When withdrawal symptoms ensue after discontinuation of a Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitor antidepressant such as paroxetine (Paxil®), it is generally assumed they will last for a few weeks and then they will subside. However, some patients have find this not to be the case and continue to experience symptoms for months after discontinuation.
Now University of Bologna researchers headed by Prof G.A. Fava have confirm that prolonged withdrawal does occur in an article published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology.
The aim of there investigation was to explore the prevalence and features of discontinuation syndromes following the gradual tapering of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), under optimal clinical conditions in panic disorder and agoraphobia patients.
Twenty-six consecutive outpatients met the DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder and agoraphobia while taking SSRIs. Twenty remitted upon being treated with behavioral therapy. Their antidepressant drugs were then tapered at the slowest possible pace and with appropriate patient education. Patients were assessed with the Discontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms (DESS) checklist at 2 weeks, 1 month and 1 yr after discontinuation.
Nine of the 20 patients (45%) experienced a discontinuation syndrome, which subsided within a month in all but three patients who had been taking paroxetine for a long time. Discontinuation syndromes appeared to be fairly common even when performed with slow tapering and during clinical remission. In some cases disturbances persisted for months after discontinuation.
Fava GA, Bernardi M, Tomba E, Rafanelli C. Effects of gradual discontinuation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in panic disorder with agoraphobia Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2007 Dec; 10:835-838 [Abstract]