Anyone been advised to stop serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Posted by Lucy @welchllb, Mar 1, 2022

Has anyone been advised to stop taking their serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Imipramine/Tofranil or Elavil, etc.? I have been taking a low dose for a long time to treat fibromyalgia.

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Following, I'm on cymbalta, and low dose tramadol for bad days I have not heard or read anything about not taking the serotonin uptake drugs. That could be scary to stop🤗

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I have been taking imipramine for years. 30 to 40 mg. All my doctors have told me it’s “an old drug.” But it’s the only one I can tolerate. Why were you told to stop?

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Those are not SSRI’s
They’re TCA’s

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@nataliem

I have been taking imipramine for years. 30 to 40 mg. All my doctors have told me it’s “an old drug.” But it’s the only one I can tolerate. Why were you told to stop?

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I've been taking Imipramine for years, too. Ever since I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the late 80s. I was told to stop because the SSRI may exacerbate Long COVID - am starting back up today because my old symptoms of achiness, etc. are returning in addition to my COVID symptoms.

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@rrher

Those are not SSRI’s
They’re TCA’s

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I did not add the SSRI piece to my post. Mayo must have added it. Here's the definition: Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that has been used since the 1950s. Its primary mechanism of action is to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, thus elevating the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain.

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@welchllb

I did not add the SSRI piece to my post. Mayo must have added it. Here's the definition: Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that has been used since the 1950s. Its primary mechanism of action is to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, thus elevating the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain.

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Oh gotcha. Ok . Understand.
Somewhat Similar mechanisms, actions but different considerations based on classification as TCA’s

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@welchllb

I've been taking Imipramine for years, too. Ever since I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the late 80s. I was told to stop because the SSRI may exacerbate Long COVID - am starting back up today because my old symptoms of achiness, etc. are returning in addition to my COVID symptoms.

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Did you recover from the chronic fatigue? That’s what I suffer from, and I would love a story of hope. It’s a devastating condition.

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I am on a 5mg dose of Celexa (SSRI) to deal with the sensory overload I experience with long term covid nerve damage. Without being on this drug, I was unable to shower or drive. I am interested to hear more if SSRIs are not advised, and if there is any alternatives to take for my sensory overload condition?

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@nataliem

Did you recover from the chronic fatigue? That’s what I suffer from, and I would love a story of hope. It’s a devastating condition.

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Yes, it is devastating and yes, I recovered/in remission from CFS but am still cautious about symptoms returning. When I get overtired and my arms start aching, I purposely slow down - which now with Long COVID, too, I do anyway. I was diagnosed with CFS at Mayo and they put me on a Vitamin regime along with a plan for pacing myself. Interestingly, I had a hysterectomy soon thereafter and by the time I recovered from that surgery, I felt better. Took a long time, though. Take care.

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@aae

I am on a 5mg dose of Celexa (SSRI) to deal with the sensory overload I experience with long term covid nerve damage. Without being on this drug, I was unable to shower or drive. I am interested to hear more if SSRIs are not advised, and if there is any alternatives to take for my sensory overload condition?

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The suggestion to stop using them was in a medical journal - still don't think doctors can do more than suggest. So many unanswered questions with Long COVID.

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