Examining antidepressant use in palliative care patients by risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome

Antidepressant drugs, which are widely used in palliative care patients for both management of psychiatric disorders and non-psychiatric symptoms, may cause a cluster of distressing symptoms on discontinuation. In dying patients, cessation of oral intake may occur either temporarily or permanently for reasons related to disease or its treatment, as well as in the days before death. We examined antidepressant use in palliative care patients by risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADDS). Strategies for reducing the risk of ADDS, and for managing it that should occur, are discussed.

Automated summary

Antidepressant drugs are commonly used in palliative care patients for managing psychiatric disorders and non-psychiatric symptoms, but discontinuation may cause distressing symptoms. We examined the risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADDS) in palliative care patients, discussing strategies for reducing and managing it.