The Importance of Not Neglecting Anamnesis Through a Pandemic Time: A Paroxetine Withdrawal Syndrome

Abstract

This case aims to highlight the importance of not neglecting anamnesis through pandemic times and to recognize the symptoms of a probable antidepressant withdrawal.
A 41-year-old woman with a history of depressive syndrome and hyperthyroidism. Medicated daily with paroxetine 20 mg, bisoprolol 2.5 mg and thiamazole 5 mg. By self-initiative, she abruptly suspended paroxetine, which she was taking for 3 years. After 3 days, she presented with dizziness, dyspnea, tiredness, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Given the contact with SARS-CoV-2 infection cases in the workplace, a laboratory test for SARS-CoV-2 was requested and the result was negative. In TraceCOVID-19 surveillance, the patient reported the suspension of paroxetine and was indicated immediate resumption, with consequent total complaints regression.
The case described mimics the clinic of a COVID-19 infection, thus emphasizing the complexity of diagnosing paroxetine withdrawal syndrome.