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A close family member was on antidepressants for almost two years after being misdiagnosed with depression (that's a whole different story though). The taperin

by jobu 11y ago

A close family member was on antidepressants for almost two years after being misdiagnosed with depression (that's a whole different story though). The tapering process was _very_ rough. At first the doctor recommended tapering by 1/4 each week for four weeks, but with the first reduction she had headaches, vertigo and nausea for nearly two days. After that the doctor changed the recommendation to tapering by 1/8 of a dose over the following 6 weeks. The first day of each reduction was more bearable, but still similar to a nasty hangover, SSRIs may be a lifesaver for many people, but starting them is not something to be taken lightly.

johnchristopher 11y ago
> A close family member was on antidepressants for almost two years after being misdiagnosed with depression (that's a whole different story though). What was the good diagnostic then ? What were the overlapping symptoms ? I am personally really interested in learning more about illnesses that look like depression but aren't.
- jobu 11y ago
  It was/is a combination of a couple MTHFR gene mutations and black mold exposure. The mutations make it more difficult for the body to process mycotoxins, and those started messing with her nervous and endocrine systems. The misdiagnosis happened because there were some similar symptoms to depression. (She was very tired, but could never sleep. Dark moods, but in hindsight that was mostly because she felt crappy.) The doctor had no idea and she was willing to try anything to feel better, but SSRI's never really helped.
  - jamble 11y ago
    >The doctor had no idea and she was willing to try anything to feel better, but SSRI's never really helped. I just found out last year that i have a MTHFR mutation myself and this pretty much sums up my life up until then. Doctors, psychs had no idea and I tried so many pharmaceutical combinations. I also had an underlying thyroid issue. I do wish testing for MTHFR gene defects and looking at thyroid performance were more common steps to take before psychiatric medications are prescribed.
    - johnchristopher 11y ago
      I am considering getting some check-up on the thyroid. It's really easier to get some anti-depressants from a GP than getting this checked and it's not normal considering my generation had the Chernobyl cloud over our collective head in our childhood.

by jobu 11y ago

johnchristopher 11y ago

> A close family member was on antidepressants for almost two years after being misdiagnosed with depression (that's a whole different story though). What was the good diagnostic then ? What were the overlapping symptoms ? I am personally really interested in learning more about illnesses that look like depression but aren't.

jobu 11y ago
It was/is a combination of a couple MTHFR gene mutations and black mold exposure. The mutations make it more difficult for the body to process mycotoxins, and those started messing with her nervous and endocrine systems. The misdiagnosis happened because there were some similar symptoms to depression. (She was very tired, but could never sleep. Dark moods, but in hindsight that was mostly because she felt crappy.) The doctor had no idea and she was willing to try anything to feel better, but SSRI's never really helped.
- jamble 11y ago
  >The doctor had no idea and she was willing to try anything to feel better, but SSRI's never really helped. I just found out last year that i have a MTHFR mutation myself and this pretty much sums up my life up until then. Doctors, psychs had no idea and I tried so many pharmaceutical combinations. I also had an underlying thyroid issue. I do wish testing for MTHFR gene defects and looking at thyroid performance were more common steps to take before psychiatric medications are prescribed.
  - johnchristopher 11y ago
    I am considering getting some check-up on the thyroid. It's really easier to get some anti-depressants from a GP than getting this checked and it's not normal considering my generation had the Chernobyl cloud over our collective head in our childhood.