Adverse effects of sudden withdrawal of antihypertensive medication

The withdrawal syndrome following abrupt discontinuation of antihypertensive medication may consist of symptoms of sympathetic overactivity alone or in association with a rapid increase in blood pressure. The phenomenon may occur after discontinuation of any of a variety of drugs. Although the exact incidence of the syndrome is not known, it appears to be rare, at least in patients receiving standard doses of antihypertensive medications. The best treatment is prevention. However, if the syndrome does occur, reinstitution of the previously discontinued medication usually is successful in controlling the withdrawal events.