Oops... SSRI discontinuation and EEGs?

[RunningGirl85]

Okay I have a question, and I have no idea if anyone can answer it, but I'm going to ask it anyway. I just finished my 72 hour EEG. The past couple of days I've been feeling dizzy/weird (not seizure weird, minus a couple of times, but weird). Like how I felt when I forgot to put my Celexa in my pill box. But I could have SWORN I was careful to put them in this time - like, I remember making sure I read the bottle to make sure I had the right pills.

Well, it would seem I did not... At least, not for everyday (for some reason when I looked, today had the pill, but the ones after today didn't, so I don't know). I'm guessing based on the way I have felt, it's been at least a couple of days... Well, yeah... I'm wondering how this will affect my EEG readings.. I don't know how long I went without taking them, as I did have the pill in today's section. I know SSRIs can actually play a role in CAUSING seizure activity, but I wonder what the effect of sudden withdrawal syndrome would do to an EEG?

 

[Nakamova]

According a Celexa info site:

The most common symptoms from abrupt SSRI discontinuation are vague and wide-ranging, but can include poor concentration, vertigo, or weakness. The most common symptoms for Celexa withdrawal tend to be headache, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness. People often describe a mild “electric” tingling sensation in the arms and fingers.

Celexa has a short half-life, so it's no unusual to experience withdrawal side effects after missing just a single dose.

Unfortunately, it's not well-understood what's going on in the brain as Serotonin levels are re-established during the SSRI withdrawal, and how other neurotransmitters are affected during the process. The withdrawal side effects sound similar to some kinds of seizures, but it's not clear whether they are actually related to abnormal brainwave activity or are merely mimicking it, and whether anything would show up on an EEG as a result.

 

[RunningGirl85]

Yeah I'm not sure... However, I did write down when I was feeling dizzy and pressed the little event button, so if something really weird DOES show up... Well, it will coincide. I generally can tell the difference between the two types of symptoms (even this morning, I said it didn't feel like seizure dizziness). I guess I've always had dizzy spells, but I've never mistaken them for seizure activity. Totally different feelings in my mind.

 

[Nakamova]

Hope you and the docs get some good info from all this; it doesn't sound like much fun.

 

[MuayThaiFighter]

Me and celexa had quite a run for about 6 years and numerous re takes. Everyone is different but my body let me know I missed a dose, and you feel pretty weird. 2 days of a missed dose and you seem to get more emotional and dizzy, feel like your having a simple partial in a way.