Posted by SLS on July 17, 2006, at 23:32:53
In reply to Fever related to switching SSRIs?, posted by Bonnie_CA on July 17, 2006, at 23:11:22
> I am switching back to Celexa from Prozac. I stopped taking 20mg of Prozac cold on July 8, and began taking 20mg of Celexa. I took 20mg for three days, then 40mg for three days, then 60... well, I was supposed to take it for three days. The first day on 60mg, everything seemed a little too clear and crisp and bright. I felt weird, but not in that horrid way I did while on Prozac. The second day of 60mg, I felt really hot, burning up. I took my temperature, because I figured it'd be normal and I'm just imagining that I'm feverish, but it read 100 degrees! I was like WOAH! Again, things seemed a little too bright and clear, AND I was running a fever. Hmmm. So, the next day, I took 40mg instead. I still ran a fever, but not as high. I took my temperature before I took my dose, and it was normal.
>
> So, my questions is, why is this happening? Is this a normal reaction when switching SSRIs? Is it because of how long Prozac lingers in my system? Is it because the dose of Celexa is too high? Is it too high because of the Prozac being in my system still? Ok, I know, these are a lot of questions, but I had never ran a fever from SSRIs before. I am certain I am not sick, because otherwise, I feel perfectly fine. I would just like to know if this is a reaction anyone else has had in the past. Thanks!
>
> -Bonnie
Hi Bonnie.I can't be positive, but I think you might have experienced a reaction known as Serotonin Syndrome. This is a possibility when two SSRIs like Prozac and Celexa are taken at the same time. The problem with Prozac is that it stays in your system for weeks after you stop taking it. It has a half-life of a week or more. Because of this, it is as if you are taking both drugs at the same time. You are having too much serotonin flooding your synapses. The development of a fever is a hallmark symptom of Serotonin Syndrome. This is often accompanied by an altered mental status. This might be represented by the wierdness and brightness you describe. I think you should reduce the dosage of Celexa and call your doctor so that you can establish a new titration strategy.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:667912
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060717/msgs/667914.html