Discontinuation Symptoms and SSRIs

Sir: I read with interest the recent supplement to the Journal based on the meeting chaired by Dr. Schatzberg and agree that the constellation of symptoms associated with the abrupt discontinuation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has emerged as a topic of clinical interest. I have difficulty understanding, however, some of the conclusions drawn by the Discontinuation Consensus Panel of authors in this supplement, namely, that "discontinuation reactions are more likely to occur or to become apparent during discontinuation of SRIs [serotonin reuptake inhibitors] that have shorter half-lives than the extended half-life agent fluoxetine" and that symptoms of discontinuation are "minimized by a slow taper or by using a drug that has an extended half-life."