# The role of pharmacogenomics in the discontinuation of psychotropic medication: a scoping review protocol

## TL;DR

This paper outlines a scoping review protocol to explore how genetic factors might influence the safe discontinuation of psychiatric medications.

## Contribution

The study introduces a systematic plan to map the role of pharmacogenomics in discontinuation of psychotropic medications, an underexplored area.

## Key findings

- The review will identify studies on gene polymorphisms related to psychotropic medication discontinuation.
- It will synthesize evidence on how genetic variability influences withdrawal symptoms and tapering strategies.
- The findings will highlight current knowledge gaps in integrating pharmacogenomics into medication discontinuation practices.

## Abstract

Discontinuation of psychotropic medication is associated with considerable clinical challenges, including withdrawal symptoms and relapse. Pharmacogenomic testing is increasingly used in clinical practice to optimise pharmacotherapy by guiding drug selection and dosing, however, its role in informing medication discontinuation and tapering strategies remains underexplored. Understanding the influence of genetic variability on withdrawal symptoms could support safer, individualised discontinuation practices.

This scoping review aims to map the available evidence on the role of pharmacogenomics on the discontinuation of psychotropic medications.

The review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and reported using the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Comprehensive searches will be performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Studies exploring gene polymorphisms relevant to the discontinuation of psychotropic medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, anxiolytics, hypnotics, stimulants, and opioids) will be considered. Following screening, data will be extracted, and a narrative synthesis will be undertaken to map characteristics of included studies, genes studied, medication classes involved, reported outcomes, and knowledge gaps.

This review will provide an overview of existing evidence and identify gaps regarding the role of pharmacogenomics in psychotropic medication discontinuation. The findings will help to inform future research on the integration of pharmacogenomics into individualised tapering strategies.