The term "drug withdrawal" makes many people think of issues related to drug abuse. However, a number of drugs that have no abuse potential and are prescribed for medical illness can lead to symptoms of withdrawal when a person suddenly stops taking them. These symptoms do not necessarily mean that the person was dependent on the drug. Nonabused drugs that can produce a withdrawal syndrome include medications prescribed for cardiovascular problems, mood, and personality disorders.

Cardiovascular Drugs

Beta Blockers. Many patients receive prescriptions for beta blockers (such as atenolol, labetalol, and propranolol) to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain from heart muscle deprived of oxygen), heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) following heart attack, and migraine headache. When a patient abruptly stops taking a beta blocker, particularly when angina pectoris is the symptom being treated, the frequency and/or severity of angina pectoris...