OpenHealth Q&A

Strange Reactions to My Medication Following a Suicide Attempt

Hello everyone, thank you for taking the time to read my post. I will categorize my thoughts for clarity in case you are only interested in specific symptoms. I’m a 21-year-old Hispanic male, standing at 5'10" and weighing 175 pounds, navigating life with high-functioning autism. On my mother’s side, there is a history of schizophrenia along with a number of common mental health disorders prevalent among women in the U.S. She hails from a Greek and French background, and at first glance, one might just perceive her as Caucasian. In contrast, my father is the most reliable and seemingly well-adjusted individual in our family, which ironically leaves me with a sense of guilt for not being able to give him the life he truly merits. At the age of ten, I suffered a traumatic brain injury while playing in a pool. The next thing I recall was vomiting cereal all over our family computer and pleading for immediate medical attention as I was overwhelmed by the sensation that something was drastically wrong. This culminated in a three-day coma, and it is safe to say that my life took a decidedly unusual turn since then. When I was nineteen, I made an attempt on my life using a belt attached to my closet door. Prior to this, I had been seeing a therapist who diagnosed me with high-functioning autism, persistent depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. I reached a breaking point and, after a failed attempt, my mother discovered the marks around my neck and urgently contacted the authorities. Following an emergency hold, I spent a night in the hospital, ultimately leading to an eight-day stay at a psychiatric facility in Edinburgh, TX; shortly thereafter, I was transferred to another facility in San Antonio, TX. That summer of 2023 marked the beginning of my medication regimen, which has evolved through numerous doctor consultations and persistent discussions about my symptoms. Currently, here's what I take: *Morning Doses:* 20mg Vyvanse, 0.02mg clonidine, 150mg bupropion, and 150mg oxcarbazepine. *Evening Doses:* 100mg Seroquel for sleep and an additional 150mg of oxcarbazepine. After my psychiatrist passed away, I was reassigned to an online doctor. During our consultation, I expressed a constant urge to urinate with little success. I was advised to undergo blood tests, which revealed that my cholesterol levels were similar to those of a 40-year-old man. I was advised to discontinue online consultations and visit them directly instead. The conclusion was that the Seroquel had significantly raised my cholesterol, prompting a reduction in my dosage to 100mg nightly. Today, I definitely feel more stable mentally, motivated largely by my need to support my family, but I still find navigating life to be similar to trying to drive a car that has only three functioning wheels, severely impaired by the challenges of my autism and the turmoil I have put myself and my loved ones through over the years. **Symptoms I've Been Experiencing:** *Waste Retention:* I suspect anxiety and medication play a role, causing my body to struggle with waste elimination. Consuming food and fluids has become a daunting task, as my body punishes me with multiple trips to the restroom. For instance, when I tried to watch a two-hour film, I had to get up at least four times. *Anxiety:* My senses are perpetually overwhelmed when I'm out in public, and every new task feels insurmountable. Even the thought of stepping outside for a brief walk feels like a monumental challenge, as if I’m responsible for multiple people. Leaving my room often causes my stomach to drop, forcing a trip to the restroom with nothing to show for it. It feels as though I’m being overtaken by an invisible force. *Physical Symptoms:* For much of my life, my nipples have been persistently erect, and my scrotum frequently appears shrunken, which has isolated me socially. It often seems as if my body is unable to regulate temperature properly, leading to visible signs through my clothing, regardless of the weather. *Overstimulation:* Every minor sensory input is magnified, leading to intense itchiness that escalates in the shower, sometimes prompting me to lash out in frustration. At my former job at Amazon, I was the only employee permitted to use my phone and earbuds during shifts, courtesy of my therapist advocating for my needs. Despite that accommodation, I often ended my workdays with migraines induced by the chaotic barrage of my senses and my relentless internal thinking. **Motivation for This Post:** Recently, I glanced at my back and was alarmed to discover numerous scars, reminiscent of a chocolate chip cookie. This condition, along with persistent acne on both my face and back, seems indifferent to my efforts at hygiene and skincare, leaving me feeling hopeless about these chronic issues.

Answers (1)

4/4/2025, 7:01:13 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your experiences so openly. It sounds like you are navigating through a complex mix of challenges related to both your mental health and physical symptoms. Here are the key points to focus on:

Main Points:

1. Complex Medication Effects: Your current medication regimen may be contributing to some of the symptoms you're experiencing, including anxiety and physical discomfort.
2. Physical Symptoms: Issues with waste elimination, temperature regulation, and skin problems are affecting your quality of life.
3. Mental Health Management: Your heightened anxiety and responses to sensory input need to be addressed in conjunction with your medication.

Explanation:

• Medication Impact: Many medications, including those you are taking, can impact neurological and physical functions. For instance, Seroquel can lead to weight gain and increased cholesterol levels, which may contribute to feelings of discomfort or anxiety.
• Physical Manifestations: The symptoms like constant urges to urinate, difficulty with waste retention, and general sensitivity may be linked to both your mental health conditions and the medications, as anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms.
• Chronic Skin and Physical Symptoms: Persistent acne and skin changes might be unrelated to your medications and could suggest an underlying dermatological condition or hormonal imbalance.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Medication Effects: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms in relation to your medication intake. Note any changes after reducing Seroquel or any other adjustments. This record will be helpful for your healthcare provider.
2. Seek Immediate Guidance: If you haven't already, discuss your symptoms, particularly the anxiety related to waste retention and any concerning physical symptoms (like skin changes), with a healthcare provider who can reassess your medication and health situation.
3. Consider a Holistic Approach: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or mindfulness to help manage anxiety, especially before stepping outside or facing overwhelming situations.
4. Skin Care Routine: Start a consistent skincare routine focusing on gentle cleansing and moisturizing, and consider over-the-counter treatments for acne if appropriate.
5. Nutritional Support: Make sure you're consuming balanced meals that include fiber, which can assist with digestion and waste elimination. Hydrate adequately but consider tapering intake to avoid frequent trips to the restroom during social situations.

Take one step at a time, and remember that it's okay to seek help to navigate these complexities. You're not alone in this process, and there are support systems in place to assist you in managing both your mental and physical health.