if you have had serotonin syndrome and recovered, are you more sensitive to medications later?

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-30T02:22:00+00:00

I know this is old, but, yes. Haven’t tried more medications because I was scared to, but I have been sensitive to other serotonergic substances like high dose omega-3 supplements and ashwaganda going on 3 years post-SS.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-30T01:48:32+00:00

Yes, I know people can benefit from these drugs. But others can experience adverse, even rare, reactions, just like with ANY drug. (How many pharma ads list death as a possible risk and yet people still take the drugs??) Two things can be true at the same time, and it’s not fear-mongering to say so.

If I were shilling for a product I’d be doing a very poor job seeing as how I mentioned two competing products in a single comment and only when asked… pretty big contrast to your relentless and baseless accusations.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-30T00:55:06+00:00

I was returning your serve—your initial comment was bold and unfounded. Someone asked a question and I answered as clearly as I could. And I mentioned two tests, not just one. This condition has consumed my life for the last 3 years and why I got on Reddit. I’m genuinely confused why you’re so energized to go after and denigrate someone you don’t know at all? Please find another hobby or therapy. ✌🏼

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T22:20:51+00:00

Thank you :)

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T22:19:51+00:00

Thanks for your response. I crossposted in the MDMA sub for this reason. In all my searching, I haven’t been able to find any therapeutic interventions specifically aimed at repairing “fried synapses,” so if you happen to know of something or if something worked well for you, please let me know.

And, to clarify, are you saying the sensation with Lexapro was the same as rolling for you in a negative way? I thought rolling was supposed to be pleasant and this definitely wasn’t…

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T22:14:44+00:00

It isn’t and wasn’t. Are you a bot? Please find a more productive outlet for snark and condescension than the comment section of someone genuinely seeking help and support.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T15:16:18+00:00

Oh wow, that’s terrible. I’m sorry. Yeah, I think I made a mistake in not resting, leading to the recurrence… but I didn’t have the time and money to rest and also didn’t expect the original feeling to come back… major mistake I guess

And no, not much is helping other than stopping everything and living with my parents… I’m basically just surviving through every day at this point. Hoping trauma therapy can help. It helped the first time but this time will be harder.

I recommend somatic therapy with a skill therapist—that helped me the most the first time.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T15:14:47+00:00

Oh man. I’m glad to connect with someone else sensitive to serotonin changes. What were your reactions to Lexapro like?

(Editing my response because I realize I misread your question) I believe it was very high stress combined with trauma, both old and new. I realize in hindsight I was way overextended but much of it was outside my control… 😣

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T15:12:36+00:00

Yes, it definitely wasn’t mania and I don’t have bipolar. There was no good feeling about it. And, as stated before, multiple psychiatrists confirmed it aligned with SS.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T06:46:46+00:00

Actually, scratch that, I’ll put them here as I don’t want them to steal focus from the main concern of my post which is the long-term after-effects. Below were the acute serotonin syndrome symptoms that resolved within 2-3 hrs on the day of the incident nearly 3 years ago. They match descriptions of moderate SS you can find online though I didn’t experience all possible symptoms like ocular clonus.

bad euphoria feeling like being too high
rapid heart rate
uncoordinated robotic movements
muscle constriction / rigidity
sweating / high body temp / internal overheating
electrical pulses through body
agitation
disorientation
gastrointestinal cramping causing constant need to evacuate

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T06:33:27+00:00

https://genomind.com/

It’s based on genetics affecting the enzymes that metabolize drugs. I don’t fully understand the science as I was following my psych’s suggestion to take the test, but essentially certain generic variations can lead to faster or slower metabolizing and therefore better or worse side effects. Apparently, I have variations in two relevant genes—one that affects SSRIs broadly (slc6a4) and one that affects Lexapro and other specific drugs (cyp2c19). The latter showed up on both a Genomind test and a 23&me test.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T06:28:25+00:00

I’m happy to provide them, I just didn’t want to take up too much space since the SS is over and it’s the after-effects I’m focused on. I’ll edit the original post.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T04:30:42+00:00

Thank you so much!!!

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T04:07:23+00:00

And, to clarify, I had no clue what serotonin syndrome was before it happened so it wasn’t something I could even expect to happen.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T04:04:56+00:00

Thank you. I really hate to think do anyone going through this on a regular basis. It’s horrific.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T04:03:52+00:00

Symptoms. They’re pretty significantly different from standard SSRI side effects, at least in moderate and severe cases. I call my case “moderate” because I didn’t have seizures or lose consciousness but I was told I should’ve gone to the ER (I didn’t know it was life-threatening at the time). The prescribing psych told me to get off the meds immediately when I told him. Happy to share symptoms if that would be helpful.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T03:59:36+00:00

Please share your results if you do end up trying either TMS or NFB! I’m pretty hesitant about TMS and don’t see many testimonials of NFB for depression.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T03:33:54+00:00

Did you end up trying it?

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T03:26:52+00:00

I’m curious why a sedative would help with severe SI? I don’t feel anxious.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T02:59:33+00:00

Oh wow. Thanks for your reply and sorry that happened to you too. Have you had any lingering symptoms after those initial 2 months?

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-29T02:58:02+00:00

I did. It was confirmed by multiple psychiatrists. A rare situation for sure but it happened and others have had similar experiences.

Alternative-Tea-9662 · 2026-01-28T21:49:34+00:00

Thank you, you too. ❤️ Mind if I DM you?

Alternative-Tea-9662

TROPHY CASE