An adequate trial of an antidepressant for the acute treatment of major depressive disorder requires adequate adherence (80% of doses) to an adequate dose (moderate dose of an SSRI or mirtazapine, FDA max dose for venlafaxine) for an adequate duration (4-8 weeks).
When should you stop an SSRI trial for depression due to lack of efficacy? Read More »
SSRI withdrawal is common and may include non-specific symptoms like anxiety, irritability, insomnia, headache, GI distress, lethargy, and flu-like symptoms, as well as the more specific symptom of brain zaps. It can be severe and prolonged in a minority of patients.
How do you stop an SSRI? Read More »
Strategies for tapering chronic benzodiazepines include: go slow, stop slow as you go low, consider switching to diazepam, provide additional psychological support, consider the context, and write it down.
How do you taper long-term benzodiazepines? Read More »
