SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a class of medications sometimes prescribed for phobias. Frequently used as antidepressants, common SSRIs include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine) and Paxil (paroxetine). For many reasons, you or your doctor may decide that an SSRI is no longer right for you. If this happens, your doctor will carefully taper off your prescription. SSRIs should never be stopped abruptly without a doctor's authorization, as this can lead to a painful and scary reaction known as SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome.

Symptoms of SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

The symptoms of SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome are widely varied, and even mental health experts do not fully agree on the diagnostic criteria. Nonetheless, symptoms often fall into the following categories:

Physical Symptoms

• Gastrointestinal distress - Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
• Headaches
• Nonspecific body aches, sometimes described as "flu-like" symptoms
• Chills

Mental/Neurological Symptoms

• Dizziness
• Depersonalization or derealization
• Intense, realistic dreams
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Electrical sensation in head, sometimes referred to as "brain jolts"
• Balance problems

Treating SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome is not considered dangerous, and most people find that it subsides within a few days to a few weeks. However, the symptoms vary dramatically and can mimic those of more serious disorders. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor right away about any symptoms you experience.

In most cases, symptoms are relatively mild and manageable, and no specific treatment is needed. If your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, your doctor might temporarily restart your prescription and taper you down more slowly. Alternately, you might be temporarily prescribed a different medication and then tapered off.

SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome is rarely serious, but it can be painful and scary. Work with your doctor to safely taper off an SSRI rather than stopping it abruptly. If you develop any unusual symptoms, let your doctor know as soon as possible.

_{Ditto, Kara MD. "SSRI discontinuation syndrome: Awareness as an approach to prevention". Postgraduate Medicine Online. 114:2. August 2003. Retrieved December 22, 2009 from http://psychrights.org/Articles/SSRIDiscontinuationSyndrome.htm}