This blog explains why I had a serious reaction to taking
antidepressants as described in my last blog, the Wakeup Call.
When I researched the internet and reviewed my cocktail of
drugs, I realized that taking three drugs for depression at one time could cause
serious problems. I was taking Prozac
and Trazodone at the same time. I was also taking clonazepam at bedtime for
sleep. Although I did not realize it at the time this was the drug I needed to
calm me from the side effects of the antidepressants.
The literature stated that there is a serious drug
interaction between Trazodone and Prozac. http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/prozac-with-trazodone-1115-648-2228-0.html
The doctors and the pharmacists I have talked to seem to
know this but they don’t really believe it. I have interviewed many pharmacists
since I decided to gather information about antidepressants. Unfortunately, it
seems rather common place to prescribe both of these drugs together.
There seems to be a lack of awareness of the effect of
serotonin syndrome. This condition
occurs when there is too much of the neurotransmitter serotonin and in its most
serious form it can lead to death. (Coincidentally, one of the treatments for
this condition is taking a sedative like clonazepam so I guess it was lucky
that I was taking this medication at the same time). Some of the symptoms of
this syndrome which I have experienced include confusion, hypomania (slow
thinking), tremor, muscle spasms, uncoordinated movement, high heart rate and
high blood pressure.
As I have written in my previous blogs, I have almost
stopped taking all antidepressants. Now I only take one quarter of the previous dose of trazodone
and I plan to stop it completely soon.
With my oldest sister being critically ill, I have continued this drug
as a crutch to deal with a high stress level and to help me sleep at night. I
was originally prescribed this drug by the University of British Columbia Sleep
Clinic to control periodic limb movement which affects my sleep at night.
In the last week, though I have been able to get back to
playing tennis and I probably don’t need the drug to sleep at night. I have also stopped taking the low dose of
clonazepam which helped me to get to sleep quickly.
Getting off antidepressants after about 15 years has been a
challenge! I have gone through withdrawal. I have felt moody, unwell, muscle
pain, experienced panic reactions and had some trouble sleeping. I gradually
stopped taking the medication over a few months. I had to set my own schedule
because this is not something that any doctor was recommending.
Natural alternatives such as magnesium, and vitamin B6 are
helping me to prevent depression. I am able to experience my emotions rather
than just feeling numb. I have escaped the zombie state and I am thrilled!
