Daily Llama,
Not exactly self-induced but yes, most often it results due to prescribed or self-prescribed combinations of prescription medication that increase or affect serotonin activity in the body.
Danielle, Bilingual Health Educator
Thanks Dannie,
My daily dose of meds has kept me on a pretty even keel for years now... I guess it's only sometimes when circumstances in my life coupled with a excess of negative thinking get on top of me that I lose myself in a 'break' into the Abyss... I've never come up against that term before... Serotonin overload - you're basically saying that it's self-induced (taking too many SSRIs?)as opposed to iatrogenic, or an accidental physiological reaction in the brain??
Thanks again for the swift information...
Daily Llama,
Serotonin syndrome or "serotonin overload" is a condition that is categorized by a dangerously high level of serotonin in the body.
This can occur as a result of taking a combination of prescription medications that affect serotonin levels in your body.
Signs & symptoms can include:
* Extreme agitation or restlessness
* Confusion
* Hallucinations
* Loss of coordination
* Fast heartbeat
* Rapid changes in blood pressure
* Fever
* Heavy sweating
* Overactive reflexes
* Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
* Seizures
* Coma
Please keep in mind this list is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your healthcare professional. If you suspect your prescription medication is causing you to have dangerous side affects, seek the consult of your MD.
Antidepressants have to be carefully monitored to see if the correct dosage is being given. You should meet regularly with your doctor to check the dosage and its effectiveness.
Danielle, Bilingual Health Educator
Hi Journey and welcome to the site...
Tell me, how does a serotonin overload manifest itself?? Does that mean that you felt a bit manic or "too happy for words"?
Journey,
We do know where you are coming from, so please take a look around. We welcome you to our support community and encourage you to look through the program and use the support group.
The members here can share their experiences and success' and help support :)
Josie, Health Educator
Hi Everyone.
I just joined and trying to get a feel for the site. I was diagnosed on 4/25/08 (on my birthday, no less!) with Major Depressive Disorder. I guess that is just a nicer way of saying clinically depressed. Right now, I'm feeling angry and guilty about it. Also having mood swings of anxiety vs being just ok due to withdrawing from paxil and getting onto cymbalta. I had to drop paxil at 10 mg suddenly due to serotonin overload--really bad experience but I'm coming down slowly and it should be over in another day or 2 I hope. Thanks for being here. I wish you all well.
Journey[color=Navy]Text[/color]
