Fluoxetine and Involuntary Recall of Remote Memories

Abstract

Objective: To describe a striking, and hitherto unreported, side-effect of fluoxetine.

Clinical Picture:Four patients given fluoxetine developed involuntary vivid recall of earlier life events.

Treatment and Outcome:The side-effect ceased after fluoxetine was discontinued.

Conclusions:The implications of this finding are discussed, particularly with regard to the nature of long-term memory.