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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by conundrum on February 23, 2010, at 14:33:19
I've noticed I get headaches that feel like they are one spot in my head from SSRIs and also a short experiment with nardil. Anyone else have this experience? Maybe adding some NE in the future could help.
Posted by evenintherain on February 23, 2010, at 15:57:20
In reply to Headaches from serotonergic drugs anyone?, posted by conundrum on February 23, 2010, at 14:33:19
i think parnate is giving me a headache.
i hear elavil (Amitriptyline) can sometimes help reduce headaches (and stomach issues).
Posted by linkadge on February 24, 2010, at 17:40:03
In reply to Re: Headaches from serotonergic drugs anyone?, posted by evenintherain on February 23, 2010, at 15:57:20
yes
Posted by conundrum on February 24, 2010, at 18:17:20
In reply to Re: Headaches from serotonergic drugs anyone?, posted by linkadge on February 24, 2010, at 17:40:03
For me it feels like a blood vessel is squeezing or something on the right front side of my head. Just in one spot not all around. Its funny cuz when i look up things about SSRIs and headaches the only thing I can find is how they help relieve headaches. The only exception is with serotonin syndrome in which serotonin can cause headaches.
Posted by linkadge on February 26, 2010, at 18:38:59
In reply to Re: Headaches from serotonergic drugs anyone? » linkadge, posted by conundrum on February 24, 2010, at 18:17:20
Too much serotonin can cause headaches. Amitriptyline (and the herb feverfew) appear to work by blocking the action of serotonin at certain receptors.
Cyprohepdadine (a 5-ht2 antagonist) has antimigrane effects.
I think that 5-htd agonists and 5-ht2a antagonists have antimigrane effects. When SSRI's do relieve migranes it may be because of 5-ht1d agonistm.
You may be able to relieve SSRI migrane by taking feverfew or amitriptyline. I remember feverfew combined well with citalopram.
Linkadge
Posted by conundrum on February 26, 2010, at 19:02:11
In reply to Re: Headaches from serotonergic drugs anyone?, posted by linkadge on February 26, 2010, at 18:38:59
Sh!t I'd rather just switch to amitriptyline. I"ve been reading about it and it sounds like a drug that actually works. I guess its not too strong as an SRI? I'm gonna look up feverfew, doubt i could get a script for the cyprohepdadine.
I knew I had too much serotonin :-/ I get extreme blunted emotions, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, and headaches.
Posted by conundrum on February 26, 2010, at 19:59:04
In reply to Re: Headaches from serotonergic drugs anyone?, posted by linkadge on February 26, 2010, at 18:38:59
Why were you taking feverfew with citalopram? For headaches? Also do you remember the brand and dose?
Did it have any antidepressant effects?
Posted by linkadge on February 27, 2010, at 20:52:18
In reply to Re: Headaches from serotonergic drugs anyone? » linkadge, posted by conundrum on February 26, 2010, at 19:59:04
Feverfew seemed to reduce some of the side effects from the SSRI. It seemed to have an antianxiety and sleep promoting effect.
Studies suggest it has actions as a 5-ht2a/b antagonist.
I was taking it for headaches and on a theoretical basis of improved antidepressant effect.
Can't remember the exact dose, it was one capsule maybe 550mg (I don't know if that sounds right).
Linkadge
Posted by linkadge on February 27, 2010, at 20:54:02
In reply to Re: Headaches from serotonergic drugs anyone? » linkadge, posted by conundrum on February 26, 2010, at 19:59:04
The amitriptyline is a good med, but it does have side effects of its own. I find them generally more tollerable than SSRI side effects, but it depends. Some people can't stand the sedation, but I am ok with it.
Its a great med if you can take a nap in the afternoon. If you've got to work all day straight it might be a problem.
Linkadge
Posted by janejane on March 8, 2010, at 9:29:58
In reply to Headaches from serotonergic drugs anyone?, posted by conundrum on February 23, 2010, at 14:33:19
Sorry I'm so late to the discussion. I've been feeling down and not up to babbling.
Try chlorpheniramine for the headaches. It's an antihistamine. It might work better if taken simultaneously with tylenol. For some reason, it's the only thing that wipes out my prozac headaches. (Advil, aleve, tylenol alone are ineffective.) Only problem is, it's sedating (for me).
I've tried to look for a link between prozac and histamine but couldn't find one so I don't know what the chlorpheniramine does that helps. I've noticed that other antihistamines (benadryl, claritin) don't seem to be as effective on my headaches so it's likely not histamine related. Interestingly enough, I've read that chlorpheniramine is an unofficial SNRI so maybe that has something to do with it's unique effect.
All I can say is, try it (make sure you also have time to take a nap). For me, half a tablet is enough (child's dose) but I'm a small person. If it doesn't work by itself, add a dose of tylenol since I think it might work synergistically with it.
Posted by conundrum on March 8, 2010, at 19:16:49
In reply to Re: Headaches from serotonergic drugs anyone? » conundrum, posted by janejane on March 8, 2010, at 9:29:58
Thanks guys. I'll run some of these ideas by my doctor wednesday.
Maybe an NRI, like vivactil or nortriptyline help with some headaches while also providing some relief from slight chronic pains?
This is the end of the thread.
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