Final answer:
The SSRI most likely to cause discontinuation syndrome is generally considered to be paroxetine (Paxil), due to its shorter half-life which can lead to abrupt changes in serotonin levels when the medication is discontinued.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question regards the SSRI most likely to cause discontinuation syndrome. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil, are widely used to treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the central nervous system. These medications have a higher safety profile compared to earlier antidepressants, with fewer anticholinergic side effects, but they must be managed carefully, particularly when discontinuing the medication to avoid discontinuation syndrome.While the question directly asks for which SSRI is most associated with discontinuation syndrome, specific data for each drug is not provided. However, it's commonly accepted that SSRIs with shorter half-lives, like paroxetine (Paxil), are more likely to cause discontinuation syndrome compared to those with longer half-lives, due to the body clearing them from the system more rapidly, leading to more abrupt changes in serotonin levels.