Affiliations: [a] NELFT NHS Foundation Trust, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| [b] Northampton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northampton, UK
| [c] Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| [d] Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Dr Tom Stockmann, Department of Research and Development, NELFT NHS Foundation Trust, 1st floor, Maggie Lilley Suite, Goodmayes Hospital, Barley Lane, Ilford, Essex IG3 8XJ, UK. Tel.: +44 0300 555 1200/ Ext: 53623; Mobile: +44 07834395310; E-mail: Tom.stockmann@nelft.nhs.uk.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are well-recognised, but their potential duration remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE:We aimed to describe the characteristics of withdrawal associated with two popular classes of antidepressants, including duration. METHODS:We analysed the content of a sample of posts on an antidepressant withdrawal website. We compared the characteristics of withdrawal associated with SSRIs and SNRIs, including time of onset, duration and nature of symptoms. RESULTS:110 posts about SSRI withdrawal, and 63 concerning SNRI withdrawal, were analysed. The mean duration of withdrawal symptoms was significantly longer with SSRIs than SNRIs: 90.5 weeks (standard deviation, SD, 150.0) and 50.8 weeks (SD 76.0) respectively; p = 0.043). Neurological symptoms, such as ‘brain zaps,’ were more common among SNRI users (p = 0.023). Psychosexual/genitourinary symptoms may be more common among SSRI users (p = 0.054). LIMITATIONS:The website aims to help people with antidepressant withdrawal, and is therefore likely to attract people who have difficulties. Length of prior use of antidepressants was long, with a mean of 252.2 weeks (SD 250.8). CONCLUSIONS:People accessing antidepressant withdrawal websites report experiencing protracted withdrawal symptoms. There are some differences in the characteristics of withdrawal associated with different classes of antidepressants.
