Posted by notfred on September 30, 2006, at 15:46:27 [reposted on October 1, 2006, at 12:28:17 | original URL]
In reply to Legal Responsibilities of the big Drug Companies, posted by Fungalfoot on September 27, 2006, at 12:12:26
Drug monographs carry warnings for
discontinuation & the past outcomes
from legal actions of this nature is
in favor of drug companies.
Discontinuation of Treatment with Prozac — During marketing of Prozac and other SSRIs
and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), there have been spontaneous
reports of adverse events occurring upon discontinuation of these drugs, particularly when
abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory
disturbances (e.g., paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache,
lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, and hypomania. While these events are generally
self-limiting, there have been reports of serious discontinuation symptoms. Patients should be
monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment with Prozac. A gradual reduction in
the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable
symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then
resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may
continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate. Plasma fluoxetine and norfluoxetine
concentration decrease gradually at the conclusion of therapy, which may minimize the risk of
discontinuation symptoms with this drug (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
poster:notfred
thread:690812
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060922/msgs/690813.html