Serotonin syndrome

[Horace]

This may be a stupid question, but could I get this from just taking my prescription ssri?

I am worrying about it now!

[kittikat]

There is a slight risk, yes. But if you have been on them a while, I think you would have had it by now. I believe it is quite rare. I am sure you would know if you had it.

Try not to worry, as long as you follow your doctors instructions for dose and time etc, you should be ok. You will, of course be aware that there are 'normal' side effects to all anti d medication, these should subside within a few weeks.

If you are worried in any way, always contact your GP or speak to the pharmacist for advice.

All the best. Kitti

[Edie]

It normally only occurs from taking a combination of drugs, or an overdose of one drug. It's virtually unheard of from taking just your prescribed dose of one antidepressant.

Just pay attention to the patient leaflet of your medication, and any other medication you take, to check they are safe to combine (or check with the pharmacist or your GP). St Johns Wort should not be taken with antidepressants, and you need to check on medicines for colds. Some illegal drugs can also risk serotonin syndrome if you're on antidepressants.

So in practice, you are almost definitely not going to get serotonin syndrome from your SSRIs.

[Horace]

Thanks for your help.

I just found some blurb http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk...inSyndrome.doc

It appears that a severe overdose of ssri causes it in 15% of cases and venlafaxine in 30% of cases.

I think I'm flapping about nothing!

[kittikat]

That's good, I hope you feel better now!

[Edie]

I think I'm flapping about nothing!

Aren't we all
It's what our brains do.
Glad you're feeling a bit better about your meds now anyway.

[Horace]

There is an obvious question....given potential side effects....who's going to take an overdose!?

It's tricky enough at a normal dose!

[kittikat]

What a good question...I didn't say so not to scare you but I actually had this from Clomipramine a few years back...the most frightening experience of my life, and I only took one tablet! Had to call emergency doc out, made me vomit and told to to drink copius amounts of water...the effects lasted about 3 days but gradually subsided. Made me very med phobic.

As I said you would definitely know if you had it. BTW, I am on Venlafaxine, one of the meds listed in your link...had very few SE's with it and has helped me loads

[Horace]

Venlafaxine is the next thing if the Cipralex doesn't work! I'm sure it will be good though.

[kittikat]

Best of luck with it I hope it helps you.