Fluoxetine discontinuation in elderly dysthymic patients.
A group of 23 elderly outpatients with dysthymic disorder participated in a 13-week fluoxetine trial. Twelve responders received open continuation treatment and subsequently discontinued fluoxetine (mean: 32 weeks on medication). During the 24 weeks after discontinuation, 6 of the 12 patients relapsed. Clinical features, dose, and duration of fluoxetine treatment were not predictive of relapse. The 50% relapse rate in this small sample is lower than that reported in young adult dysthymic patients but is high enough to warrant clinical caution.
Devanand
D P
DP
Late-Life Depression Clinic, New York State Psychiatric Institute, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, New York 10032, USA.
Kim
M K
MK
Nobler
M S
MS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D019263:Dysthymic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D005473:Fluoxetine