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Ditto, 2003 SSRI discontinuation syndrome


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Postgrad Med. 2003 Aug;114(2):79-84.

"Discontinuation syndrome, a cluster of symptoms caused by sudden cessation of SSRI use, is experienced by up to 25% of patients who abruptly quit taking these agents...." -- but nothing about tapering.

 

SSRI discontinuation syndrome. Awareness as an approach to prevention.

Ditto KE.

 

Source

 

Massachusetts Mental Health Center, 74 Fenwood Rd, Boston, MA 02115, USA. kditto@earthlink.net

 

Abstract at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=ditto%20ssri%20syndrome Full text here. On the Web.

 

Although SSRIs are widely used and generally considered safe, an abrupt cessation of SSRI use may result in a discontinuation syndrome that can mimic serious illness and can be distressing and uncomfortable. Several pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors influence the frequency and onset of these symptoms. Rapid identification of SSRI discontinuation syndrome and reinstitution of the medication can provide rapid symptom relief. Ongoing education and discussion about the illness and its treatment can promote medication compliance and thus minimize the potential for sudden cessation of the SSRI, the uncomfortable experience of discontinuation symptoms, and unnecessary medical expenditures.

 

 


From the paper:

 

Table 1. Symptoms of SSRI discontinuation syndrome

 

Psychiatric

Anxiety

Crying spells

Insomnia

Irritability

Mood lability

Vivid dreams

 

Gastrointestinal

Nausea

Vomiting

 

Neurologic

Dizziness

Headache

Paresthesia

 

Motor

Dystonia

Tremor

 

Somatic

Chills

Fatigue

Lethargy

Myalgias

Rhinorrhea

 


SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

 

Information from Schatzberg et al (2), Black et al (3), Haddad (4), and Richelson (5).


This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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