Switch
SwitchRx: Switching Medications
Stop
Tapering Antidepressants: Withdrawal Risk Calculator
- determine risk of serotonin withdrawal side effects
Dose Reduction Calculator - visualize receptor saturation - emphasizes need for SLOW taper before discontinuation
Tapering Prescription Calculator - Pharmacy.ca - creates a taper plan
Serotonin Withdrawal
Serotonin withdrawal is unpleasant but not physically dangerous.
- It is more likely with serotonergics of short half-life:
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- venlafaxine (Effexor)
- desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Symptoms:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Irritiability
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Paresthesias (pins-and-needles, tingling)
Some patients may require a long-tail taper over several months to avoid serotonin withdrawal symptoms.