[Frostbitten_Kiss]

A short history:

I was diagnosed with a form of serotonin syndrome when I was 16 after being hospitalized with the symptoms of rapid speech, stuttering, confusion, rapid eye movement, and twitching. My father had found me asleep on the floor (I was so tired I couldn't make it anywhere else) and once I was up and moving the symptoms began. I was sent to a neurologist because the after effects were still stuttering and double vision. He diagnosed the problem as serotonin syndrome.

Now, I have heard doctors argue again and again that my condition is not serotonin so I am here to try to get some insight. I have been hospitalized five times for taking drugs that increase my serotonin, and finally after visiting another specialist in Colorado I have figures out what I can and cannot take. Every once in awhile I'll slip up and take something that increases it slightly, and a few symptoms flare up, but I have been directed to take Benadryl (sp?) and sleep when these symptoms appear and most of the time it helps.

I have read up on serotonin syndrome, and it doesn't seem like my case is what is typical of it. I have seen two neurologists about this, and they both claim that it is serotonin syndrome. Does this sound right to all of you? Also, are there any studies going on currently about such issues? Is there anywhere I could look or anybody I could contact about participating in any studies? Its frustrating being only able to take ibuprofen for everything, not to mention the frustration of being hospitalized again and again (I'm only 20 and in college, I had to take off a whole semester last time I was in the hospital!)

Thank you so much for any insight or help.

[Frostbitten_Kiss]

Me again - I know I have asked about serotonin syndrome before. I apologize for being so repetitive. I wrote this in because I had another reaction last weekend. I just really would like to have an idea of why I react this way to medications that increase my serotonin and if serotonin syndrome was the correct diagnosis by this neurologist. Thanks again for any help!

[jmo531]

Hi and welcome.

I have read only a little on seritonin syndrome so I am not too familier. I know that you said you have read up and you feel your symptoms are not like what you have read. Maybe you could gather your records from the other physicians and go an get another opinion. I know it must be very frustrating to be in this position.

Also, if your looking for any studies in this area I would check with teaching hospitals. They so all sorts of studies. The one off of the top of my head is Johns Hopkins. That is is MD though.

I hope you get this resolved soon. Like I said, I know it must be very frustrating.

Hugs~

Jen

[Gemstone]

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/

I would recomend another opinion maybe from a psychiatrist. I agree your case doesn't sound typical of what I have read, but I'm not a doctor.

I wish you luck.

[(JD)]

Right now all I can think is how I can't take any antidepressants because I have paradoxical reactions... I become MORE depressed (complete with all that entails.) I think it's because of my allergic, sensitive system. You can go to a really good ENT/allergist and be tested for any medicine you aren't sure about, and see what your sensitivity is to it. The diluted test will also elicit a mild form of your reactions,so that could be documented also. It could be "an allergic reaction" pertinent to you! TC

[Frostbitten_Kiss]

I am pretty certain my reactions are due to a rise in serotonin. It is the one thing that is consistent in these episodes. The neurologist I saw I had to travel a long ways to see, because he is the best in our area. I want to believe him that is is serotonin syndrome, but my symptoms just do not match with what I have read on it.

I may go see a psychologist as suggested. Thank you for all of your help..

Any other input is more than welcome!

[(JD)]

I'm sorry .. I'm probably not making much sense (due to stress of hurricane) but I'll try again: to have serotonin syndrome, there has to be a mix of two medicines... affecting the uptake of serotonin. http://members.aol.com/atracyphd/syndrome.htm I have an allergy TO serotonin (as well as progesterone,and norepinephrine...all chemicals the body makes normally.) If you are mixing certain medications, then you have to quit taking one of them to stop your "syndrome" imo there is no other med to take to "fix" the problem. If you are having such terrible symptoms, I would like to think your doctor would treat you immediately and help you be safe and feel better. ((((hugs))))) CALL your doctor about your symptoms!