Eight months ago I tried to ween myself off an SSRI I was taking for about 17 years. The dr gave it to me for PMS but I no longer needed it. After going off the drug I had severe withdrawal symptoms: squeezing temple headaches, nose pressure and eye pain/pressure. I eventually had to go back on the drug because of the bad reaction. After I did, I continued to get these sever pressure headaches. Everyone told me that it was nothing and that I would get over it but I didn’t. Finally I saw a neurologist in NYC who believed that I was having pain. He diagnosed me with TN2.my pain is worse when my head touches anything, like a pillow or the headboard. I’m on 600 mg of Gabapentin 3 times daily. He added 15 mg Baclofen recently but I’m just a zombie and it doesn’t help the pain. I don’t know what to do about this. I’m in terrible pain and can’t function. Does anyone else have these symptoms? Please advise.
I have never heard of SSRI withdrawal causing TN (but more senior members can give their opinion). Having said that, there is something called "brain zaps" that is a classic SSRI discontinuation symptoms, is it possible that this is what you are experiencing? You can read more about them here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antidepressant_discontinuation_syndrome
From the link: " Sensory and movement disturbances have also been reported, including imbalance, tremors, vertigo, dizziness, and electric-shock-like experiences in the brain, often described by sufferers as "brain zaps""
H
I’ve heard of those brain zaps. I still experience those. I get severe squeezing in my temples for like 20 seconds on and off all day. I’m back on the SSRI and I’m very miserable. Thx for the info and responding.
Which SSRI was it that you think caused this ? Just curious.
Also did you have a gradual taper or a cold turkey stoppage?
I think many people here would agree that for TN2 its a good idea to try a TCA antidepressant (nortriptyline for example). But its tricky to get on it if you are on an SSRI.
H
I’m on Lexapro. I tried to ween off it gradually but when I came off the last 5 mg my brain went crazy. I tried to stay off it for two weeks but I was so sick. I had to go back on it at 20 mg. I now have the worst pain/pressure in my head for the last 8 months.
haach76 said:
Which SSRI was it that you think caused this ? Just curious.
Also did you have a gradual taper or a cold turkey stoppage?
I think many people here would agree that for TN2 its a good idea to try a TCA antidepressant (nortriptyline for example). But its tricky to get on it if you are on an SSRI.
H