72 hour problem.