[Discontinuing venlafaxine by switching to fluoxetine].

Patients wanting to discontinue their antidepressant use may experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). This is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and sweating. Withdrawal symptoms can discourage patients from permanently discontinuing antidepressants. We present the case of a 48-year-old visually impaired woman where, after a first attempt failed, venlafaxine was successfully discontinued after a switch to fluoxetine. Fluoxetine mediated discontinuation is a simple, effective and inexpensive method for patients who suffer from withdrawal symptoms when tapering off antidepressants.