Quote:
Originally Posted by pgrundy
Did your GP prescribe the Prozac?
The reason I ask is that I've been coping with Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD for years. Twice I have tried to save money by going to a GP for my meds, and both times the GP prescribed the wrong med and I got very sick very fast.
I've learned the hard way that I can't be treated successfully by a GP and that I have to stay on meds and they have to be the right meds. I have to be monitored by a competent psychiatrist if I want to stay well. That's just the way it is for me, no different than if I had diabetes or any other chronic physical illness. I can't just wish my illness away or decide that I don't *believe* in medication and that I'm going to cope with my depression/panic by exercising or taking herbs or whatever--I mean exercise is good, but the right meds, for me, are crucial.
If you've never had a medication evaluation by a good psychiatrist, you might want to try that. It can make a huge difference.
PS--the last time I tried to cut corners by going to a GP was January 2nd of this year. The GP prescribed Prozac and I had SUCH a bad reaction to it that I ended up first in the ER, and then in a psychiatric hospital for a week. My reaction was similar to yours but very intense--back to back panic, no sleep, mania. (Google 'serontin syndrome'.) It felt absolutely horrible and scared me terribly, so again finding the right medication (or combination of medications) is crucial.
Good luck!
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Hello!
Just wanted to fix your definition of having Serotonin Syndrome: This occurs when there is a sudden, large increase in serotonin being released in the brain. It's usually caused by taking two SSRIs together, SSRI + MAOI (which is never a good idea) or taking OTC cough suppressants (with dextromethorphan) with an SSRI. Symptoms include fever, violent/uncontrollable whole body shaking and sweating profusely (your body is trying to cool itself down). If SS is not treated ASAP, you could end up with kidney failure and even death. Treatment for SS includes Cyproheptadine, an anti-H1 histamine and anti-serotonin antagonist and IV Ativan and a night or two in intensive care monitoring your kidney function.
Sound like your reaction to Prozac was acute hypomania, not really Serotonin Syndrome.
I believe what
Dox was experiencing was
Extrapyramidal symptoms (also known as EPS) are a set of side effects that are common with antipsychotic medications, as well as with a few other types of medications like Prozac - however it's very rare to experience this with an SSRI.
Extrapyramidal symptoms are usually divided into different categories. Dyskinesias are movement disorders, while dystonias are muscle tension disorders. "Tardive" symptoms are those that appear during long-term treatment (often after several years).
Night sweats are common with many of the SSRIs as is insomnia and restlessness.
Hope this helps!
Jerry
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