Could Post-Recovery Muscle Pain Be Linked to Serotonin Syndrome and Seizures?
I'm an 18-year-old struggling with anorexia and depression. Recently, I accidentally took an overdose of Zoloft and Lexapro, which caught my mother off guard. One moment I was engaged in conversation with her, and the next, I found myself being transported in an ambulance. I ended up in the ICU, where they worked to cool my body down with ice packs as my temperature reached approximately 38.6°C. Two days post-incident, I resumed taking only one of the SSRI medications and began experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations, though I did not show any symptoms of serotonin syndrome. However, during this time, I noticed that all of my muscles started to feel increasingly sore and painful. It’s been around ten days since that initial episode, yet the discomfort has gradually intensified. I have very little recollection of the moments leading to my unconsciousness; my mother described it as me suddenly jerking my head back and rolling my eyes upwards before collapsing, my limbs stiffening while my body exhibited spasms. She mentioned that she had to slap my face for me to regain consciousness, a moment I don’t remember. Could this episode have been a generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS)? I've come across information suggesting that such symptoms could signify a severe case of serotonin syndrome, which might result in ongoing muscle pain even after the crisis has passed. I am eager to understand what might be causing this pain and if there's a way to alleviate it. Thank you for any insights! (I apologize for my poor English.)
Answers (1)
9/3/2025, 6:40:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about what you've been going through. It's important to address your concerns about the muscle pain and potential links to your recent overdose and symptoms.
Key Points:
- Your muscle pain may be linked to several factors, including the medications you were taking, the recent seizure-like activity, and the stress from your hospitalization.
- It is crucial to monitor your symptoms and seek appropriate support to manage your mental health and recovery.
Explanation:
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Muscle Pain: It’s not uncommon to experience muscle soreness after a significant medical episode, especially following seizures or muscle spasms. The medications you're on can also cause side effects that might contribute to muscle pain. While serotonin syndrome can cause a range of symptoms including muscle rigidity, you mentioned that you haven't shown symptoms consistent with it.
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Seizure-like Activity: Based on your description, it’s possible that you experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS). This type of seizure can cause muscle stiffness and jerking movements, which may lead to muscle soreness afterward.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily record of your symptoms, including muscle pain intensity, any new symptoms, and your mental health status. This information could be helpful for healthcare professionals in understanding your condition better.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensuring you are well-hydrated and getting enough rest can aid recovery. Gentle stretching or light exercise can also help ease muscle soreness but listen to your body and avoid anything that worsens the pain.
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Talk to Someone: Connect with a trusted family member or friend who can support you as you navigate these feelings and physiological changes. It’s essential to have someone who understands your situation.
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Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Given your recent overdose and the experience of hallucinations, it’s crucial to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider. They can assess the muscle pain more comprehensively, determine if it's linked to the medications or other factors, and develop a tailored approach for your recovery.
Please remember that you’re not alone in this, and reaching out for help is a strong step towards healing. Let me know if there's anything else you need!
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