Taking SSRIs with low serotonin levels (heavy M/X usage)

[endorstoi]

Wasn't sure where to post, figured this forum would be appropriate.

So, I've been using M/X pretty heavily over the course of past 3 months. I'd say that I rolled 6-7 times. The first 3 rolls were distanced (3 weeks or so) and I was mostly using X and never took more than 1 pill. However, the last 2 weeks of December I rolled 3 times, mostly M in pretty reckless amounts (250-300 mg each time) with some X pills thrown into that. Now it's been 8 days since my last roll, I am still suffering with some sleep paralysis (I normally do, but not as often and intense) and some minor zaps (haven't experienced in about 4 days or so).

Today I was prescribed Cipralex (escitalopram) for anxiety (no relation to M usage) and bromazepam for initial period to help me cope with stress and flashbacks to some traumatic events. I am somewhat concerned about side effects like serotonin syndrome and whatnot.

I am also not so sure about SSRI therapy as I feel I may be over exaggerating my anxiety. I guess I am suffering from a certain degree of anxiety (social, stage fear, pretty severe self consciousness (too concerned about what others think, making up opinions of others 8(), OCD(?) (irrational fear of diseases). However, I feel like most of that can be attributed to my general low confidence, indecisiveness, not brilliant social skills, laziness, and marijuana abuse, which I personally kinda refuse to associate with anxiety (but admit that I may be wrong here).

I guess what's bothering me right now is some minor (?) PTSD (couple of traumatic events earlier last month) and general frustration with myself. Thus, I'm not exactly sure if taking ADs is the way to go, especially since they can be damaging in long term. I will consult with my therapist (other doctor from the one that prescribed meds) when I see her next time.

Any response will be greatly appreciated.

 

[CalicoSam]

SSRIs aren't considered all that efficacious in the scope of things, some people do respond, some partially some pretty well. As well a lot of people don't get relief from SSRIs. There are other ADs to try if SSRIs don't help you. Therapy does help many people. Its a good thing you are getting both therapy and ADs. The combo is more effective than either alone.

One of the main things to keep in mind with SSRIs is that they take weeks to kick in. If your giving an SSRI a trial I'd stick with it for at least two months if not three before deciding its not helping.

 

[endorstoi]

SSRIs aren't considered all that efficacious in the scope of things, some people do respond, some partially some pretty well. As well a lot of people don't get relief from SSRIs. There are other ADs to try if SSRIs don't help you. Therapy does help many people. Its a good thing you are getting both therapy and ADs. The combo is more effective than either alone.

One of the main things to keep in mind with SSRIs is that they take weeks to kick in. If your giving an SSRI a trial I'd stick with it for at least two months if not three before deciding its not helping.

Wow, thanks a lot. I though I'd never get a reply.

So I was taking escitalopram 5mg in the AM for the first 6 days. Ever since the first day I was getting that strange feeling as if you're about to start rolling, like some strange odours are coming up your throat, I always feel this at approximately the same time, several hours after dropping the pill (possibly placebo?). Today I started taking full 10mg dose. I was feeling kinda fatigued today, started yawning non stop at approximately the same time 5-7 hours after ingestion and even had to take a nap.

The MD that prescribed the meds said that it will take 1-2 weeks before I feel the effects of escitalopram. I'm guessing it might take longer but I've heard that lexapro usually kicks in faster than most SSRIs.

So far I'm not sure if the meds are affecting me at all, I think I don't get mad as often and as bad, but I'm guessing this is mostly due to 1.5mg of bromazepam that I take in the AM too. However, today when I started getting that strange feeling it kinda made me forget about my problems and I just dozed off into 2 hour nap (again possibly placebo).