What are the withdrawal reactions of discontinuing tandospirone citrate capsules?

Nov 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Discontinuation of tandospirone citrate capsules may lead to rebound anxiety, mood swings, physical discomfort, sleep disturbances, decreased concentration, and other reactions. Abrupt discontinuation is likely to trigger symptom recurrence; therefore, a gradual and standardized dose reduction is necessary. If severe reactions occur after stopping the medication or persist for more than one week, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Pre-existing anxiety symptoms that had previously improved may worsen, manifesting as restlessness and agitation.

Tapering off tandospirone citrate capsules may lead to rebound anxiety, mood swings, physical discomfort, sleep disturbances, decreased attention, and other reactions. Abrupt discontinuation increases the risk of symptom relapse; therefore, medication should be reduced gradually and systematically. If severe symptoms occur after stopping the drug or persist for more than one week, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

1. Rebound anxiety: Previously alleviated anxiety symptoms may worsen, manifesting as nervousness, restlessness, irritability, and unfounded worry. This occurs because as the drug's effects gradually diminish, the brain’s neurological regulation has not yet adapted, leading to a recurrence of anxiety.

2. Mood swings: Emotional abnormalities such as depression, low mood, and irritability may arise. Some individuals may experience crying episodes or loss of emotional control, which are associated with the sudden interruption of the drug’s regulatory effects on neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

3. Physical discomfort: Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, palpitations, chest tightness, sweating, and nausea. A minority of people may also experience muscle aches and fatigue. These are mostly stress responses to drug withdrawal and vary in severity from person to person.

4. Sleep disturbances: Manifested as insomnia, vivid dreams, early awakening, or light sleep. The loss of the drug’s regulatory effect on sleep rhythms, along with imbalanced recovery of neural excitability, negatively impacts sleep quality.

5. Decreased attention: Individuals may experience memory decline, difficulty concentrating, and slowed thinking, related to fluctuations in brain neurotransmitter levels, potentially affecting daily work and life efficiency.

Discontinuation should always be conducted under a doctor’s supervision with gradual dose reduction—never abruptly stopped. During tapering, maintain regular作息 (daily routines), avoid fatigue and mental stress. Practice deep breathing or meditation to alleviate discomfort, and follow a light, balanced diet to support the body through a smooth transition.

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