Abstract
Recently, the SSRI withdrawal syndrome has gained widespread attention in the popular and medical literature. Characteristics of the withdrawal syndrome can be diverse: disequilibrium and sleeping disorders or sensory, gastrointestinal, general somatic and flu-like symptoms are possible. Familiarity with the SSRI withdrawal syndrome can prevent unnecessary drug use, patient uneasiness and needless diagnostic procedures. The incidence of the syndrome in clinical practice has not yet been properly studied; however, there are indications that the risk is elevated in users of SSRI's with a short half-life. The mechanism behind the SSRI withdrawal syndrome is still unknown, though in some hypotheses serotonin or stress response play an important role. Determining whether a patient suffers from the SSRI withdrawal syndrome can be done on the basis of symptoms, or using the antidepressant as a diagnostic agent. When discontinuing an antidepressant the dose should always be tapered. Treating the symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal is, in general, not necessary; informing the patient about a possible withdrawal syndrome is. SSRI withdrawal syndrome should receive more attention in future standards and guidelines.
| Translated title of the contribution | Knowledge can prevent anxiety. Withdrawal symptoms with SSRI's |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 1607-1612 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Pharmaceutisch Weekblad |
| Volume | 138 |
| Issue number | 46 |
| Publication status | Published - 14 Nov 2003 |
Cite this
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Onttrekkingsverschinjnselen bij SSRI's : Kennis inzetten tegen ongerusthied. / Stolk, Pieter; Hugtenburg, Jacqueline; Egberts, Toine.
In: Pharmaceutisch Weekblad, Vol. 138, No. 46, 14.11.2003, p. 1607-1612.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - Onttrekkingsverschinjnselen bij SSRI's
T2 - Kennis inzetten tegen ongerusthied
AU - Stolk, Pieter
AU - Hugtenburg, Jacqueline
AU - Egberts, Toine
PY - 2003/11/14
Y1 - 2003/11/14
N2 - Recently, the SSRI withdrawal syndrome has gained widespread attention in the popular and medical literature. Characteristics of the withdrawal syndrome can be diverse: disequilibrium and sleeping disorders or sensory, gastrointestinal, general somatic and flu-like symptoms are possible. Familiarity with the SSRI withdrawal syndrome can prevent unnecessary drug use, patient uneasiness and needless diagnostic procedures. The incidence of the syndrome in clinical practice has not yet been properly studied; however, there are indications that the risk is elevated in users of SSRI's with a short half-life. The mechanism behind the SSRI withdrawal syndrome is still unknown, though in some hypotheses serotonin or stress response play an important role. Determining whether a patient suffers from the SSRI withdrawal syndrome can be done on the basis of symptoms, or using the antidepressant as a diagnostic agent. When discontinuing an antidepressant the dose should always be tapered. Treating the symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal is, in general, not necessary; informing the patient about a possible withdrawal syndrome is. SSRI withdrawal syndrome should receive more attention in future standards and guidelines.
AB - Recently, the SSRI withdrawal syndrome has gained widespread attention in the popular and medical literature. Characteristics of the withdrawal syndrome can be diverse: disequilibrium and sleeping disorders or sensory, gastrointestinal, general somatic and flu-like symptoms are possible. Familiarity with the SSRI withdrawal syndrome can prevent unnecessary drug use, patient uneasiness and needless diagnostic procedures. The incidence of the syndrome in clinical practice has not yet been properly studied; however, there are indications that the risk is elevated in users of SSRI's with a short half-life. The mechanism behind the SSRI withdrawal syndrome is still unknown, though in some hypotheses serotonin or stress response play an important role. Determining whether a patient suffers from the SSRI withdrawal syndrome can be done on the basis of symptoms, or using the antidepressant as a diagnostic agent. When discontinuing an antidepressant the dose should always be tapered. Treating the symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal is, in general, not necessary; informing the patient about a possible withdrawal syndrome is. SSRI withdrawal syndrome should receive more attention in future standards and guidelines.
KW - Patient care
KW - Serotonin uptake inhibitors
KW - Substance withdrawal syndrome
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0242680261&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
VL - 138
SP - 1607
EP - 1612
JO - Pharmaceutisch Weekblad
JF - Pharmaceutisch Weekblad
SN - 0031-6911
IS - 46
ER -