TABLE 2

Discontinuation symptoms by antidepressant drug class

SystemSSRIsSNRIsTCAsMAOIsAtypicals
GeneralFlu-like symptomsFlu-like symptomsFlu-like symptomsFlu-like symptomsFlu-like symptoms
FatigueFatigueFatigueFatigue
DiaphoresisFatigue
CardiovascularTachycardiaTachycardiaTachycardiaTachycardia(Limited data)
FlushingHypertension, hypotension
Syncope
ArrhythmiaArrhythmia
GastrointestinalNausea, vomitingNausea, vomitingNausea, vomitingNausea, vomitingNausea, vomiting
DiarrheaDiarrheaDiarrheaDiarrheaDiarrhea
AnorexiaAnorexiaAnorexiaAnorexiaAnorexia (mirtazapine)
NeurologicHeadacheHeadacheHeadacheHeadacheHeadache
Gait instabilityGait instabilityParesthesiasParesthesiasDizziness
DizzinessDizzinessTremor, ataxiaTremor, ataxiaParesthesias
Paresthesias, brain zapsParasthesias, brain zapsSeizureSeizure, myoclonus, muscle jerkingTremor
Tremor, ataxiaTremor, ataxiaParkinsonismDystonia (bupropion)
Myclonus, muscle jerkingStroke-like symptomsParkinsonism
ParkinsonismSeizure, myoclonus, muscle jerkingDystonia
Catatonia
PsychiatricAnxiety, panicAnxiety, panicAnxiety, panicDepression, labilityAnxiety, panic
Depression, maniaDepression, maniaDepression, maniaSuicidal ideationDepression, mania
Suicidal ideationSuicidal ideationSuicidal ideationAnger, irritabilitySuicidal ideation
Anger, irritabilityAnger, irritabilityAnger, irritabilityAggression, agitationAnger, irritability
Mood swingsMood swingsMood swingsMood swings
Depersonalization, derealizationDepersonalization, derealizationDerealizationHallucinationsDepersonalization, derealization
HallucinationsDelusions
HallucinationsHallucinationsDelusions
CognitiveConfusion, deliriumConfusion, deliriumConfusion, deliriumConfusion, delirium(Limited data)
InattentionInattentionInattentionInattention
SleepSleep disturbancesSleep disturbancesSleep disturbancesSleep disturbancesSleep disturbances
Nightmares, vivid dreamsNightmares, vivid dreamsNightmares, vivid dreamsNightmares, vivid dreamsNightmares, vivid dreams
VisualVision changesVision changesVision changesVision changes(Limited data)
SexualDysfunctionDysfunctionDysfunctionDysfunctionDysfunction
  • MAOIs = monoamine oxidase inhibitors; SNRIs = serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors; SSRIs = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; TCAs = tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants

  • Based on information in references 6,7,13,14.