I have this anyone else have this? There have been times I completely stopped taking my meds. This explains so much. I'm going to call my doc tomorrow and tell him. If he doesn't listen I am going somewhere else

A scenario:
You've been on an SSRI antidepressant for five weeks or more. The doctor feels that the dosage needs to be decreased or the medication needs to be discontinued. He prescribes changes and tapering in the usual 10mg increments.

Within a couple of days of starting this, you begin to exhibit severe flulike symptoms - headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chills, dizziness and fatigue. There may be insomnia.


Agitation, impaired concentration, vivid dreams, depersonalization, irritability and suicidal thoughts are sometimes occurring. These symptoms last anywhere from one to seven weeks and vary in intensity. You wonder what the heck is going on.

It's called SSRI discontinuation syndrome, a result of reducing dosage or stopping taking these antidepressants, and it can really be the pits. Here is what causes it:

Some SSRI medications have a very short half-life. This means they produce no metabolites that help the medication stay in the body for an extended period. They go in, last a few hours, and come out again.

SSRI's are split into two categories: long acting and short acting. For example, Prozac is a longer-acting SSRI. Paxil, Effexor, Zoloft and Luvox are short-acting. The shorter acting SSRIs, when discontinued or when the dosage is lowered, produce an "anticholinergic rebound," which is an interruption in production of the key neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

(Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter used more when a person is under greater stress.) These symptoms will last anywhere from one to seven weeks, and then disappear.

Symptoms of SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome
Neurologic symptoms include:

Dizziness
Vertigo
Lightheadedness
Difficulty walking
Physical complaints include:


Nausea/vomiting
Fatigue
Headaches
Insomnia
Less common difficulties:

Shock-like sensations
Parasthesia (skin crawling, burning or prickling)
Visual disturbances
Diarrhea
Muscle pain
Chills
Non-specific mental symptoms:
Shock-like sensations
Agitation
Impaired concentration
Vivid dreams
Depersonalization - sense of unreality and loss of self
Irritability
Suicidal thoughts
Will I Get SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome? How Long Will It Last?
Double-blind controlled studies now indicate that 35-78% of patients who, after five weeks or more of treatment with the medication, abruptly stop certain antidepressants or titrate down in 10mg increments or more, will develop one or more of the discontinuation symptoms. When allowed to run its course, SSRI discontinuation syndrome duration is variable (one to several weeks) and ranges from mild-moderate intensity in most patients, to extremely distressing in a small number.

There are a lot of 'needs' that you feel you have. Some come from your family, which imho at times seems to lack understanding and are quite judgemental. I for one do not believe they are malicious or anything. Just perhaps not seeing g or understanding the distress you are in. The second list of 'needs' appear to come from self loathing. When we are depressed our brain lies to us and we can't trust our own judgement. For me that's what I hear you say, but forgive me if I am wrong

One should never stop any med completely. A stupid shrink wanted me to stop 30mg of abilify. That can lead to antipsychotic withdrawal syndrome. I have been reducing it by 5mg a week and they now feel that is too much. I have been on it 6 years

With the discontinuous syndrome, they have to state all potential side effects. From what I have read SNRIs are harder to come off than SSRIs. If you believe 10mg reduction is too much please tell your doctor.

I understand your fear. Learning about potential side effects is scary. I have discontinued celexa, Zoloft and prozac without any problems. I do appreciate we are all different.

Do you feel that you need to be in the hospital? Not knowing our own needs and being confused is a terrible burden to bear. And as you say with this reduction. If its not done properly go somewhere else. But if you are just terrified of the potential discontinued syndrome, IMHO 5 weeks on the med will be easier to discontinue than say six months or a year. If you are actually in that scenario you mention, then there is the possibility it has been reduced too quickly. However if the scenario is just a possible side effect, try not to let it sting too much.

I wish you well in whatever you do decide to do. x

I would definitely talk with your doctor about your medication... A lot of us who have BP can't take antidepressants as it can cause mania or hypomania...

This may be why you're experiencing the agitation and anger... I'm not sure when you were diagnosed however it can take quite some time to find the right med regime

I would work with your medical professionals and not just 'stop' what you need to find stability... Do it for your child.... There is stability to be had.... Big hug....xo

Are you only on SSRIs? No bipolar meds?

You can ignore this question - how old are you?

30

Hello again Braveredhead,
You're getting some good advice about meds, and therapy from some who seem to know way more about those things than I. You have an appointment....Good - hang on until the 10th and make sure you go in to your appointment with a list of things, feelings, experiences that may help your Doc better assess your situation. You know, not to make light of what you're going through, but some of those feelings you mention, most all of us have, or have had.. Inadequacy, insignificance, insecurity, doubt and the notion that we may "need to be fixed" are common, especially with those of us who search, are demanding of ourselves and self-evaluative. It's true - we all need to be "fixed"! This is what came to mind when I read your post: We are placed here. We have a purpose. We are hard-wired to find out what that purpose is, and to fulfill that plan for our lives. You say that you don't know yourself nor how to fix yourself. I feel that almost every day. And I believe that that sensation is a prodding, or a "call" to seek the one who does, and who can. I've always felt God pursuing me, and thankfully I finally stopped my running, and when I did, He was waiting there. There is unconditional, abounding love and acceptance there, from the one who "formed you in the womb", and "knows the number of hairs on your head", and who "knows your name". PM me if you're interested. I have a pretty wild story.

Thank you guys. I went to my doc today. It wasn't the ssri syndrome. I just have low self esteem I think. Life is hard for me. Thank y'all for your posts.