Syndrome de sevrage des antidépresseurs : repérer et traiter

Nearly one in ten individuals in Switzerland receives antidepressant treatment, yet more than half discontinue it within six months, most often without medical supervision. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome is a common but still underrecognized consequence of treatment interruption and is often mistaken for depressive relapse. Reported incidence rates vary widely in the literature (15-55%), reflecting considerable methodological heterogeneity across studies. A consensus nevertheless supports gradual, individualized, and often hyperbolic tapering strategies, adapted to the drug's half-life and the patient's clinical profile. Close clinical follow-up and clear patient information remain essential to ensure a safe and well-tolerated discontinuation process.