What is a potential risk associated with abrupt discontinuation of an SSRI?

The potential risk associated with abrupt discontinuation of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is the risk of drug withdrawal symptoms. SSRIs, like other psychotropic medications, can lead to a physiological dependence, and stopping them suddenly can provoke a range of withdrawal symptoms, often collectively referred to as "SSRI discontinuation syndrome." Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and flu-like symptoms.

It’s important to note that the withdrawal symptoms can be quite uncomfortable and may lead individuals to resume the medication to alleviate these effects. The presence of withdrawal symptoms underscores the importance of tapering off SSRIs gradually under medical supervision rather than stopping abruptly.

While other choices reflect potential issues that could arise with changes in medication, they are not directly linked to the immediate effects of stopping SSRIs abruptly. For instance, tardive dyskinesia is more commonly associated with long-term use of antipsychotics rather than SSRIs, and while exacerbation of depressive symptoms or initiation of manic episodes can occur due to medication changes, these consequences are not specifically tied to the immediate withdrawal effects seen with abrupt discontinuation.