SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome also known as SSRI Withdrawal Syndrome or SSRI Cessation Syndrome, is a condition that can occur following the interruption or discontinuation of regular SSRI or SNRI usage (as well as many other types of Central Nervous System drugs, such as tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs). The condition can begin between 24 hours to one week after discontinuation, depending on the half-life of the drug.

A number of possible symptoms can characterize SSRI discontinuation syndrome. They can include:

• Sleep disturbances- including insomnia, vivid dreaming, general fatigue, or mild pre-narcolepsy (a momentary feeling of being about to fall asleep).
• Gastrointestinal discomfort (such as diarrhea), or other bodily discomfort, such as headaches, nausea or lethargy.
• Movement disorders- including trembling, and difficulty walking.
• Mood disorders- including irritability, aggressive behaviour, mania, crying spells, depression/suicidal thoughts.
• Sensory abnormalities- including balance problems, dizziness, vertigo, light headedness, parasthesia, "shock-like" sensations, tinnitus.

The condition is easily avoided by either recommencing the original and or lesser dose of the SSRI, or slowly reducing (titrating) the dosage over several weeks.

SSRIs are not addictive in the conventional medical use of the word (i.e. animals given free access to the drug do not actively seek it out and do not seek to increase the dose), but suddenly discontinuing their use is known to produce both somatic and psychological withdrawal symptoms, as described by researchers(Tamam & Ozpoyraz, 2002). Compared to the withdrawal symptoms of such drugs as opiates, alcohol, or cocaine, these reactions are quite different and frequently less significant, although the prescribing labels acknowledge the possibility of "intolerable" discontinuation reactions and some patients are never able to completely withdraw from SSRI drugs.

In Europe, SSRI manufacturers are not permitted to promote their products as "non-habit forming", in the U.S., this statement is used to promote SSRIs: "SSRIs meet the World Health Organization definition of 'addictive'."

External Links

• SSRIs and Discontinuation Events