Posted by Dave@MT on February 28, 2001, at 20:49:40
In reply to Re: Anyone using Trazedon to help sleep w/SRRI's ?, posted by Sunnely on February 26, 2001, at 21:43:37
Sun
Thanks very much for the excellent info. This is exactly the kind of objective input I need to understand what is going on. You have encouraged me a lot.
Thanx Again!
Dave@MT
> Dave,
>
> I'm not sure what you meant by "electric head" pertaining to SSRI withdrawal. However, one of the SRI-withdrawal symptoms commonly reported is "electric-shock" like sensations of certain body parts. As Cam indicated in his response to another post, the shorter half-lives SRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are commonly associated with withdrawal symptoms.
>
> SRI-withdrawal symptoms usually begin between 2 and 5 days after the last dose of the medication, although in some cases, can begin before the medicine is totally discontinued. With certain antidepressants (e.g., Effexor), withdrawal symptoms can occur even after missing a single dose.
>
> Withdrawal symptoms can last up to several weeks and are typically mitigated by reintroducing the withdrawn antidepressant.
>
> Although these antidepressants are not "habit forming," patients are advised not to discontinue an antidepressant abruptly - one of the common causes of withdrawal symptoms.
>
> I posted the following a few months back but I think it's worth revisiting. Withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants can be summed up in the following mnemonic, FINISH (Cam uses the mnemonic FLUSH):
>
> F = Flu-like symptoms (lethargy, fatigue, headache, achiness, sweating)
>
> I = Insomnia (with vivid dreams or nightmares)
>
> N = Nausea (sometines vomiting)
>
> I = Imbalance (dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness)
>
> S = Sensory disturbances ("burning," "tingling," or "electric-shock" like sensations)
>
> H = Hyperarousal (anxiety, irritability, agitation, aggression, mania)
>
> Other symptoms reported include worsening of depressiion, suicidal thoughts and hallucinations.
>
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>
> > Well Sun
> >
> > I appreciate the info. I don't suppose you have any insight on "electric head" symptoms associated with SRRI withdrawal - Remeron then Luvox in my particular case?
> >
> > I must say, in addition to being no slouch around the finer points of psymeds, you seem to be something of an expert on certain other "hard" subjects. Personal experience, or simply academic?
> >
> > Dave
> >
> > > "Serotonin syndrome" is a serious condition that can result in death. It is usually caused by increased serotonin stimulation. The most common pharmacological interaction that results in serotonin syndrome is the concurrent use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) with either tryptophan, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
> > >
> > > Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include mood or behavioral changes (confusion, agitation, mania), fever, increased sweating, restlessness, tremor, muscle rigidity, shivering (teeth chattering) or shaking, racing heartbeat, rapid breathing, overactive reflexes, muscle twitchings, diarrhea.
> > >
> > > With regards to problem # 2 (priapism - persistent and painful penile erection from trazodone), good that it does not seem to affect you. However, there have been men prescribed trazodone who were not aware of this potential side effect, and learned about it the "hard" way, literarily. :-)
> > >
> > > =================================================
> > >
> > > > Concern #2 is not a problem... :-)
> > > >
> > > > What is "serotonin syndrome"?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for your quick response!
> > > >
> > > > Dave
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > Trazodone at low doses (25-50 mg at bedtime as sleeper) and an SSRI is a fairly common combination.
> > > > >
> > > > > A couple of precautions when combining these 2 drugs: 1) serotonin syndrome, and 2) priapism. Case reports of serotonin syndrome have been reported with this trazodone-SRI combination. Usually reversible once the offending drugs are discontinued. Rarely, can be serious and deadly. Priapism is the painful and persistent penile erection not associated with emotional arousal. Most commonly reported with the use of trazodone. If not treated immediately, it could lead to impotence.
> > > > >
> > > > > ================================================
> > > > >
> > > > > > I am about off Luvox, no dose for about 7-8 days.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Had been taking 25-50 mg Trazedon at bedtime to help sleep.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Has anyone else used low doses of Trazedon to help sleep with SRRI's?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Appreciate any info.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Dave@MT
poster:Dave@MT
thread:54758
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/55171.html