Rebound effect

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This article is about the pharmacological term. For for the energy conservation and marketing effect, see Rebound effect (conservation).

Rebound effect is the tendency of a medication to, when discontinued, cause a return of the symptoms being treated in the first place. The symptoms might even be more severe than before. Medications with a known rebound effect can be withdrawn gradually or in conjunction with another medication which does not exhibit a rebound effect. In extreme cases, the symptom will be more pronounced after the medication is withdrawn than before it was used.

[edit] Examples

An example is the use of highly potent corticosteroids, such as Clobetasol for psoriasis. Abrupt withdrawal can cause a much more severe case of the psoriasis to develop. Therefore, withdrawal should be gradual, diluting the medication with lotion perhaps, until very little actual medication is being applied.

Another example of pharmaceutical rebound is a rebound headache.

Continuous usage of topical decongestants (nasal sprays) can lead to constant nasal congestion, known as Rhinitis medicamentosa.

Several anxiolytics have a rebound effect: For example, benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause severe anxiety and insomnia. Many antidepressants, such as SSRIs, can cause depression when discontinued.