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This is long, but I’m looking for anyone who has experienced similar and can provide some positivity.
In April I went into anaphylactic shock after an insect sting (I was also having a panic attack). I received an adrenaline shot, Benadryl shot, steroid shot, and was released from the hospital with steroid pills. I had several more panic attacks over the next 3 days, so I stopped taking the pills.
At the end of May, I began having panic attacks after eating. The ER started me on 10 mg Citalopram. Due to insomnia, and severe side effects, my psychiatrist started me on daily Ativan, twice a day. After upping the Citalopram to 20 mg, I became worse and my mental health plummeted. I was on Citalopram for 65 days total.
My psychiatrist did a direct switch to 10mg Prozac. I lasted 13 days. I couldn’t set still, had to move to find any comfort, my brain felt like it was on fire (even with the Ativan). I became so depressed, I didn’t care anymore if I died or not. On both medications, I would wake up violently shaking, had internal body vibrating, external tremors, diarrhea literally the entire time while on them 78 days total). I was told to stop taking the Prozac, and just continue with the Ativan. The Prozac kept activating for another 10-12 days or so.
I’ve been off the SSRIs for 25 days now. I am still waking up shaking, have internal vibrations, and anxiety (even with the benzodiazepine). Today is the 3rd day in a row that my anxiety is overpowering the Ativan. I want to take more, but I refuse to give in.
I was not depressed prior to the SSRIs. I was just having panic attacks (I’m guessing because my nervous system was shot from the trauma). Any one who experienced something similar and recovered? How long does it take? I can’t tell if I’m recovering, if the SSRI withdrawal is getting worse, or what. I would just like some feedback.
Replies to "This is long, but I’m looking for anyone who has experienced similar and can provide some..."
Nortriptyline think is correct spelling in case Im confusing anyone with a similar drug.
@jr1988
Sorry to read your story of how much you have been through. It sounds like you have had to many medications pushed through you in a short time. It sounds like you need to take a step back . It is hard when you are on different drugs to know what drug is causing which symptoms. SSRIs are powerful drugs and they can cause anxiety after taking them for a while. I was on Clomipramine a tricyclic antidepressant and decided to try an SSRI. For me the SSRI caused a lot of anxiety. Also with antidepressants you can have side effects when you stop them if you do it abruptly. Unfortunately it is a trial and error to see what does work. You might think about the genetic testing to see what antidepressants work with your body chemistry. Work closely with your doctor to find a solution. Hang in there and best of luck.
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Im so sorry youre going through this. I would recommend increasing the Ativan though...you're still having withdrawal from Prozac. It's going to take time...I think you need to increase the Ativan for a time.
I went through what the medics said was a state of extreme anxiety. I can't explain it, all I know it was terrifying. Id been on Prozac for some months and, if needed, Id take 1/4 of a 30mg oxazepam (serepax) it never failed to settle me however not this time. I tried increasing the dose til I was taking 30mg, still no relief. I was so scared by then. My GP started me on Seroquel, that made me worse. My GP recommended I see a Psychiatrist and would I agree to being an inpatient at a private clinic. I did and was given Ativan not long after being admitted. I was changed from Prozac to Nortrypaline, not sure thats correct spelling and I think 1mg of Ativan twice a day. Stayed in the clinic for 3 weeks, maybe the rest helped too. Now I only take 1/4 of Ativan and not very often, just if Im getting stressed..it works.
I really wish you well. Its a terrible thing to go through and worrying about how bad youre feeling increases the anxiety.
As Ive already said I really think you should increase the Ativan and hopefully it will give you relief. 🙏