Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation symptoms

This paper reviews the literature on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation symptoms. These symptoms have been well described in numerous anecdotal case reports and reports of small series of cases in the Caucasian population. There are no reports in the literature of it occurring in Asian patients. A study involving 65 patients on this type of antidepressant revealed that Asian patients do experience these withdrawal symptoms as well. Seven patients (3 on fluoxetine, 4 on fluvoxamine) reported symptoms similar to those reported by Caucasian patients in the literature. Three of the cases are reported in detail to highlight the clinical presentation in such cases.