[Discontinuation syndrome associated with antidepressants]

Abstract

Sometimes, the discontinuation of antidepressant therapy is associated with both physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms are parts of the discontinuation syndrome and are very different from relapse or recurrence. The discontinuation syndrome appears within 1 week and lasts about 3 weeks after discontinuation of the antidepressant. In the vast majority of cases, the symptomatology is self-limiting. Sometimes, in the presence of a severe syndrome, reintroduction of the antidepressant induces a rapid resolution of the symptoms. In fact, the discontinuation of the antidepressant should be progressive.