Arm Weakness and Hand Tremors
An 18-year-old assigned female at birth, who does not consume nicotine or alcohol, previously took a daily regimen of 20mg of long-acting Ritalin along with 50mg of fluvoxamine. After abruptly discontinuing fluvoxamine three weeks ago, I've been experiencing tremors in both of my hands, even when I’m at rest. Additionally, my right arm has shown a worrying decline in strength. Tasks like typing and simple everyday actions have become challenging, and I occasionally endure a sensation of pressure and burning pain in that arm and hand. I'm uncertain if these symptoms are withdrawal-related but am unaware of similar reports of muscle weakness following the cessation of an antidepressant. Some nights, I find myself shaking inexplicably, accompanied by cold sweats on my back. I have also noticed difficulties with coordination and maintaining balance during movements.
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 12:10:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a concerning combination of symptoms, including hand tremors, weakness in your right arm, and difficulties with coordination. This situation can understandably be alarming, especially after stopping fluvoxamine. Let's focus on understanding your symptoms and identifying essential next steps.
Main Points
- Possible Withdrawal Symptoms: Discontinuing fluvoxamine can lead to withdrawal effects, but weakness and severe motor symptoms may indicate other issues.
- Worrying Symptoms: The combination of tremors, muscle weakness, and coordination difficulties suggests that a thorough evaluation is vital.
Explanation
Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used primarily for anxiety and depression. While stopping it abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or mood changes, the specific symptoms you've described—tremors, muscle weakness, pressure sensations, and coordination issues—are not typical withdrawal effects. These could potentially be related to several factors, including medication side effects, underlying neurological issues, or even stress responses.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms over the next few days. Note when they occur, their intensity, and any triggers you identify (e.g., stress, time of day).
- Hydration and Nutrition: Make sure you are staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet. Nutritional deficiencies can sometimes contribute to physical symptoms.
- Rest and Relaxation: Prioritize rest and engage in stress-reducing activities like deep breathing or gentle stretching to help manage bodily tension and improve overall feeling.
- Avoid Stimulants: If you're engaging in activities or consuming foods that can stimulate your nervous system (like excessive caffeine), consider reducing or eliminating them temporarily.
- Gentle Exercise: If it feels safe to do so, consider engaging in light physical activity like walking or yoga, as movement can help improve strength and coordination without overexertion.
Given your symptoms' nature, if they persist or worsen, it would be essential to seek a healthcare professional's advice for a comprehensive evaluation. Understanding the root cause of your symptoms is crucial to managing them effectively. Take care, and please keep track of how you feel.
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