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Anyone had serotonin syndrome? What causes it? How to prevent it?
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Jul 30, 2022 | Replies (30)Comment receiving replies
So, I've recently been dealing with a large amount of anxiety. I was given a few different meds to use to try and get proper control over it - right now I'm using Venlafaxine 225 MG ER which I've been on a few years, and clonazepam, which I've been weaning off of.
On Monday I was very sick. I had started with what I believed to be allergies - runny nose, sneezing, scratchy throat. Later in the day I got a stomach ache, and a headache. I was also nauseous. I saw the doctor who tested me for covid, and it was negative, but symptoms began to alleviate. Last night however, after a quick shower and taking my clonazepam dose, I had an unexplainable episode of fast heart rate. It felt like it pounded out of my chest.
Today, I once again noticed some muscle spasms. I've been having them relatively regularly since I started clonazepam. I didn't think much of it. But now I'm utterly terrified - all these put together sound like Serotonin syndrome. And I'm terrified I'm ill and possibly near death. I'm scared. My family doesn't think I'm in danger but I feel horrified.
Please, can someone give me advice on what to do?
Replies to "So, I've recently been dealing with a large amount of anxiety. I was given a few..."
Hi @robjbost.
How are you? Were you able to get some answers or relief from your symptoms?
. Please go to the ER if you’re doctor isn’t responding. You’re not well right now and need medical intervention.
@robjbost, I completely agree with the comments you got from @witsend000 and @sears. I hope you heeded their advice and called your doctor or went to ER.
You'll notice that I moved your post to this existing discussion where others are talking about how to recognized serotonin syndrome, what causes it and how you can prevent it.
- Anyone had serotonin syndrome? What causes it? How to prevent it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/serotonin-syndrome-1/
I encourage you to click the link above and read through the helpful posts. Rob, How are you doing today?
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Hi @robjbost. That definitely sounds scary. I think the best thing to do is call your prescribing physician right away.
If your symptoms are related to too much serotonin they can tell you what to do.
If they are not related to the medications, they could be a sign of something else that needs attention.
Bottom line is: if YOU feel that something’s not right then please seek medical help. Listen to your body and always err on the side of caution.
Even if it’s nothing, you will probably feel better getting checked and letting the doctor know what’s happening.
Hope you feel better soon.