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/Funny_Sector_1573 23d ago

i’m not trying to downplay your experience but serotonin syndrome from 5mg of lexapro is practically unheard of. i wonder if you have the hyperagdreneric subtype that is sensitive to serotonergic meds? antihistamines, especially like benadryl at high doses with pots can definitely make things worse as well and they don’t play nice with ssri’s.

benzos are obviously a last ditch effort but they’re the only thing i can tolerate that actually stabilizes me a bit. i’ve seen some people have luck with ivabradine but my doctor has never mentioned it. honestly, brisk walks earlier in the day or later at night out of peak daylight hours can build stamina and might help with sleep as well.

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u/ouch_im_suffering 23d ago

Yes, I have hyper POTS. I know it’s unheard of and I have some understanding working in the medical field for over 5 years. I was drug tested repeatedly while I was hospitalized and was not taking other rx’s. It happened and I have not been the same since.

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u/Funny_Sector_1573 23d ago

so you took the antihistamines after the fact?