title: [Development of (hypo)mania during discontinuation of venlafaxine in two patients with bipolar disorder].
abstract: The scientific literature frequently warns that patients with bipolar disorder risk developing a (hypo)mania on starting a course of antidepressants. In this case report, however, two patients with bipolar disorder developed a (hypo)mania while their dosage of venlafaxine was being gradually tapered off. We discuss a pharmacodynamic explanation for the induction of (hypo)mania during discontinuation of venlafaxine. We also discuss alternative explanations, such as a venlafaxine withdrawal syndrome; induction of rapid cycling; difficulties in distinguishing an agitated depression and a dysphoric mania and the naturalistic course of a bipolar disorder.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Tak
authors.forename: A W M M
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Stevens
mesh_terms: D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
chemical_list: D003511:Cyclohexanols; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride