Two Cases of Discontinuation Syndrome Following Cessation of Cholinesterase Inhibitors

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 22(4); 2004 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2004;22(4): 386-388.

콜린분해효소억제제 사용 중지 후 발생한 불연속증후군 2예

용인효자병원 신경과

Two Cases of Discontinuation Syndrome Following Cessation of Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Yong Tae Kwak

Department of Neurology, Yong-in Hyoja Geriatric Hospital, Yongin, Korea

Abstract

Discontinuation syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that appear when a patient terminates long-term medication. We report 2 patients with Alzheimer's disease who developed significant behavioral disturbances after the cessation of cholinesterase inhibitors. Although the clinical profile of discontinuation syndrome in cholinesterase inhibitors are yet poorly defined, it may be of importance to consider this syndrome when patients develop significant behavioral disturbances after these agents are stopped, and if more severe reactions are expected, retrial of these agents may be prudent. Key Words: Discontinuation syndrome, Cholinesterase inhibitor, Alzheimer's disease