SSRI Discontinuation - Do You Have SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome?

If you have been using an SSRI for 6 weeks or more and have quit cold turkey or have had your dosage lowered, you are at risk for SSRI discontinuation syndrome. Studies have reported that 35 percent of those who discontinue or reduce dosage of an SSRI will suffer from some form of SSRI discontinuation syndrome. Some studies have shown this number to be as high as 78 percent.

What is SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

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First of all, it generally takes a period of no less than 5 or 6 weeks of taking an SSRI before stopping or reducing dosage for SSRI discontinuation syndrome to become possible. SSRI discontinuation syndrome is caused generally by the shorter acting SSRI medications like Paxil and Zoloft as opposed to the longer acting SSRIs such as Prozac. With the shorter acting SSRIs, when the medication is stopped or the dosage lowered there is an interruption of sorts of the neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine.

When this interruption occurs, certain symptoms appear that can range from slight to extremely intense. Also, the period of duration can be anywhere from one to seven weeks. However, there have been some patients who have claimed to have had symptoms of SSRI discontinuation syndrome for a year or more. These claims have been relatively few and little is known as to what may specifically cause this to occur.

What are the Symptoms of SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

The onset of SSRI discontinuation syndrome, in most cases, feels like the beginning of a rather sever flu. However, many people also begin to have neurological symptoms such as vertigo. The most fearful of the possible symptoms are the mental indications such as suicidal thoughts and nightmares.

Here is a quick list of some of the symptoms.

Agitation/Irritability Dizziness Headaches Insomnia Lightheadedness Loss of concentration Nausea Shock-like sensations Suicidal thoughts Vivid dreams/Nightmares

These are the most common symptoms associated with SSRI discontinuation syndrome, though this is by no means an exhaustive list. You may not have all of these symptoms; you may have a couple, you may have only one, and as stated earlier, the intensity and frequency generally depends upon the individual.

If these symptoms appear and last for more than a few days, then you should consult your physician. You physician may be able to prescribe something that will diminish the symptoms during the withdrawal time.

SSRI Discontinuation - Do You Have SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome?

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