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Neuroleptic discontinuation syndromes

North Wales Department of Psychological Medicine, Hergest Unit, Bangor LL57 2PW, UK

David Healy

North Wales Department of Psychological Medicine, Hergest Unit, Bangor LL57 2PW, UK

The existence of discontinuation syndromes following treatment with neuroleptic (antipsychotic) drugs was first outlined in the mid-1960s but the effects of such syndromes have been neglected since then. We have pursued evidence for the existence and nature of discontinuation syndromes following neuroleptics through reports of difficulties following the use of dopamine blocking anti-emetics, the use of chlorpromazine to treat tuberculosis, the use of antidepressant-neuroleptic combinations in affective disorders, the occurrence of tardive syndromes and studies designed to establish the existence of discontinuation syndromes in schizophrenia. Combined these bodies of data point strongly to the existence of discontinuation syndromes after cessation of treatment with neuroleptics which may involve features other than motor dyskinesias. There is at present little evidence on the relative frequency of such syndromes or predisposing factors. The area needs research input to establish the nature of the syndromes that may result, their frequency, predisposing factors and best methods of treatment.

Key Words: discontinuation syndromes • drug dependence • pharmacologic stress syndromes • tardive dysthymia; withdrawal

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