Antidepressant discontinuation (withdrawal): Risk factors

Antidepressant discontinuation (withdrawal) syndrome (ADS) can occur with all categories of antidepressants with serotonergic activity: SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, mirtazapine. Risk factors for ADS 1. Abrupt discontinuation of the antidepressant is the biggest risk factor for antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. 2. The other risk factor is antidepressants with a short half-life, e.g., paroxetine, venlafaxine. Fluoxetine, which has…