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Antidepressant discontinuation (withdrawal) symptoms presenting as 'stroke'
P M Haddad1, S Devarajan, S M Dursun
1Cromwell House, Mental Health Services of Salford, UK.
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|July 13, 2001
Summary
Antidepressant discontinuation reactions can cause severe neurological symptoms, mimicking a stroke. Prompt recognition and restarting medication are crucial for rapid symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Antidepressants like paroxetine and venlafaxine are widely prescribed.
- Discontinuation symptoms can occur after abruptly stopping these medications.
Observation:
- Two patients experienced severe neurological symptoms, including inability to walk, after discontinuing paroxetine and venlafaxine.
- Patients initially feared they were having a stroke, prompting emergency consultations.
Findings:
- One patient's symptoms resolved within 24 hours of recommencing antidepressant medication.
- The other patient faced delayed diagnosis, extensive neurological investigations, and prolonged symptoms for over 8 weeks.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for clinicians and patients to recognize antidepressant discontinuation syndromes.
- Emphasizes the potential for misdiagnosis and delayed treatment if withdrawal reactions are not identified.
- Underscores the importance of gradual dose tapering to minimize discontinuation symptoms.