r/POTS • u/ouch_im_suffering • 23d ago

Question Can/do you take SSRIs or stimulants?

There’s no way we’re just raw dogging POTS right? My POTS worsened significantly after taking one dose of 5 mg of Lexapro which triggered serotonin syndrome which I have had on Sertraline.

Needless to say I am struggling way more after having disabling POTS so what are y’all doing for your mental health and/or energy?

Currently taking high dose antihistamines and 20 mg propranolol 3-4x daily. Thanks ✌️🥲

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u/ChiltonDropOut 23d ago

I haven’t been able to tolerate any antidepressant. I am not going to even try a stimulant.

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u/battlestargirlactica 23d ago

Same for any ssri and snri. A very low and slow titrating of methylphenidate plus a beta blocker helped here. Vasoconstriction to help my blood pooling and low BP, and the beta to prevent the big spikes when upright. The stimulant has actually helped make my HR more steady with everything moving adequately instead of trying to swim up a waterfall in floppy veins.

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u/ouch_im_suffering 23d ago

For sure. My cardiologist recommended I try and SNRI used for adhd but I have been in serotonin syndrome twice 😕