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What Causes Violent Shaking After Taking Elev8?
Question: About two months ago, I took some herbal medication for anxiety, named elev8. It is a type of serotonin re-uptake inhibitor sold in South XXXXXXX as a Schedule 0 prescription. I took one the morning and again one early evening. About 15 minutes after taking it I started shaking extremely bad. I tried calming myself, but struggled to sleep that night. Eventual I fell asleep. The next morning when I woke up, it all started again. So I went to the docter and het diagnosed me with gastritis which I know it was not, as I was also feeling extremely anxious. He gave me Alprazolam, so I took one (0.25mg) and went to sleep. After waking up I felt numb, without any emotions, and foggy. I felt like doing nothing and wasn't "in the mood for doing anything".
So that went on for the whole weekend. Monday when going back to work I was feeling better but not quite myself. I went home that day again and went to the docter. He diagnosed me with esophagitis. And gave me some Hyospasmol and Spasmagel. I got booked off for the rest of the week. I felt depressed and at night I had tremors. I also had not appetite for like two days. So I went to the docter and asked him if it wasn't perhaps anxiety. He directed me to a Psychiatrist and he diagnosed Serotonin syndrome. A negative effect to the elev8 I took. I am now taking half a tablet of alprazolam each morning, which seems to help in a way. I went away for two weeks for work to another city, and I felt my old self again. But now I am one day back at work and I feel anxious, my hands and feet are sweaty and my arms and legs and numb or weak. I also have pain in my ears and I am extremely tired. It has been 2 months since I took ONLY two of those tablets. Can it still be Serotonin syndrome, will it go away? I can't feel like this anymore?
I am not prone to anxiety at all. No family history. I cope very good under pressure. So I don't know what is wrong with me. I exercise regularly.
I was on birth control like a year and a half ago. And since then my hormones was out of whack. About three months ago, I gained a lot of weight for no reason, even though I was exercising and my eating habits stayed the same. My breasts felt extremely sensitive like two weeks before my periods and my periods suddenly became extreme heavy but short. (Like for 3 days then it would be over). I have gained mainly weight around my thighs and abdomen and have gained a lot of cellulite on my thighs. About a year ago I started having palpitations but not so bad that it bothered me, and my heart also skipped beats from time to time. I don't know if any of this could be contributing to something.
Symptoms:
Fatigue
Brain fog at times
Weight gain (Abdomen and thighs)
Heavy bleeding
Sweaty hands and feet
Ear pain (at times)
Weak/Numb arms and legs
Light anxiety at times (not all the times)
Disturbed sleep (sometimes)
Mood swings before periods
Tender and swollen breast 1-2 weeks before my periods
Heart burn from time to time
Difficulty concentrating at times
I just really need help. I can't feel like this anymore.
So that went on for the whole weekend. Monday when going back to work I was feeling better but not quite myself. I went home that day again and went to the docter. He diagnosed me with esophagitis. And gave me some Hyospasmol and Spasmagel. I got booked off for the rest of the week. I felt depressed and at night I had tremors. I also had not appetite for like two days. So I went to the docter and asked him if it wasn't perhaps anxiety. He directed me to a Psychiatrist and he diagnosed Serotonin syndrome. A negative effect to the elev8 I took. I am now taking half a tablet of alprazolam each morning, which seems to help in a way. I went away for two weeks for work to another city, and I felt my old self again. But now I am one day back at work and I feel anxious, my hands and feet are sweaty and my arms and legs and numb or weak. I also have pain in my ears and I am extremely tired. It has been 2 months since I took ONLY two of those tablets. Can it still be Serotonin syndrome, will it go away? I can't feel like this anymore?
I am not prone to anxiety at all. No family history. I cope very good under pressure. So I don't know what is wrong with me. I exercise regularly.
I was on birth control like a year and a half ago. And since then my hormones was out of whack. About three months ago, I gained a lot of weight for no reason, even though I was exercising and my eating habits stayed the same. My breasts felt extremely sensitive like two weeks before my periods and my periods suddenly became extreme heavy but short. (Like for 3 days then it would be over). I have gained mainly weight around my thighs and abdomen and have gained a lot of cellulite on my thighs. About a year ago I started having palpitations but not so bad that it bothered me, and my heart also skipped beats from time to time. I don't know if any of this could be contributing to something.
Symptoms:
Fatigue
Brain fog at times
Weight gain (Abdomen and thighs)
Heavy bleeding
Sweaty hands and feet
Ear pain (at times)
Weak/Numb arms and legs
Light anxiety at times (not all the times)
Disturbed sleep (sometimes)
Mood swings before periods
Tender and swollen breast 1-2 weeks before my periods
Heart burn from time to time
Difficulty concentrating at times
I just really need help. I can't feel like this anymore.
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
No , the serotonin syndrome would not last this long.
It is understandable to be concerned.
You stated initially that you took the medications for anxiety and also mentioned episodes of anxiety at other times though you mentioned that there is no family history and you cope well with pressure.
Anxiety is only diagnosed if other conditions are ruled out. Some of the symptoms mentioned are not linked
(1)Tender and swollen breasts can occur before and during a period for many women, it is due to the hormonal changes
Mood swings can also occur during this time but in some women they can be very bad and medication is needed.
An ultrasound may be needed to make sure that there is no structural reason for the heavy bleeding eg fibroids.
(2)Heart burn is also a common complaint, related to reflux. It is linked to the use of fried, fatty, acidic, citrus foods.
Reducing these foods and using a medication for reflux would help (eg nexium, prevacid, prilosec etc)
(3)if the ear pain is severe, you may need to see your doctor to determine if there is a problem with the ears. Pain in the ears can also sometimes be linked to the mouth as well so this would also need to be considered
Your doctor may consider a complete blood count and ESR. These would check for infection, make sure the Hb is not low because of the heavy bleeding, inflammation in the body from any source.
Electrolytes and vitamin levels (vitamin b12 or folate) can be done as well for the numbness and weakness. Thyroid function levels should also be done.
If there are no abnormalities then anxiety may need to be considered as a diagnosis.
There are criteria for anxiety: (1)anxiety and worry occurring more days than not over a 6 month period
(2)finding it difficult to control the worry
(3)at least 3 of the following symptoms: (a)restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
(b)fatigue
(c)difficulty concentrating
(d)irritability
(e)muscle tension
(f)sleep disturbance
(4)the anxiety or worry can cause distress or impairment in social setting or work
(5)disturbance not related to a substance or another disorder like thyroid disease
(6)ruling out another mood/mental issue
These are the criteria for diagnosis of anxiety, based on what you wrote, you have fatigue, disturbed sleep, difficulty concentrating.
If other causes are ruled out, would need to consider anxiety as a diagnosis and seek treatment
This would consist of psychotherapy and medication for short period of time.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
No , the serotonin syndrome would not last this long.
It is understandable to be concerned.
You stated initially that you took the medications for anxiety and also mentioned episodes of anxiety at other times though you mentioned that there is no family history and you cope well with pressure.
Anxiety is only diagnosed if other conditions are ruled out. Some of the symptoms mentioned are not linked
(1)Tender and swollen breasts can occur before and during a period for many women, it is due to the hormonal changes
Mood swings can also occur during this time but in some women they can be very bad and medication is needed.
An ultrasound may be needed to make sure that there is no structural reason for the heavy bleeding eg fibroids.
(2)Heart burn is also a common complaint, related to reflux. It is linked to the use of fried, fatty, acidic, citrus foods.
Reducing these foods and using a medication for reflux would help (eg nexium, prevacid, prilosec etc)
(3)if the ear pain is severe, you may need to see your doctor to determine if there is a problem with the ears. Pain in the ears can also sometimes be linked to the mouth as well so this would also need to be considered
Your doctor may consider a complete blood count and ESR. These would check for infection, make sure the Hb is not low because of the heavy bleeding, inflammation in the body from any source.
Electrolytes and vitamin levels (vitamin b12 or folate) can be done as well for the numbness and weakness. Thyroid function levels should also be done.
If there are no abnormalities then anxiety may need to be considered as a diagnosis.
There are criteria for anxiety: (1)anxiety and worry occurring more days than not over a 6 month period
(2)finding it difficult to control the worry
(3)at least 3 of the following symptoms: (a)restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
(b)fatigue
(c)difficulty concentrating
(d)irritability
(e)muscle tension
(f)sleep disturbance
(4)the anxiety or worry can cause distress or impairment in social setting or work
(5)disturbance not related to a substance or another disorder like thyroid disease
(6)ruling out another mood/mental issue
These are the criteria for diagnosis of anxiety, based on what you wrote, you have fatigue, disturbed sleep, difficulty concentrating.
If other causes are ruled out, would need to consider anxiety as a diagnosis and seek treatment
This would consist of psychotherapy and medication for short period of time.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I took the pills as I was writing exams the following day. I thought it was just a natural remedy to calm normal "nerves". But after I took the second pill everything started. And serotonin syndrome cant be lasting this long. I was away for work now for two weeks and I was fine, but once I got back home it started again. And today at work it got worse. Feeling extremely tired in the evenings and my legs feel weak and painful. I also feel a bit "down" but I wouldnt say Im depressed. And I feel without energy. Dragged through the day today.
I just dont know why I would have anxiety, since I have no apparent triggers. My hands would just get all sweaty or my arms and legs would get weak. I am not experiencing any racing heartrate, or high blood pressure. Initially after "recovering" from the pills I took I had extreme chest pain that would radiate into my neck area and I was short of breath, but that's no longer the case. Only the sweating, weakness, and for today for tge first time in probably 3 weeks I felt "down" again. It just came over me out of nowhere. It doesn't make sense.
I have been reading up on estrogen dominance and its symptoms, and I check most of the boxes. Like I said i was on birth control about a year and a half back, and I dont know if this might be the after effects of coming off of the birth control which eventually lead to estrogen dominance or excessive estrogen. As I said I gained like 7kilos in about a months time and it seems as though I am just gaining more and more inches. My docter did do my thyroidfunctions and found nothing wrong as well as a bloodtest to check for any chronic infections, and that also turned out to be normal. Would the thyroidfunctions have given any indication of estrogen dominance? Because then that can also be ruled out. Which will leave me only with anxiety. Which I dont know why I am having as there are no apparent triggers.
And if the docter were to put met on antidepressants for my anxiety, I am scared that the serotonin reuotake inhibitors will give me the same effect as those herbal medicine. (Serotonin syndrome)
I am so tired of not feeling myself and it all got worse since I took those pills. But I do believe prior to taking the pills there was some underlying issue, I don't knoe what, but there was.
I just dont know why I would have anxiety, since I have no apparent triggers. My hands would just get all sweaty or my arms and legs would get weak. I am not experiencing any racing heartrate, or high blood pressure. Initially after "recovering" from the pills I took I had extreme chest pain that would radiate into my neck area and I was short of breath, but that's no longer the case. Only the sweating, weakness, and for today for tge first time in probably 3 weeks I felt "down" again. It just came over me out of nowhere. It doesn't make sense.
I have been reading up on estrogen dominance and its symptoms, and I check most of the boxes. Like I said i was on birth control about a year and a half back, and I dont know if this might be the after effects of coming off of the birth control which eventually lead to estrogen dominance or excessive estrogen. As I said I gained like 7kilos in about a months time and it seems as though I am just gaining more and more inches. My docter did do my thyroidfunctions and found nothing wrong as well as a bloodtest to check for any chronic infections, and that also turned out to be normal. Would the thyroidfunctions have given any indication of estrogen dominance? Because then that can also be ruled out. Which will leave me only with anxiety. Which I dont know why I am having as there are no apparent triggers.
And if the docter were to put met on antidepressants for my anxiety, I am scared that the serotonin reuotake inhibitors will give me the same effect as those herbal medicine. (Serotonin syndrome)
I am so tired of not feeling myself and it all got worse since I took those pills. But I do believe prior to taking the pills there was some underlying issue, I don't knoe what, but there was.
Brief Answer:
may need to be reassessed
Detailed Answer:
HI
The unfortunate problem with some herbal remedies is that the amount of substance/chemical in the herb is not regulated. This means it is difficult to know exactly how much serotonin was in the herb or how it was able to increase serotonin levels.
Because traditional meds have to be regulated by law, it would be possible to have a better picture of possible outcomes. Serotonin syndrome is rare in persons being followed by their doctor using traditional depression/anxiety meds
Thyroid tests do not assess estrogen levels
Since it is difficult to find the cause of your symptoms, you may need to be re assessed
may need to be reassessed
Detailed Answer:
HI
The unfortunate problem with some herbal remedies is that the amount of substance/chemical in the herb is not regulated. This means it is difficult to know exactly how much serotonin was in the herb or how it was able to increase serotonin levels.
Because traditional meds have to be regulated by law, it would be possible to have a better picture of possible outcomes. Serotonin syndrome is rare in persons being followed by their doctor using traditional depression/anxiety meds
Thyroid tests do not assess estrogen levels
Since it is difficult to find the cause of your symptoms, you may need to be re assessed
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I will then start by doing a full hormone check, to see if there is anything out of order. As well as a sonar for hiatus hernia, as I read that some hernia's may mimick anxiety.
Then I will go from there.
Thank you do much Doctor for the advise. Much appreciated.
Kind regards
XXXX
Then I will go from there.
Thank you do much Doctor for the advise. Much appreciated.
Kind regards
XXXX
Brief Answer:
no problem at all
Detailed Answer:
Hope that you get the answers that would help you
Wishing you the best
If I can help you any further, can contact again
Blessings
no problem at all
Detailed Answer:
Hope that you get the answers that would help you
Wishing you the best
If I can help you any further, can contact again
Blessings
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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