HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation syndrome: a review.

Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely prescribed in the treatment of depression and anxiety, as well as obsessive-compulsive, eating, and impulse-control disorders. Paralleling their widespread use has been an increase in adverse-effect reports not noted during short-term efficacy studies. Significant among these adverse effects is SSRI discontinuation syndrome, which follows the interruption of extended treatment or a reduction in drug dosage and entails somatic and psychological symptoms. These self-limiting symptoms resolve on reintroduction of the drug and cannot be explained as a remanifestation of the original disorder. To facilitate proper diagnosis and avoid unnecessary therapeutic or diagnostic interventions, all physicians who prescribe SSRIs should become familiar with these symptoms. The most appropriate approach to therapy for discontinuation syndrome involves educating patients and reassuring them that this is a reversible condition, reinstating the original SSRI, and further slowing the rate of tapering.
AuthorsLut Tamam, Nurgul Ozpoyraz
JournalAdvances in therapy (Adv Ther) 2002 Jan-Feb Vol. 19 Issue 1 Pg. 17-26 ISSN: 0741-238X [Print] United States
PMID12008858 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
Chemical References
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
Topics
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation (adverse effects)
  • Humans
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (adverse effects)
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome (diagnosis)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: