Antidepressant discontinuation (withdrawal) symptoms presenting as 'stroke'

We report two patients who developed a severe discontinuation (withdrawal) reaction following stoppage of paroxetine and venlafaxine, respectively. Ne urological symptoms were prominent and neither patient could walk unaided. Both patients feared they had suffered a 'stroke' and arranged an emergency medical consultation. One patient was correctly diagnosed, the antidepress ant was recommenced and symptoms resolved within 24 h. Failure to recognize the reaction resulted in the other patient being referred to a neurologist , undergoing a computed tomography brain scan and an electroencephalogram a nd remaining symptomatic for over 8 weeks. Relevant pharmacological issues are discussed. The cases illustrate the importance of patients and clinicia ns being familiar with antidepressant discontinuation symptoms.