Discontinuation Syndrome

Question 1

What is Discontinuation Syndrome?

Answer 1

• This is when antidepressants can be difficult to stop

Question 2

What are some of the symptoms of Discontinuation Syndrome?

Answer 2

Sweating
Shakes
Agitation
Insomnia
Headaches
Irritability
Nausea+ Vomiting
Paraesthesia
Clonus

Question 3

Which Antidepressants are more difficult to manage?

Answer 3

• Paroxetine and Venlafaxine

Question 4

What is the features of antidepressants which determine the extent of the discontinuation syndrome?

Answer 4

• the shorter the half- life = the bigger the problem
• Fluoxetine has a longer half- life - switch to Fluoxetine and then reduce the Fluoxetine