Psychiatry

Answer 6 SSRI discontinuation syndrome. SSRI discontinuation syndrome may occur with abrupt cessation of SSRIs.9,10 This syndrome occurs in approximately one third of patients who suddenly stop paroxetine. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, insomnia, headache, and nervousness and can be confused with relapse of panic disorder. Before suspecting relapse of panic disorder or onset of another condition, discontinuation syndrome must be ruled out by restarting the agent and determining if symptoms resolve. Reinstatement of the discontinued SSRI will resolve symptoms associated with discontinuation syndrome within 48 hours.10 REFERENCE 9. Himei A, Okamura T. Discontinuation syndrome associated with paroxetine in depressed patients: a retrospective analysis of factors involved in the occurrence of the syndrome. CNS Drugs 2006;20:665-72. 10. Haddad P. The SSRI discontinuation syndrome. J Psychopharmacol 1998;12:305-13. Click here to return to the questions

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