Treating Serotonin Syndrome?

[oxymoron310]

I am currently taking 20 mg Citalopram & I found that a 40 mg dose of adderall (Which isn't out of the ordinary for me) gives me symptoms similar to that of Serotonin Syndrome. Sweaty, nausea, & achey. Though it doesn't get too bad, it's still very uncomfortable. Does anyone know of anything I can take or do to help myself? My friend told me taking Melatonin every hour while experiencing these symptoms should help me, but I can't find anything on the internet that confirms this. Though I did try it & I -think- it helped a little, I can't be sure.
would it be a bad idea to re-dose only 10mg of Adderall once my symptoms go away? I read that Citalopram inhibits an enzyme that slows down the metabolization of speed & that it would make me more sensitive to it. Would I get better effects from taking a smaller dosage?
Thank you for your time!

 

[Shimmer.Fade]

Serotonin syndrome is serious business. If you are supposed to be taking both, then go see your doctor!! If not, then STOP mixing the two. Moreover, are you taking anything else? I would not recommend adding melatonin to the equation. You are already really fucking with your neurotransmitter chemistry, and adding melatonin is not going to 'help' anything regarding the interactions of the other two drugs (totally different neurotransmitters involved).

I am not sure as to the specifics of how Citalopram (SSRI..increases the amount of Serotonin in your synapses..) and Adderall interact. Adderall increases the amount of Noradrenalin/Dopamin in your synapses. There are reports of Serotonin Syndrome occurring in people who combine the two, so no, you should NOT re-dose, and you should NOT be taking them both together if you are having an adverse reaction. Everyone's brain chemistry is slightly different, and not everyone reacts this way when taking both, but if you do, STOP taking them together!!

Edit: I forgot to say..the only way to treat serotonin syndrome is to stop taking the SSRI (which you shouldn't do without consulting your doctor), and in the case of acute toxicity the administration of serotonin antagonists (along with medications to treat the other symptoms) is advised.

 

[Treefa]

Idk man SSRIs are pure shit anyway so id ditch that and keep the shit with REAL effects!

 

[addictivepersona]

Going to move this over to Basic Drug Discussion as they seem to know more about this type of thing... I'd suggest to go see your doctor before taking anyone's advice here. No offense all, but every situation is different and the brain is quite the organ to tinker with.

Also, as a reminder, SSRIs should NEVER be stopped cold turkey, at least as far as I know.


HL -----> BDD

 

[xstayfadedx]

Stopping an SSRI cold turkey is dangerous and should not be done. Also Serotonin Syndrome is no joke at all and you should see a doctor asap.

 

[First Bad Comedown]

Oxy - what you are describing is diaphoresis, not SS.

Serotonin syndrome is characterized by a sudden onset of tachycardia.
Diaphoresis will follow, but the extreme nature of chest pain and racing heart are primary.
A lot of people that have endured real SS have described it like they were being torn apart on the inside.
The intestines can really freak out if serotonin activity in the brainstem reaches an inappropriate level.
If you had SS, you would be panicking a LOT more and would probably be unable to type.

Sure, there is a scale to every reaction, so perhaps you are having a mild case. But the classic signs of SS are quite extreme and often involve feelings of impending death.

If you were experiencing SS, your temperature needs to be monitored. Anything above 101 is considered very serious. Aggressive cooling techniques are called for. Then a benzodiapene can be used to calm you down. Put yourself in a quiet and dark environment.

Other than this they can only give serotonin antagonists.

I don't see why you need to combine an SSRI and a powerful dopamine agonist.
It shouldn't be necessary, especially if this is your reaction. At the very least, you should halve your dose of adderall.

Good luck.

 

[K'd-OUT-in-AZ]

A benzodiazepine will calm down the panicking but it will not resolve the problem. Serotonin Syndrome can be deadly, I don't think what you experienced is SS. Doctors prescribe those two drugs often but they shouldn't be taken in high doses. I don't think tolerance to the drugs plays a role with your chances of experiencing SS but I could be wrong.

 

[blackskirt]

Don't mess around with SS - if you don't know if a combination could potentially cause it, look it up and/or avoid it. Is it worth risking your life for a little buzz?