Implementing gradual, hyperbolic tapering of long-acting injectable antipsychotics by prolonging the inter-dose interval: an in silico modelling study

Gradual, hyperbolic tapering has been proposed as a method to reduce the risk of withdrawal effects and potential relapse of an underlying condition by minimising disruption of existing equilibria. We applied hyperbolic tapering principles in silico to long-acting aripiprazole to generate regimens for withdrawal in clinical practice. We derived thresholds for taper rates using existing studies and consensus. Using pharmacokinetic data for aripiprazole long-acting injectable antipsychotic (ALAI), we conducted in silico modelling to examine the impact of abrupt cessation of long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) medication and the effect of prolonging inter-dose interval on plasma aripiprazole levels and consequent D(2) occupancy. We also modelled transitions from LAI medication to oral medication. Regimens were designed to afford a rate of reduction between 5 and 12.5 percentage points of D(2) occupancy per month. Abrupt discontinuation of ALAI was shown to lead to a maximal D(2) occupancy reduction of 16.8 percentage points per month; prolongation of the inter-dose interval of ALAI produced a slower reduction. Specifically, hyperbolic tapering was afforded by prolongation of a 400 mg ALAI inter-dose interval from 4 to 7 weeks, before reducing the dose to 300 mg ALAI. This could then be administered at up to 4-week (for 6% maximal D(2) occupancy change), 6-week (9% change) or 7-week (11% change) intervals. Switching to oral medication – 5, 2.5 and 1.25 mg for the three regimens, respectively – is required for ALAI to complete full cessation to prevent too rapid a reduction in D(2) occupancy. Oral medication should probably be maintained at a consistent dose for 3–6 months before further reductions to account for residual LAI being concurrently eliminated. Hyperbolic dose tapering is possible with ALAI through prolongation of the inter-dose interval and may reduce the risk of relapse compared to abrupt discontinuation of LAI medication.