Posted by cindy lou on June 19, 2006, at 19:40:03
In reply to Perpetual Flu/Hangover Symptoms, posted by Guy on November 2, 2002, at 15:44:08
YES!!! I do have chronic flu symptoms -- even with low-grade fevers at times. I have had these for years. Before I started meds almost 15 years ago, I remember feeling like I was "coming down with a cold" all the time. I have been on a number of different meds for depression and anxiety, and I am very sensitive to all of them, but I don't think they are the cause of the flu-like symptoms.
I have had many many blood tests, all which come out "normal." One doctor wants to do a head-to-toe exam, complete with bone marrow biopsy, lymph node biopsies, etc. ... but it seems like so much to go through ...
I have a couple theories -- I did read somewhere that caffeine withdrawal can give some people these flu-like symptoms. Do you drink caffeine? Do you notice the symptoms after the caffeine has worn off? I haven't been able to quit the coffee habit yet to test it out, but it's a thought. I do notice that I feel sick after my Dexedrine (stimulant) wears off, especially if I had more than usual.
My other thought -- it could be due to a very sensitive nervous system. There is something occupational therapists call "Sensory Processing Disorder" and is most often dx'd in children. But adults can have it too. I think this may also be an issue for me -- e.g., I feel sick after shopping at Walmart, or after a party with a lot of talking and commotion. Check out the book "Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight." I don't have the book here with me to give you the author's name, but it should come up in a web search.
I would love to hear any more info. about your symptoms, and what doctors have to say about them, if anything. I feel your pain! It IS hell! Especially with a 2-year-old and 6-year-old to raise.
Hang in there!
cindy
> Does anyone else suffer from this? I am on 40 mg Celexa and 2 mg clonazepam for anxiety and depression, but I had the flu symptoms even before I started those meds. I thought my problem was lack of sleep, but I have been sleeping 7-9 hours each night (since meds) and still look and feel like hell. This has been going on for six years...truly a fate worse than death.
poster:cindy lou
thread:126201
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060617/msgs/658868.html