Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 76510

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Serotonin syndrome

Posted by Squiggles on August 26, 2001, at 21:56:51

Hi,

I have been reading about this frightening
syndrome. It appears to be frequent with
SSRIs. I am recovering from clonazepam withdrawal
(now 2 weeks) which resembled this syndrome
very much. I take lithium, and Synthroid, and
I am curious to know if the removal (gradual)
of one drug at a very small dose (e.g. the Rivotril)
could have an effect on a rapid rise of lithium.
This is all speculative of course, but the "explosion"
and electric current sensations in the head and consequent sickness was inexplicable
to me, as seizure was ruled out.

Wondering...

thank you

Squiggles

Re: Serotonin syndrome » Squiggles

Posted by Elizabeth on August 29, 2001, at 12:17:08

In reply to Serotonin syndrome, posted by Squiggles on August 26, 2001, at 21:56:51

Hi.

The "serotonin syndrome" is not common with SSRIs alone. It almost always is associated with a combination of two or more serotonergic medications. It's not very similar to the characteristic benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. It can be fatal, but most often it is not. (I have survived it three times.)

> I am curious to know if the removal (gradual)
> of one drug at a very small dose (e.g. the Rivotril)
> could have an effect on a rapid rise of lithium.

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, but I don't think that reducing the dose of Rivotril would affect your lithium level. How much lithium are you taking, BTW?

> This is all speculative of course, but the "explosion"
> and electric current sensations in the head and consequent sickness was inexplicable
> to me, as seizure was ruled out.

That sounds like SSRI withdrawal, if anything. Huh.

-elizabeth

Re: Serotonin syndrome

Posted by Squiggles on August 29, 2001, at 17:47:55

In reply to Re: Serotonin syndrome » Squiggles, posted by Elizabeth on August 29, 2001, at 12:17:08

> Hi.
>
> The "serotonin syndrome" is not common with SSRIs alone. It almost always is associated with a combination of two or more serotonergic medications. It's not very similar to the characteristic benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. It can be fatal, but most often it is not. (I have survived it three times.)
>
> > I am curious to know if the removal (gradual)
> > of one drug at a very small dose (e.g. the Rivotril)
> > could have an effect on a rapid rise of lithium.
>
> I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, but I don't think that reducing the dose of Rivotril would affect your lithium level. How much lithium are you taking, BTW?
>
> > This is all speculative of course, but the "explosion"
> > and electric current sensations in the head and consequent sickness was inexplicable
> > to me, as seizure was ruled out.
>
> That sounds like SSRI withdrawal, if anything. Huh.
>
> -elizabeth

Thanks for replying Elizabeth. I once chatted
with you before under different circumstances.
I am presently getting better and there is no
doubt that 1 month is what it takes to establish
equilibrium in a Klonopin cut. I;ve done this
before.

I still cannot understand the sudden seizure/stroke
sensation and though it might be serotonin.

I take 900 mg lithium and the Rivotril was down
to 0.075 from 0.125 - that's what caused
the sudded seizure like effects - with memory
and balance impairment consequent to that and
quite sick with a very bad headache.

Thanks very much for your attention.

No i do no take SSRI s but I have heard
the similar comparison in w.d - interesting.

Squiggles

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