Posted by worrier on May 2, 2003, at 20:11:14
In reply to Re: SSRI Dopamine depletion...., posted by anna345 on May 1, 2003, at 22:37:58
> My brother had a severe reaction to Lexapro. Three weeks later, after no problems whatsoever (he stopped taking Lexapro) he is experiencing tremors, extreme anxiety and paranoia. I have been combing these articles looking for any answers, and the below one grabbed my attention. Could my brother be experiencing a depletion of dopamine, that took three weeks to manifest?
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> > > It was insinuated by my psych. that my adverse reaction to ssri's, which did not usually reveal itself until three or four weeks into treatment, was a figment of my imagination.Restlessness/agitation/aggression usually present immidiately, if they are to present at all, he said.Some of the posts here have made mention of the fact that increased seratonin can lead to a corresponding decrease in dopamine.I'm wondering whether perhaps this interplay may account for a delayed adverse reaction, suggesting maybe a dopamine deficiency?After all, it would take a few weeks to deplete the dopamine, surely?I'm about to give an ssri a final shot at redeeming itself (in a low dose sam-e combo.)
> > > If I start to slide, I'm figuring wellbutrin may be the answer.******* me off though, to have to figure these things out for myself, the hard way.Anyone else had a similar ssri experience ,presenting only after some time, without dose increments to account for the reaction?? Any thoughts appreciated.
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> Just wanted to add the comment that you might want to consider the possibility that the agitation,etc. is caused by excessive levels of serotonin rather that dopamine depletion. I can't tolerate any of the SSRIs...paxil sent me to the ER with what my pdoc called a serotonin storm...a year later I'm still not back to my pre-SSRI state. These drugs are great for alot of people, but should be used with caution in people whose primary problem is anxiety/panic. Luck to you, Worrier.
poster:worrier
thread:95961
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030429/msgs/223942.html