So how fucked am I?

[ricky spanish]

I'm so sorry this ended up being so long, but I just want to put as much info and context as I can. I hope I can borrow the time it will take you to read it.

TL;DR: Suffered extreme anxiety episode after consuming Polka Dot bar, now terrified after it has randomly reoccurred without having taken anything for almost a week.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've spent the past year on a pretty regular regimen of gummies. (though the latter was reserved for a once-a-month treat). I tried not to make my consumption an every day thing, but my job constantly caused me really bad stress, so sometimes I just couldn't help it. I mean, it was still a decision I made of my own volition but you know what I mean. I ended up inadvertently raising my tolerance level to the point that I could take a whole one and sometimes it would barely hit. Another weird effect began happening more recently where...I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but my brain would just go nuts. My inner dialogue would be absolutely overwhelmed with a rapid-fire onslaught of completely random words, thoughts, and even sound effects (like a motorcycle revving), all overlapping. Scared the shit out of me the first time and I thought I was having a stroke. Confusingly though, I still had control over my actual inner dialogue and was completely of sound mind otherwise. It was literally like two entities going on in my head. I'd sit there and work out what was going on in my head, all the while "hearing" the other thing shouting in the background. Note: not literally hearing them. Internally only. I eventually realized I could lessen the effect (or even reduce it entirely) by simply focusing on at least 3 other things. There was just no room left for it in my consciousness and it would quiet down. It didn't always happen when I took the deltas, but when it did I considered it a "too high" moment and wouldn't have any gummies for at least a week or more. Never happend with the mushroom ones. More on that in a minute.

Due to the frequency of my visits, I ended up striking up a friendship with the guy at the head shop I was buying all this from. Cool dude, really knows his shit. One day, recommended bars. Said he too, had inadvertently raised his tolerance levels over the years and enjoyed half of one of the bars every 5-6 days. He advised only taking up to one half of it in one sitting due to the high dosage and to wait the same amount of time in between. I followed that advice and yeah, it was pretty legit. Fun stuff. But at 30 bucks a pop, I decided that was going to be an even rarer treat. Well, I finally lost said aforementioned job in mid-January. My stress levels have unsurprisingly not improved. I ended up having half a Polka Dot not long afterward just to relax one night and it acted like it always does; I'd had one before (split between two separate occasions, as recommended) so I knew what to expect. Came and went, no big deal. I decided to enjoy the other half last Thursday and this is where things really got scary.

Instead of the slow burn ramp-up over the course of an hour or so followed by 3-4 hours of wavy gravy space travel, within about 20 minutes I began to feel positively consumed with the worst anxiety attack I've ever had in my life. In fact, I've never had one. I've been stressed before, but this was physically tangible. It's like my Spidey sense was going off at DEFCON 1. My overall system was just in sheer, primal panic mode. My heart felt like it was beating out of my chest and my breathing was a little shallow. There was no pain, but there was...something going on with my chest. I had serious brain fog. Everything just seemed so overwhelming. I had to look at the floor because the decorations in my apartment were overwhelming. I was still able to perfectly recite my name, address, the alphabet, etc. and my smile was symmetrical however. But my inner voice was actively, consciously yelling at me "YOU ARE DYING." I called 911. The EMTs gave me a good once-over and an EKG. All was normal. Heart was beating a little faster due to the stress of the situation, but nowhere even remotely near dangerous levels. My blood oxygen and pressure were within the acceptable ranges. Everything they checked out came back perfectly normal. I denied a trip to the hospital (can't afford that) and was told all I could do otherwise was to simply wait it out. Just a bad trip and nothing more. I also had frequent, but mild diarrhea throughout the day until there was simply nothing left inside to expel. I drank a metric shit ton of water all day and night. The fuckin' thing lasted well into the wee hours of the night, but in an increasingly diminished capacity as it went along. If it was at a 10/10 when I called 911, it was a 4/10 by the time I finally fell asleep around 4 am. I simply couldn't remain awake anymore. I was legitimately afraid of dying so I wanted to stay up as long as I could. I was so relieved to wake up in the morning. It's still been somewhat present each day after that, but once again with diminishing returns. This morning was the first one where it had completely disappeared. I finally felt like my old self again. I could move on.

...that is, until it started to happen again. Completely out of the blue.

I was sitting here on the couch as I am now, having fun on my laptop in New Vegas and background-watching Youtube videos on the TV. All regular activities that I was actively enjoying at that moment. Not a drop of stress nor anything to cause it. The video I was watching was a funny one I'd just laughed at moments before. Then almost like being hit by lightning, I had a sudden surge of adrenaline/anxiety and it all swept back in like the tide. At first I hoped it was just hunger manifesting in a strange way (as I hadn't eaten yet), but I couldn't even finish the ramen noodles I ended up hastily slapping together. I was hungry, but had an almost anti-appetite. I haven't taken anything since last Thursday. No mushrooms, no deltas, nothing. Hell, I haven't even had any alcohol just to be on the safe side.

I took my Prozac and Wellbutrin for the first time since losing my job, hoping they would do their job as, well, anxiety medication. I eventually ended up going to the CareNow around the corner (RIP to that $230 ;__; ) and by the time I was all checked in and waiting my turn (there were only 2 people in front of me), it had lessened significantly. I sat there patiently reading the book I'd brought with me until I slowly began to find myself unable to concentrate on it; I could barely even stand to look at the words on the page without my fight-or-flight kicking in. Simply too much information for my brain to process. All the symptoms mentioned above suddenly SHOT back up, higher than they were before I left the house and closer to the first time, if I'm honest. I got up, explained this, and asked if they could at the very least have someone check my vitals real quick and they sent me back to be seen instead. I was next, anyway. At least there was no diarrhea this time.

Now I have a rule about not panicking unless the experts do on any given subject so when everybody was chill after my vitals were taken, it eased up ever so slightly. I was eventually given another EKG and an X-ray and as before, everything came back healthy as a horse. The doc even complimented my results. He too determined that it was an extreme anxiety attack, likely a residual effect of the mushroom bar as before. He advised that I simply keep focusing on taking my meds, continue drinking tons of water, and lay off the fun stuff for a very long time, if not permanently. Waaaaay ahead of you, buddy. I do appreciate that there was no judgement from him regarding the latter, however.

And now the moment you've all been waiting for:

Is...is this permanent? Did I somehow fuck up my brain chemistry enough by simply oversaturating my system with gas station drugs? It's not like I'm over here smoking crack. I never have and never will take any other kind of drugs other than ones prescribed to me. I don't even smoke. I know drugs can rewire a person's brain of course (I mean that's kind of the point), but I feel like my case isn't quite up to the level for that to happen. Once was bad enough but I'm now legitimately frightened that it happened again out of the blue, drugs or not. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm really hoping that it's either just a one-off, or something I'll have to endure for a short while as all the shit completely exits my system. That I can do, despite how nightmarishly unpleasant it is. But I'm honestly low-key terrified that this shit now can and will strike at any time for the rest of my life. I'm even more worried that despite the good heart health, I've done irreversible damage to my brain that will only get worse. What have I done and what is happening to me? Can anything be done about it? Please help me. I've never been so scared.

If you've made it this far, I genuinely thank you for taking the time to read it.

 

[kris66]

I will let someone else answer your question about the mushroom gummies and Polka Dot Bars as I’m not familiar with those. Anxiety attacks are horrible and what you described sounds like an anxiety attack.

My question is about your Prozac and Wellbutrin, you say you had not taken it since you lost your job in mid January. Had you been taking them on a daily basis before that? If you stopped Prozac and Wellbutrin suddenly I’m wondering if that might be what caused your brain episodes and the trouble with your inner dialogue. Possibly that is the reason for the sudden anxiety attacks also. Is there a way you can go back on this medication, or at least wean off of it slowly?

I do think you are doing the right thing avoiding the mushrooms or any other drugs for now. I wish you well, anxiety is awful. From what you said I don’t believe it’s anything permanent.

 

[M!$TER-ED]

What if your symptoms were long-term? What if you are given a diagnosis related to mental illness? What would you do, what can you do except accept it for what it is. You may never experience again what you describe in your post but it makes you think about how fragile our minds and bodies truly are.
When I was much younger than I am now. I was heavily into MDA snorting and Iv. My parents/brothers went away on vacation leaving me behind so I could work. I was already using psychedelics and a lot of MDA, as soon as the coast was clear at home, was dosing MDA morning and night. Eventually it became to difficult to work at the loading dock. The machines and coverer belts came to life and the sounds of moving belts and machines were more than I could handle.

Long story short the rest of my family returned from vacation and I was a mess. Time went by and my mental condition got worse. I got in an argument with one of my parents and in a stage of anger I put my fist through a glass window. I knew what I was doing pulling my fist back at impact so as not to get hurt. Nonetheless, my parents put me in a hospital psyche ward.

My point is no one knows what the future will bring, however we are responsible for our health and wellbeing. This is our responsibility, no one can make decisions for us, even if an adult or guardian tells you what to do, the decision is yours. Maturity is when you take responsibility for your thoughts and actions. This is when you realize how much power you have in the choices you make.

 

[Shinji Ikari]

Polkadot bars are a crapshoot. Sellers generally just order the packaging online and put their own stuff inside. Sometimes they contain ground up shrooms other times it's a substituted tryptamine like 4-aco-dmt or 4-ho-met. Point being there's no real way of telling what you took or at what dose. It was probably something shroomy though.

Is...is this permanent?

A frightening psychedelic experience can leave quite the impression and people often do feel like they're going to be permanently affected in the immediate aftermath but I've personally never known anyone who wasn't able to leave it behind them, sooner rather than later in most cases.

You'll be fine.

 

[Jnowhere]

I'm so sorry this ended up being so long, but I just want to put as much info and context as I can. I hope I can borrow the time it will take you to read it.

TL;DR: Suffered extreme anxiety episode after consuming Polka Dot bar, now terrified after it has randomly reoccurred without having taken anything for almost a week.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've spent the past year on a pretty regular regimen of Delta 8 gummies and eventually began to include mushroom gummies (though the latter was reserved for a once-a-month treat). I tried not to make my consumption an every day thing, but my job constantly caused me really bad stress, so sometimes I just couldn't help it. I mean, it was still a decision I made of my own volition but you know what I mean. I ended up inadvertently raising my tolerance level to the point that I could take a whole one and sometimes it would barely hit. Another weird effect began happening more recently where...I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but my brain would just go nuts. My inner dialogue would be absolutely overwhelmed with a rapid-fire onslaught of completely random words, thoughts, and even sound effects (like a motorcycle revving), all overlapping. Scared the shit out of me the first time and I thought I was having a stroke. Confusingly though, I still had control over my actual inner dialogue and was completely of sound mind otherwise. It was literally like two entities going on in my head. I'd sit there and work out what was going on in my head, all the while "hearing" the other thing shouting in the background. Note: not literally hearing them. Internally only. I eventually realized I could lessen the effect (or even reduce it entirely) by simply focusing on at least 3 other things. There was just no room left for it in my consciousness and it would quiet down. It didn't always happen when I took the deltas, but when it did I considered it a "too high" moment and wouldn't have any gummies for at least a week or more. Never happend with the mushroom ones. More on that in a minute.

Due to the frequency of my visits, I ended up striking up a friendship with the guy at the head shop I was buying all this from. Cool dude, really knows his shit. One day, recommended these bars. Said he too, had inadvertently raised his tolerance levels over the years and enjoyed half of one of the bars every 5-6 days. He advised only taking up to one half of it in one sitting due to the high dosage and to wait the same amount of time in between. I followed that advice and yeah, it was pretty legit. Fun stuff. But at 30 bucks a pop, I decided that was going to be an even rarer treat. Well, I finally lost said aforementioned job in mid-January. My stress levels have unsurprisingly not improved. I ended up having half a Polka Dot not long afterward just to relax one night and it acted like it always does; I'd had one before (split between two separate occasions, as recommended) so I knew what to expect. Came and went, no big deal. I decided to enjoy the other half last Thursday and this is where things really got scary.

Instead of the slow burn ramp-up over the course of an hour or so followed by 3-4 hours of wavy gravy space travel, within about 20 minutes I began to feel positively consumed with the worst anxiety attack I've ever had in my life. In fact, I've never had one. I've been stressed before, but this was physically tangible. It's like my Spidey sense was going off at DEFCON 1. My overall system was just in sheer, primal panic mode. My heart felt like it was beating out of my chest and my breathing was a little shallow. There was no pain, but there was...something going on with my chest. I had serious brain fog. Everything just seemed so overwhelming. I had to look at the floor because the decorations in my apartment were overwhelming. I was still able to perfectly recite my name, address, the alphabet, etc. and my smile was symmetrical however. But my inner voice was actively, consciously yelling at me "YOU ARE DYING." I called 911. The EMTs gave me a good once-over and an EKG. All was normal. Heart was beating a little faster due to the stress of the situation, but nowhere even remotely near dangerous levels. My blood oxygen and pressure were within the acceptable ranges. Everything they checked out came back perfectly normal. I denied a trip to the hospital (can't afford that) and was told all I could do otherwise was to simply wait it out. Just a bad trip and nothing more. I also had frequent, but mild diarrhea throughout the day until there was simply nothing left inside to expel. I drank a metric shit ton of water all day and night. The fuckin' thing lasted well into the wee hours of the night, but in an increasingly diminished capacity as it went along. If it was at a 10/10 when I called 911, it was a 4/10 by the time I finally fell asleep around 4 am. I simply couldn't remain awake anymore. I was legitimately afraid of dying so I wanted to stay up as long as I could. I was so relieved to wake up in the morning. It's still been somewhat present each day after that, but once again with diminishing returns. This morning was the first one where it had completely disappeared. I finally felt like my old self again. I could move on.

...that is, until it started to happen again. Completely out of the blue.

I was sitting here on the couch as I am now, having fun on my laptop in New Vegas and background-watching Youtube videos on the TV. All regular activities that I was actively enjoying at that moment. Not a drop of stress nor anything to cause it. The video I was watching was a funny one I'd just laughed at moments before. Then almost like being hit by lightning, I had a sudden surge of adrenaline/anxiety and it all swept back in like the tide. At first I hoped it was just hunger manifesting in a strange way (as I hadn't eaten yet), but I couldn't even finish the ramen noodles I ended up hastily slapping together. I was hungry, but had an almost anti-appetite. I haven't taken anything since last Thursday. No mushrooms, no deltas, nothing. Hell, I haven't even had any alcohol just to be on the safe side.

I took my Prozac and Wellbutrin for the first time since losing my job, hoping they would do their job as, well, anxiety medication. I eventually ended up going to the CareNow around the corner (RIP to that $230 ;__; ) and by the time I was all checked in and waiting my turn (there were only 2 people in front of me), it had lessened significantly. I sat there patiently reading the book I'd brought with me until I slowly began to find myself unable to concentrate on it; I could barely even stand to look at the words on the page without my fight-or-flight kicking in. Simply too much information for my brain to process. All the symptoms mentioned above suddenly SHOT back up, higher than they were before I left the house and closer to the first time, if I'm honest. I got up, explained this, and asked if they could at the very least have someone check my vitals real quick and they sent me back to be seen instead. I was next, anyway. At least there was no diarrhea this time.

Now I have a rule about not panicking unless the experts do on any given subject so when everybody was chill after my vitals were taken, it eased up ever so slightly. I was eventually given another EKG and an X-ray and as before, everything came back healthy as a horse. The doc even complimented my results. He too determined that it was an extreme anxiety attack, likely a residual effect of the mushroom bar as before. He advised that I simply keep focusing on taking my meds, continue drinking tons of water, and lay off the fun stuff for a very long time, if not permanently. Waaaaay ahead of you, buddy. I do appreciate that there was no judgement from him regarding the latter, however.

And now the moment you've all been waiting for:

Is...is this permanent? Did I somehow fuck up my brain chemistry enough by simply oversaturating my system with gas station drugs? It's not like I'm over here smoking crack. I never have and never will take any other kind of drugs other than ones prescribed to me. I don't even smoke. I know drugs can rewire a person's brain of course (I mean that's kind of the point), but I feel like my case isn't quite up to the level for that to happen. Once was bad enough but I'm now legitimately frightened that it happened again out of the blue, drugs or not. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm really hoping that it's either just a one-off, or something I'll have to endure for a short while as all the shit completely exits my system. That I can do, despite how nightmarishly unpleasant it is. But I'm honestly low-key terrified that this shit now can and will strike at any time for the rest of my life. I'm even more worried that despite the good heart health, I've done irreversible damage to my brain that will only get worse. What have I done and what is happening to me? Can anything be done about it? Please help me. I've never been so scared.

If you've made it this far, I genuinely thank you for taking the time to read it.

I am with kris 66, Shinji and the doctor ( at the doc in a box( urgent care place).

I wouldn't worry about this being a permanent issue, if it is just the substances.

The info Shinji provided is probably; like it always has been, is probably very good.

The thing that scares me is the Anti- depressant and the interactions with whatever is that polka dot bar.

Not scared, that there will be be any permanent brain damage.

Just taking those antidepressant once will not, from what I have been told, work for anxiety.

I just am suspicious that the one off taking of antidepressants and whatever is in those polkadot bars caused a horrible, but almost certainly a bad but not permanent or long term problem.

Yeah, only taking perscription meds as directed, not abused, is your best bet.

I have no idea about the delta 8 gummies.
Quality control, long term effects, doubt it seriously. The mushroom gummies doubt they will cause you permanent damage. But you are smart to stay away from them.

I think that you will probably avoid mushroom gummies, and polka dot bars so you should be good.

--------
I am unaware of antidepressants working like Benzos, such as Xanax, Ativan( lorazapam) k-pins (Clonazepam or Klonopin), Valium( diazepam) ect.

Basically quick acting, effective anti anxiety meds, and sleep aids. These take 15 minutes to maybe an hour usually and work well. Not to be abused and shouldn't be used too regularly. Abuse potential, tolerance, physical dependence and/ or addiction.

They work great for anxiety but regular and continuous use can and usually will produce physical dependence. Taken daily a couple times a day can begin to cause physical dependence in a few weeks in some people, and take longer in others.

Long term continuous use usually is potentially very dangerous because of horrible and potentially life threatening or ending consequences if used and abused for years, then suddenly stopped.

The withdrawals of continuous use over time will build tolerance and a nightmare to get off, of once serious dependence kicks in. Especially with increasing doses.

All because something is prescribed doesn't means it's safe to for extended periods. Also don't abuse other prescription meds.

With that said: If taken occasionally and in therapeutic doses they can help anxiety fast and effectively. Taken as directed by a doctor( who isn't a quack) they can be very effective and relatively safely used. Yes my first paragraph( about Benzos) is true and meant to scare you. I personally would avoid Xanax, due to it's easy potential for abuse, physical dependency.

They are not like antidepressants. I would absolutely avoid long term regular use of Benzos. If you can control your use and use them sparingly, they can be great for anxiety attacks, sleep, epilepsy, ect.

You never have a panic attack before this.

So it is best to avoid them unless prescribed and taken appropriately under a doctors supervision, even then be really really careful.

Delta 8 is a cannabinoid, similiar but milder than THC. Risk, that is up to you to decide.
-------------------
I have checked and there can be all sorts of withdrawal issues related to antidepressants. They really mess with your brain. I personally would avoid them if not absolutely needed.

Then of course use as directed and make sure you and your doctor have a plan to safely ween yourself off, of them.

The antidepressants mess with your brain chemistry in ways doctors don't usually, properly warn people of. Because of the fact that many doctors don't usually warn people properly of these, people think they are relatively harmless. Ah no.

They call it "Discontinuation Syndrome"
A fancy term for withdrawals. Especially if long term use is aburtly stopped.

Check legit sites and look at side effects of stopping quickly.

I checked A.I., and anxiety was first on list for Wellbutrin as a side effect of abrupt stopping.

Antidepressants aren't as safe or effective( many times) as doctor might have you believe.

I would say one of the risk factors being suicide should give you idea of what I mean. Which is debated. But look into side effects.

I would think that this, horrible episode(s) has probably scared you away from gas station and headshop drugs, which can as Shinji pointed out contain drugs you didn't want to take or even know what they are.

I hope that this nightmare is over for you. I would also be careful with any potentially dangerous prescription drugs.

I don't wanna be a hypocrite. I am just saying that all because it is legal or it is prescribed doesn't means it is safe.

Hopefully and almost certainly this will not fuck you up permanently. From what you wrote, I think this something that you will recover from and not repeat.

There is a lot of fraud in legal drugs like those polka dot bars. Also like you said only prescriptions, but be very careful with them also.

I think it is best to relax and not panick. I don't know how long you were on antidepressants but I would do some research and way the risks. Also there are other anti anxiety drugs that aren't Benzos, not that you take them.

Those drugs also have risks. Please do some research and be careful. Stay healthy and try to relax.

I hope you don't have further issues. Good luck.

 

[ricky spanish]

Polkadot bars are a crapshoot. Sellers generally just order the packaging online and put their own stuff inside. Sometimes they contain ground up shrooms other times it's a substituted tryptamine like 4-aco-dmt or 4-ho-met. Point being there's no real way of telling what you took or at what dose. It was probably something shroomy though.


A frightening psychedelic experience can leave quite the impression and people often do feel like they're going to be permanently affected in the immediate aftermath but I've personally never known anyone who wasn't able to leave it behind them, sooner rather than later in most cases.

You'll be fine.

Drugs I know, but what are those and what are typically their effects?

 

[ricky spanish]

I am with kris 66, Shinji and the doctor ( at the doc in a box( urgent care place).

I wouldn't worry about this being a permanent issue, if it is just the substances.

The info Shinji provided is probably; like it always has been, is probably very good.

The thing that scares me is the Anti- depressant and the interactions with whatever is that polka dot bar.

Not scared, that there will be be any permanent brain damage.

Just taking those antidepressant once will not, from what I have been told, work for anxiety.

I just am suspicious that the one off taking of antidepressants and whatever is in those polkadot bars caused a horrible, but almost certainly a bad but not permanent or long term problem.

Yeah, only taking perscription meds as directed, not abused, is your best bet.

I have no idea about the delta 8 gummies.
Quality control, long term effects, doubt it seriously. The mushroom gummies doubt they will cause you permanent damage. But you are smart to stay away from them.

I think that you will probably avoid mushroom gummies, and polka dot bars so you should be good.

--------
I am unaware of antidepressants working like Benzos, such as Xanax, Ativan( lorazapam) k-pins (Clonazepam or Klonopin), Valium( diazepam) ect.

Basically quick acting, effective anti anxiety meds, and sleep aids. These take 15 minutes to maybe an hour usually and work well. Not to be abused and shouldn't be used too regularly. Abuse potential, tolerance, physical dependence and/ or addiction.

They work great for anxiety but regular and continuous use can and usually will produce physical dependence. Taken daily a couple times a day can begin to cause physical dependence in a few weeks in some people, and take longer in others.

Long term continuous use usually is potentially very dangerous because of horrible and potentially life threatening or ending consequences if used and abused for years, then suddenly stopped.

The withdrawals of continuous use over time will build tolerance and a nightmare to get off, of once serious dependence kicks in. Especially with increasing doses.

All because something is prescribed doesn't means it's safe to for extended periods. Also don't abuse other prescription meds.

With that said: If taken occasionally and in therapeutic doses they can help anxiety fast and effectively. Taken as directed by a doctor( who isn't a quack) they can be very effective and relatively safely used. Yes my first paragraph( about Benzos) is true and meant to scare you. I personally would avoid Xanax, due to it's easy potential for abuse, physical dependency.

They are not like antidepressants. I would absolutely avoid long term regular use of Benzos. If you can control your use and use them sparingly, they can be great for anxiety attacks, sleep, epilepsy, ect.

You never have a panic attack before this.

So it is best to avoid them unless prescribed and taken appropriately under a doctors supervision, even then be really really careful.

Delta 8 is a cannabinoid, similiar but milder than THC. Risk, that is up to you to decide.
-------------------
I have checked and there can be all sorts of withdrawal issues related to antidepressants. They really mess with your brain. I personally would avoid them if not absolutely needed.

Then of course use as directed and make sure you and your doctor have a plan to safely ween yourself off, of them.

The antidepressants mess with your brain chemistry in ways doctors don't usually, properly warn people of. Because of the fact that many doctors don't usually warn people properly of these, people think they are relatively harmless. Ah no.

They call it "Discontinuation Syndrome"
A fancy term for withdrawals. Especially if long term use is aburtly stopped.

Check legit sites and look at side effects of stopping quickly.

I checked A.I., and anxiety was first on list for Wellbutrin as a side effect of abrupt stopping.

Antidepressants aren't as safe or effective( many times) as doctor might have you believe.

I would say one of the risk factors being suicide should give you idea of what I mean. Which is debated. But look into side effects.

I would think that this, horrible episode(s) has probably scared you away from gas station and headshop drugs, which can as Shinji pointed out contain drugs you didn't want to take or even know what they are.

I hope that this nightmare is over for you. I would also be careful with any potentially dangerous prescription drugs.

I don't wanna be a hypocrite. I am just saying that all because it is legal or it is prescribed doesn't means it is safe.

Hopefully and almost certainly this will not fuck you up permanently. From what you wrote, I think this something that you will recover from and not repeat.

There is a lot of fraud in legal drugs like those polka dot bars. Also like you said only prescriptions, but be very careful with them also.

I think it is best to relax and not panick. I don't know how long you were on antidepressants but I would do some research and way the risks. Also there are other anti anxiety drugs that aren't Benzos, not that you take them.

Those drugs also have risks. Please do some research and be careful. Stay healthy and try to relax.

I hope you don't have further issues. Good luck.

Thank you so, so, so, so much. Everyone's responses have reassured me quite a bit. I just want it to stop. You're right- it is a fucking nightmare. I've been dealing with another one since about 4 am. I'm fucking exhausted but so wired from the panic attack that I can't fall asleep. I'm scared to take ZZZQuil because I worry it will make things worse.

 

[Shinji Ikari]

Drugs I know, but what are those and what are typically their effects?

4-aco-dmt and 4-ho-met are part of a family of research chemicals which are structurally similar to psilocybin/psilocin (the primary actives in magic mushrooms) and produce similar effects. They fall under a legal grey area in many parts of the world and often appear in the kinds of shroom gummies chocolates etc that you might find in headshops and gas stations. They generally aren't considered any more or less harmful than psilocin itself, though they have a much shorter history of human use.

I'll echo Js suggestion that if this episode of panic/anxiety is the consequence of a challenging psychedelic experience then SSRIs aren't likely to provide any immediate relief and could potentially exacerbate some of your symptoms.

I've had panic attacks after taking shrooms or similar psychedelics before. The anxiety has always run its course in the end. Try breathing, listening to some music or reading something. You won't feel like this for much longer.

 

[ricky spanish]

Every medical professional I've spoken to since these started happening has encouraged me to keep taking my meds, as it's really the only thing I can realistically do aside from drink shit tons of water and to simply wait it out. And I was upfront about what triggered the attacks, so they know. Three people you never lie to: your doctor, your lawyer, and your mechanic and all that.

I'm going to be so upset it if ends up inadvertently prolonging this hell. All the stories of it lasting for months for some people are terrifying me. I'm not sure I can do that.

 

[Jnowhere]

Never tell your lawyer if your are guilty of something really heinous,lol. I would never do anything really bad. Careful what you tell your doctor if you have well, we are in Health and recovery thread.lol
depending on your past,if it doesn't matter, you might wanna be careful what you reveal, but you were using legal highs and well if basically just say you were curious and thought they were safe because they were legal,eh. I guess if you do have the kinda of serious trouble you are having; hopefully ends soon, then ok.

But, I think you haven't developed what I call The Osborne-Richards syndrome. That is where you have abused your body so bad that it can't be killed with substances.

Named after Ozzy Osborne and Keith Richards. Ozzy lived a long life. There was even a research group that even wanted to test him to see how it was he lived so long, this was before he died. Yes Ozzy, died but he lived to decent old age. Kieth Richards is still alive, either that or no one told him he died 30 years ago and somehow continues to walk around decomposing.lol

Basically, you said it is not like I was somking crack. There are plenty of people here who have. Hell, they even have threads on here on how to make it.
They are harder to find and this place ain't the same after the March 21, 2025 Purge.
Actually it happened the night before which might have streched into and became effective on March 21, 2025

Plenty of Heroin addicts and other hard core drug users here and Then Shinji, the Bruce Lee of drug abuse, just kidding.
He knows about psychedelics, and is also a very highly functional dude. Who can knows alot about this stuff.

You are just are a healthy guy, who got something bad and/or wd/s or issues with the antidepressants.

Yeah, never stop taking Prozac or Wellbutrin( mis?) or any SSRI or any SNRI cold turkey.

But it is probably a combo of a bad batch of whatever was in those polka dot bars and the sudden stopping of taking antidepressants.

I hope whatever it is it passes soon. Good luck and stay healthy.

 

[ricky spanish]

Valid point. I'm a lifelong Ozzy fan, so that helped me a little just now.

 

[ricky spanish]

Also, I've been dealing with today's fun little episode since about 4 in the morning. It's been coming and going all day. I'm so exhausted but can't fall asleep because I'm also kind of wired rn. Would it be safe for me to take some ZZZQuil? I just want to sleep.

 

[Shinji Ikari]

and is also a very highly functional dude

Would it be safe for me to take some ZZZQuil? I just want to sleep.

It should be fine.

https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/fluoxetine-with-zzzquil-1115-0-896-16076.html

https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/bupropion-with-zzzquil-440-0-896-16076.html

 

[ricky spanish]

I'm more worried about it interacting with whatever was in the candy bar. This shit is fucking me up so hard, I feel like I'm about to break down crying. I'm so tired. I'm also starving but can't eat solid food while all this is going on. So that's fun. I get about 3 to 4 bites that I have to force in my mouth and even though it tastes good, the very act itself repulses me nearly to the point of nausea. It's like when people with rabies develop a phobia of water (no, I don't have rabies). Liquids and small things like pieces of candy appear to be ok. I've had a mostly liquid diet for the past 48 hours.

Just asked the SO to go grab me some nutritional shakes so that I can have some semblance of sustenance. Exhausted but can't sleep, starving but can't eat. This is literally hell.

Thanks for all the input, btw. And apologies for all the questions. This is very new to me and I'm pretty scared, if I'm being honest.

 

[Jnowhere]

Also, I've been dealing with today's fun little episode since about 4 in the morning. It's been coming and going all day. I'm so exhausted but can't fall asleep because I'm also kind of wired rn. Would it be safe for me to take some ZZZQuil? I just want to sleep.

I don't know of anything in it that would be an issue. I can't because of I am not allowed OTC pain relievers and well the alcohol in it is probably bad for me.

But, as long as you don't have a seriously messed up liver. Liver disease from extreme alcohol abuse, in the past.

I don't see a reason why not just no more than two or three bottles.lol Just kidding but taken vlose to or less than the whole bottle you would probably be fine.

Try the recommended dose first, if you are worried and go from there but not too far, bro.

Hope, you get a good nights sleep and get back to normal.

I don't know if you have any trazodone. Yes it is an anti depressant, but it is used off label in small doses of either 25mg or 50mg.

My doctor said and I confirmed on numerous web sites that it is old school milder antidepressant in doses in hundreds of mgs but in 25mg or 50 mg it is a safe, non addictive, and for me it puts me to sleep. As long as I am laying down comfortable on my bed with Annie under my pillow and a back up semi automatic right next to bed.

The ZZZquil( should be absolutely fine) as long as you were fine taking it before. Good luck and hopefully Good night.

Any problem's, feel free to DM me( direct message, I didn't know what they meant when I first got here by DM; but then again I am tech impaired, and very old school. lol)

If that doesn't work a benadryl might, if you are not use to them.

I am guessing from your posts you don't have any Valium or other Benzos. Which should only be taken by prescription and under a doctors care( you know what I mean) or similar drugs, provided they have no bad interactions with your antidepressants.

 

[Shinji Ikari]

whatever was in the candy bar.

I don't know what was in the candy bar but it's not likely to still be in your system and diphenhydramine doesn't really interact with psychedelics.

 

[Jnowhere]

I'm more worried about it interacting with whatever was in the candy bar. This shit is fucking me up so hard, I feel like I'm about to break down crying. I'm so tired. I'm also starving but can't eat solid food while all this is going on. So that's fun. I get about 3 to 4 bites that I have to force in my mouth and even though it tastes good, the very act itself repulses me nearly to the point of nausea. It's like when people with rabies develop a phobia of water (no, I don't have rabies). Liquids and small things like pieces of candy appear to be ok. I've had a mostly liquid diet for the past 48 hours.

Just asked the SO to go grab me some nutritional shakes so that I can have some semblance of sustenance. Exhausted but can't sleep, starving but can't eat. This is literally hell.

Thanks for all the input, btw. And apologies for all the questions. This is very new to me and I'm pretty scared, if I'm being honest.

I was about to suggest Ensure or Boost( which I take) I ruined my body through alcohol abuse and have pancreatitus so I know about the food issues and insomnia.

But that was because of well over 2 decades of very serious alcohol abuse.
I mean it was really bad.

So tired and wanting to eat but can't, that is my life. But both are getting better, slowly.

So, honestly I can relate to that part; and like I said feel free to DM me if you have any issues or questions.

 

[ricky spanish]

Thanks y'all. I'm gonna take some ZQ. Goodnight (hopefully).

 

[ricky spanish]

Good news! I survived another night and am so far (knock on wood) attack-free. I took a good healthy max dose of sleepy juice and then re-upped on it with a lesser portion around 6 am when I woke myself up to go to the bathroom. Wanted to stay asleep for as long as I could to A) keep the attacks at bay and B ) allow my brain as much free time as it needed to reset itself. Funnily enough, had an absolutely AMAZING dream where I was best friends with Ozzy Osbourne and got to party/hang out with him and his family. I've been spending today dedicated to as little stress as possible; fluffy blankets, happy videos on Youtube, and eating some of my favorite foods (which I can!!).

Thanks a million, y'all. If/when the shit returns, I may as well but for now things are golden. Hopefully they stay that way.

 

[Shinji Ikari]

Glad to hear it. I don't know if you already knew this but SSRIs like Prozac etc are known to significantly blunt the effects of psychedelics. You mentioned you stopped taking it around 6 weeks before this happened?

SSRIs take a long time to leave your system and the further away you were from your last dose the stronger the effects of the shroom bars would have been. Might go some way in explaining why this last trip hit you so hard.