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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mjharp on September 9, 2016, at 17:21:45
Hi everyone,
I've been on and off (mostly on!) seroxat / paxil for the last eight years. I'm on my third attempt to quit this medication after discovering SSRI's might be to blame for my years of neck pain. This was never a problem pre medication and has started to affect the things I love (martial arts)
My neck becomes a little tight / sore which I can manage but more and more often when I train it will completely seize up, I get severe headaches, pain, dizziness and won't be able to turn my head much at all. I'm then out of action for weeks.
This happens with other physical activity also - sit ups, push ups etc. I've tried physio, chiro, rest, heat therapy, ice and so on. I'm convinced seroxat is responsible somehow.
My chiropractor couldn't believe how tense my neck and shoulder muscles were. I also have swollen lymph nodes and painful jaw joints from clenching. I had no idea this could be a side effect of the medication, has anyone else experienced this from SSRI's?
Posted by SLS on September 10, 2016, at 14:34:35
In reply to Seroxat / paxil - neck pain, spasm, posted by mjharp on September 9, 2016, at 17:21:45
I read the response by Linkadge to your question. I would only add that you might be suffering from serotonin toxicity, which is basically the same as serotonin syndrome. Paroxetine is the strongest SSRI. It binds the tightest to the serotonin transporter. Regardless of the mechanism, discontinuing paroxetine makes sense, unless nothing else works. Bruxism (teeth clenching) is fairly common with SSRIs, however, clonus is not. Clonus and rigidity of the neck muscles more approximates what one would see in serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is unusual during SSRI monotherapy (taking only one drug). It does happen, though.
What happens when you attempt to discontinue paroxetine?
- Scott
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