Dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness, rocking or swaying sensations

[divalee]

I took 3 years to get of Zoloft and did very well while doing so.  Then when I stopped completely - about two months later all hell broke loose and the symptoms were horrendous -  Dizziness, pains in my legs and groin, pins and needles all over my face and pressure bridge of nose,  visual disturbances, sweating profusely, high anxiety  tension headaches and migraines -  It is now 7 years off and still have most but not severe  the ones that continue are pins and needles, visual disturbances, severe anxiety and now depression.  Having said that - I think what is left is more from my anxiety because when night times arrive - those symptoms are gone...But when I wake up in the morning they are all back.  My doctor told me that now what causes my symptoms are my anxiety and panic attacks -  I might be hanging on to symptoms of withdrawal - or they are still there - I just dont know.....Why I think some of the symptoms are withdrawals is because I  have had these same symptoms right from the start.....So yes I am confused......is it still withdrawals or are they now symptoms of severe anxiety.   So strange because at night i feel so much better - also when i ttake a shower and wash my hair the symptoms subside a lot......so who knows -  I am working on my anxiety and not to be so fearful - I think once my anxiety is under control - so will the symptoms.  Has anyone any ideas......

 

Much Love

Lee

xoxo

 

[apace41]

2 hours ago, Altostrata said:

While vertigo can be a withdrawal symptom, I recently had a bout of vertigo that seems to be due to a common inner ear problem that can come and go, especially in older people.

 

In that particular case, Alto, where the cause of the vertigo is BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), the so-called Epley Maneuver (which is what the video demonstrates) can provide instantaneous relief.  If only all vertigo were so simple.  There are a wide variety of dizziness maladies some of which create spinning sensations and others of which create "floating" or "walking on a trampoline" sensations.  Still other dizziness is a migraine variant which makes it very difficult to treat.  Of course, dizziness is a subjective symptom so how the sufferer describes it can be critical to the treatment that is given.  The most recent entry into the world of dizziness is PPPD (persistent postural perceptual dizziness) which seems to be a mismatch between inputs and outputs from the brain and is a purely subjective issue (one that is closely tied to anxiety).  

 

Some of these symptoms can well be triggered by withdrawal, others can be independent of it.  I would say, from years of personal challenge with this, that figuring out what is what is not an easy feat.  People who are NOT in withdrawal can take years to get a diagnosis in the dizziness arena.  Withdrawal only makes it that much more confusing.

 

Ironically, or not so much, the first line of treatment for many of these balance disorders is... antidepressants (usually in low dose) with SSRIs being a frequent "go to" drug and one of the top doctors in this space a strong proponent of Effexor as the first line treatment.  Can't make this stuff up.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Altostrata]

That is true, @apace41. I mention my experience only for those who might want to try a relatively easy and harmless maneuver that can help. It's not going to work for everyone and probably won't work for withdrawal-related vertigo. (The Epley maneuver is different; there are a half-dozen of these positional treatments. In the video, the doctor says if her "half-somersault" doesn't work, go to your doctor to have Epley, etc. applied.)

 

But it is possible that some of our members who experience dizziness coincidentally have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a common age-related condition.

[apace41]

2 hours ago, Altostrata said:

But it is possible that some of our members who experience dizziness coincidentally have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a common age-related condition.

 

Agreed, Alto.  Wasn't intending to be confrontational.  I'm very hypersensitive to the dizziness issue because of years of struggle.

 

It's a difficult symptom and is very hard to understand.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[bunchesofoats]

What causes dizziness/vertigo?

 

I've been trying to understand exactly what is the mechanism behind this side effect/withdrawal symptom. I'm curious if anyone has found any good information, research papers, etc.

 

I'm also wondering what others have found (if anything) helps alleviate this particular symptom. Before I had any idea it was related to my taking of SSRI's I thought it might be labyrinthitis and took NSAIDs. It did seem like maybe that helped. Could've been placebo, or could've worked because perhaps inflammation plays a role in the vertigo caused by SSRIs.

 

Edited July 22, 2020 by ChessieCat
added topic title

[AlanC]

"A possible explanation for dizziness following SSRI discontinuation" by Paul F Smith & Cynthia L Darlington, University of Otago

 

Abstract:

 

Dizziness is the most commonly reported symptom of abrupt discontinuation from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) category of antidepressants. The reported dizziness is exacerbated by even slight head movement, and therefore is likely to be vestibular in origin. The SSRIs most implicated are those with short half-lives and which are most selective for serotonin (as opposed to noradrenaline), e.g. paroxetine and sertraline. Since the vestibular nucleus complex (VNC) has an abundance of serotonin receptors, the abrupt withdrawal from an SSRI is likely to have a substantial impact on the electrophysiological activity of neurons within it. Here we suggest that the abrupt withdrawal from an SSRI is likely to cause a sudden decrease in serotonin in the VNC, which will disrupt the function of VNC neurons bilaterally, causing dizziness without vertigo.

 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41418537_A_possible_explanation_for_dizziness_following_SSRI_discontinuation

 

...

 

I've suffered from this for around two years. It's extremely variable: there have been periods where I could walk for miles with no problems, and others where I have to have a stick to keep my balance. I've even had a couple of falls because of it. Unfortunately I haven't found anything that helps: it's always been a question of waiting for it to go away.

[ChessieCat]

merged similar topics

[bunchesofoats]

Thanks @AlanC for the good info. I was at 30mg citalopram which meant taking 1.5 tablets of 20mg (that's how my doctor prescribed them). I wasn't changing dosages (intentionally) but due to the nature of cutting a tablet in half, the dosages were never really exactly consistent. I had horrible bouts of vertigo during this time. They would last for a week or two, and I would have to grab on to the bed even while I was lying down. I didn't connect it to the citalopram until I tapered down to 20mg and realized I suddenly didn't experience the vertigo at all anymore.

 

I've now been tapering very, very slowly, and haven't felt anything as severe as I did while at 30mg, but I have had my moments. I try to be a lot more consistent with my dosages now by dissolving a tablet in water, mixing well, and measuring to the same part of the line on the syringe, but I know that has its limits as well. I'm now tuned in enough to notice even a slight feeling of dizziness in my head, usually when I wake up in the middle of the night or the morning, but during the day I hardly ever experience it (and this is only when I experience it, which is not every day).

 

To add to previous posts in the thread, I also tried the Epley maneuver countless times thinking it may be BPPV. It never helped, and often sent me into worse spins. I'm on the younger side (early 30s) where it's not so common. Thanks @ChessieCat for merging the threads.

[Kelmo137]

On 7/13/2011 at 1:21 PM, Altostrata said:

Well, at least the physical therapist will be paying attention to you. I've found they are very smart and empathetic.

why would a physical therapist be useful during withdrawl?

[Nosummer]

Does anyone else get constant (never ceasing) dizziness that gets worse when you move your eyes to the left or right side (without moving your head)? I’m totally freaking out. I am being seen by an ENT and we’re looking into things but I just wonder if maybe it’s WD because it started six weeks after my last dose of Prozac...? I know a lot of WD sufferers have dizziness but is it constant and what about the eye movement thing? Thanks.

[Nosummer]

I don’t know how to edit a post (UPDATE: I do now sorry it’s so simple I don’t know how I missed it) so I just thought I’d add this question I forgot to ask (I’ve been forgetting a lot lately).

 

I know everyone is different, but for how long have people’s dizziness symptoms lasted? I’m going on a month with constant dizziness that has left me almost an invalid. Is that normal? Does it ever stop? (I am seeing an ENT to see if other reasons are possible but the timing really seems like it’s the Fluoxetine withdrawal. It started exactly six weeks after I took my last Fluoxetine dose.)

[apace41]

Nosummer,

 

Have you read through this topic?  There are a LOT of very detailed posts addressing dizziness issues and the possibility they are purely from w/d as opposed to other vestibular, anxiety, etc. issues.

 

Read through this and if you don't feel like you get a general sense, please let us know.  I think the answer is that w/d can upset the nervous system in ways that lead to dizzy sensations.  How long that may last is very variable.  There are plenty of people who have similar sensations who have never been on a psych med so it is clear that withdrawal is not the only way you can wind up with this condition.

 

It's not easy to deal with and the most frustrating thing is probably that the first line treatment for the dizziness is benzos, SSRIs and SNRIs.  Round and round.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Patti2057]

Wondering, Squirrel, if the dizziness ever resolved?

[Patti2057]

Wondering if those of you whom have suffered with long term dizziness could give a quick update, ie how long and if it has resolved. Thank you!

[ChessieCat]

  

3 hours ago, cathnz said:

There is a great book and fb support site called Rock Steady which supports those with tinnitus and vertigo.

 

[apace41]

Yes, as Chessie said, for any of you not familiar with Joey Remnyi I would strongly suggest you check her out.  Her website is Seeking Balance:

 

https://www.seekingbalance.com.au/

 

She has a ton of free stuff, YouTube videos, etc., and the book is really a good dive into neuroplasticity and how to heal from what she calls "Not Quite Right" feelings.

 

Worth checking out.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Sicksagittarius]

@AltostrataHi there! I recently got off of an antispasmodic and antiinflammatory prescribed by my GI dr before I realized tapering off lexapro caused my stomach issues. I was on them for months and before I did a cold turkey for 6 days and crashed. I gradually dropped them and finally got rid of the last antiinflammatory called mesalamine. Ever since I dropped it, my body inflammation has been so awful and I've been dizzy and cannot focus on objects, especailly if Im looking outside. Could this be a side effect of a med that was helping WD symptoms short term but prevents me from healing long term? Is it something I'll have to wait out like everything else? Could me being overly stressed cause the dizziness and out of body feeling? My illness is stressing me out because of my stomach issues I have with lots of bacteria overgrowth that I cant heal with supplements bc I cant tolerate them and my dad is dying. 

[Altostrata]

20 hours ago, Sicksagittarius said:

@AltostrataHi there! I recently got off of an antispasmodic and antiinflammatory prescribed by my GI dr before I realized tapering off lexapro caused my stomach issues. I was on them for months and before I did a cold turkey for 6 days and crashed. I gradually dropped them and finally got rid of the last antiinflammatory called mesalamine. Ever since I dropped it, my body inflammation has been so awful and I've been dizzy and cannot focus on objects, especailly if Im looking outside. Could this be a side effect of a med that was helping WD symptoms short term but prevents me from healing long term? Is it something I'll have to wait out like everything else? Could me being overly stressed cause the dizziness and out of body feeling? My illness is stressing me out because of my stomach issues I have with lots of bacteria overgrowth that I cant heal with supplements bc I cant tolerate them and my dad is dying. 

 

I have no idea. You sound very ill with the stomach issues. I cannot help you with general medical questions.

 

I am sorry your dad is dying.

[Ophea]

On 6/11/2017 at 3:54 AM, Itzakadoozee said:

I'm in the exact same boat as you with this lexapro WD. Dizziness, depersonalization, and detachment. Hang in there!

Hi, I know this post is a few years old. Did this improve over time? I am at week 7 with Celexa WD/12 weeks for Prozac, and the dizziness, vertigo, depersonalization and detachment are pretty bad right now. I am fighting the urge to go back on something just to stop it, but really don't want to. Any advice is welcomed, thank you!

[Warriormaden]

Boaty/Dizzy, PPPD

 

Has anyone had the symptom of a constant boaty, dizzy, swaying,  feeling, even when lying down?  In fact, it’s seems most noticeable when lying down or forced to be still.  I feel like I’m on a waterbed constantly. It’s not light headed. My head feels very heavy. In fact, lately it’s exhausting holding it up so I am propped in an awkward position all the time and my neck is cricked and deteriorating because of it.  It’s horrific. Did anyone have it go away ?  

 

I have had this since 1996, several years after I came off anti depressants and Benzo’s the first time, if I recall correctly.  I don’t recall having it in my teens or early 20’s.   I managed to deal with it by only driving to the store or having people drive me to work or sitting in the back of a facility so I could lean on a wall during meetings or concerts or graduations or family dinners etc until about 2018 when it became so debilitating I gave up.  It has ruined my life. I have given up all goals and missed out on everything especially the last few years. 
 

I was told it was my original anxiety getting worse or because I didn’t want to increase my dose of whatever AD I was on, always wanting to stay as low as possible.  Then I thought it was benzo related, so I tapered that two years ago and still no relief.  I’m afraid it is something called PPPD Persistent Perceptual Postural Dizziness of which the cure is, you guessed it, anti depressants.  So if it’s much worse now than before the tapers started years ago, was the AD providing some relief and the tapers make it worse or is it caused by the constant state of medication? 

 

Edited January 9, 2022 by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with existing topic

[Lindseyb]

On 6/28/2020 at 2:21 PM, Altostrata said:

While vertigo can be a withdrawal symptom, I recently had a bout of vertigo that seems to be due to a common inner ear problem that can come and go, especially in older people.

 

I did these exercises and it went away over about a week.

 

 

 

I already had bppv prior to stopping meds. I did this maneuver to try to help it during withdrawal, and it actually caused my pppd/dizziness/motion sensitivity. I lose my balance. I havent been able to drive since the day before I did that maneuver (8/2021).

[Warriormaden]

On 6/28/2020 at 3:17 PM, apace41 said:

 

In that particular case, Alto, where the cause of the vertigo is BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), the so-called Epley Maneuver (which is what the video demonstrates) can provide instantaneous relief.  If only all vertigo were so simple.  There are a wide variety of dizziness maladies some of which create spinning sensations and others of which create "floating" or "walking on a trampoline" sensations.  Still other dizziness is a migraine variant which makes it very difficult to treat.  Of course, dizziness is a subjective symptom so how the sufferer describes it can be critical to the treatment that is given.  The most recent entry into the world of dizziness is PPPD (persistent postural perceptual dizziness) which seems to be a mismatch between inputs and outputs from the brain and is a purely subjective issue (one that is closely tied to anxiety).  

 

Some of these symptoms can well be triggered by withdrawal, others can be independent of it.  I would say, from years of personal challenge with this, that figuring out what is what is not an easy feat.  People who are NOT in withdrawal can take years to get a diagnosis in the dizziness arena.  Withdrawal only makes it that much more confusing.

 

Ironically, or not so much, the first line of treatment for many of these balance disorders is... antidepressants (usually in low dose) with SSRIs being a frequent "go to" drug and one of the top doctors in this space a strong proponent of Effexor as the first line treatment.  Can't make this stuff up.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Hello, I’m just reading thru some of the dizzy posts and I’m just wondering if anyone has found relief or been able to ascertain if it is withdrawal/tolerance or an actual conditon.  I suffer horrific non stop boatiness , swaying, pulling sensations every time I get down to a super low point and can’t get past it. @apace41
 

1.  It can’t be a return of symptoms because I never had this sensation before starting meds in 1993.  

2.  I first noticed it some time after I tapered a year long course of Zoloft/Klonopin in 1994.  
3.  It has been present pretty much in some degree of severity even while on the meds for many many years.  
4.  The only description I’ve found that sounds exactly like what I’m feeling and I mean EXACTLY and I’ve never heard anyone with basically only this symptom is with a syndrome called “MdDs”.  I don’t even really have the old anxiety anymore except from this destabilizing symptom which is also causing depression and hopelessness.  

5.  I never thought it could be “MdDs” because I didn’t go on any journey but now I’ve read it can be triggered by quitting meds.  
6.  Unfortunately, the treatment for it is benzos and anti depressants so I don’t know if it is the syndrome caused by the very first taper and getting worse because I’m tapering the treatment. What a catch 22.  
7.   I did feel like a had some windows this week after holding my taper for the last several weeks per everyone’s advice but I tried to go out to breakfast with my sister and was just rocking in the booth and it was so miserable, so I think I only felt the window  because I was literally doing nothing but being in my house basically accepting and giving up. 

8.   I know you’re all not doctors but I’m suffering horrifically and any input, support is appreciated.

9.  I did one cut this week 1/31 so 7 days ago from 16.5 to 16 mg liquid taper….it’s literally 1/5 of 1 mil in my syringe so I don’t see how it’s possible it could cause this much increase in symptoms and if it does this each .5 mg, I will never get off. 

[nofriendsphoebe]

hi all, i have been struggling with near constant vertigo for the past two weeks now. first time in my life and i'm in my late 20s. it is better when i wake up in the morning and worse around 2 hours after i take my meds, then lasts the rest of the day + night. i am seeing an ear doctor soon, but i have struggled with migraine symptoms since being on the escitalopram and i'm worried this may be a vestibular migraine that i get because of my medication. is that possible? any suggestions? i am considering splitting up my dose (1.2ML morning and 1.1ML evening) instead of taking it all at once to see if that helps... 

[Conner]

On 9/11/2018 at 4:57 PM, TortugaHealing said:

Hello Everyone,

 

I was just wondering if anyone is having the rocking/swaying feeling (like being in a boat), and also light sensitivity, balance issues (worst in the shower), and horizontal eye movements back and forth?  Going to see an opthamologist as soon as I can make an appointment.  Thanks!  Eye movements are creeping me out!

This is me right now. Did you heal? @TortugaHealing

[Ariel]

 

[Terry4949]

I have posted this on my own thread but thought I would put it out here to see if any one has had the same I only sleep 3-4 hours a night but I have been feeling so tired in the morning that I have this overwhelming feeling of being drunk or high I just lay on the sofa and cannot keep my eyes open I close them to sleep but just feel myself drifting I cannot sleep because i feel drunk I do not drink alcohol or do any drugs or smoke but the overwhelming feeling last all day can anyone relate 

[ChessieCat]

That sounds like the typical effect of lack of sleep.

 

Do an online internet search for the term:  comparing lack of sleep to being drunk.

 

An example of what the above search brings up:

 

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/longhours/mod3/08.html

Several studies show similarities between fatigue-related impairment in cognitive and physiological functioning, and impairments due to alcohol intoxication.^14,18,19 Participants’ performances were tested and compared under two separate conditions: (1) after staying awake for extended periods and (2) after reaching a certain blood alcohol concentration (BAC). These studies suggest:

• Being awake for 17 hours is similar to having a BAC of 0.05%.
• Being awake for 24 hours is similar to having a BAC of 0.10%.

 

A search for the term:  how do you feel when you don't get enough sleephow do you feel from

 

And from https://www.pihhealth.org/wellness/articles/enough-sleep/

• You can’t think. A lack of sleep can affect your ability to remember and process information. Decision-making, reasoning and problem-solving skills may also be impacted.
• You’re not as alert. Missing out on just 1 ½ hours of sleep can impact how alert you feel. Your reaction time may also be slower.
• You’re at greater risk of injury. You are three times more likely to be involved in a car accident if you sleep 6 hours or less a night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Your risk of other accidents may also increase when you’re tired.

 

[KenA]

I remember those days. I always called it being "punch drunk" But yep, had that quite a bit for sure!

[ChessieCat]

When I hurt my back I had several days in a row when I hardly slept.  It wasn't until that happened that I truly understood how members here suffering from constant insomnia felt.

 

I can remember saying to my daughter that I can see why they use sleep deprivation as a torture because it truly is.

[Terry4949]

15 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

When I hurt my back I had several days in a row when I hardly slept.  It wasn't until that happened that I truly understood how members here suffering from constant insomnia felt.

 

I can remember saying to my daughter that I can see why they use sleep deprivation as a torture because it truly is.

I have only slept on average about 3 to 4 hours a sleep in any night for the last 6 years I believe that is part of the reason my recovery has taken so long I can truly say I have not ever slept more than 4 hours and that’s on a good night and I have tried so much to try to sleep but I can’t get past 2am even if I go the bed at 1 am 

[ChessieCat]

Have you ever had a sleep study done/been checked for sleep apnea?  You might have a medical condition that is unrelated to stopping the drugs and there might be a treatment, for example a Cpap machine or changing your diet so that you lose weight if that is the cause.

 

We have to be our own detective and of course take into consideration that as we age we may develop a condition that is not related to the WD.

 

Another thing to consider is are you being disturbed by something or someone during the night time.  Do you need a new mattress or pillow.

[SteCitalopram]

Hey everyone,

 

i’ve been tapering citalopram 20mg for almost 2 years now. Luckily i came accross this website before starting tapering and got advised to use the Brassmonekey technique.

 

The journey has been quite smooth until last summer when, after tapering to about 6mg I started feeling super anxious, depressed and really dizzy. I eventually pulled it through somehow and after a few months felt better.

 

I now got to about 4.15mg and i started again feeling super dizzy, like crazy vertigo that comes at some point during the day and make me feel i would pass out. 
 

Stupidly around 2 weeks ago i tried microdose psilocybin and, even though was helping my anxiety, it almost made the dizziness worse.

 

i’ve now stopped and i still feel dizzy. Even though i can still function it make me super scared and anxious that i might pass out one day. I know the anxiety is not helping and is probably making the symptoms worse but i really can’t help it. 
 

Does anyone feel this dizzy? I know it’s hard to know how long it will take to feel better but please give me some hope and tell me that it goes away.

 

Thank you❤️

[SteCitalopram]

Anyone please?

[Caesar65]

On 2/28/2023 at 3:39 PM, SteCitalopram said:

Anyone please?

Hi Ste,

You should be grateful, that you didn’t make the mistake to taper to fast, like I did. 
I used Escitalopram for 18 years, and made a complete withdrawal only within 5 weeks!😢 My doctor just adviced me to do so, and I tapered from 20 mg 5 mg less per week. And since then I have these unbearable symptoms, which are permanently there every single day😢 The heavy dizziness  is only one of the symptoms, sometimes I am not even able to read the newspaper, or to do other  simple things. 
If I could tell you way to overcome this feelings, I would tell you immediately, but there ain‘t no way, that I know about. That’s why I thought about reinstating the drug, but I think it’s a high risk, even after a year after the withdrawal, which could be called cold turkey. I try to fight against my symptoms, with different herbal products. The only thing whichngives me a little effect, is a pot of black tea. Wish you the best! Greetings Rainer 

[AmitV]

On 6/17/2011 at 6:50 PM, Altostrata said:

Acta Otolaryngol. 2010 Sep;130(9):981-3.

A possible explanation for dizziness following SSRI discontinuation.

 

Smith PF, Darlington CL.

 

Source

 

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand. paul.smith@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

 

Abstract at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20144124 Full text at http://www.mediafire.com/?3v4waouysa70j6q

 

Dizziness is the most commonly reported symptom of abrupt discontinuation from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) category of antidepressants. The reported dizziness is exacerbated by even slight head movement, and therefore is likely to be vestibular in origin. The SSRIs most implicated are those with short half-lives and which are most selective for serotonin (as opposed to noradrenaline), e.g. paroxetine and sertraline. Since the vestibular nucleus complex (VNC) has an abundance of serotonin receptors, the abrupt withdrawal from an SSRI is likely to have a substantial impact on the electrophysiological activity of neurons within it. Here we suggest that the abrupt withdrawal from an SSRI is likely to cause a sudden decrease in serotonin in the VNC, which will disrupt the function of VNC neurons bilaterally, causing dizziness without vertigo.

Hello Alrostrata,

 

We’ve speaking in another forum about Ceasar65, but this post is for helping myself. 

 

Has anyone been able to find a solution to this? Any medication or supplement? 
 

I have this exact same vertigo, with swaying and dizziness gets worse with head movements. 
 

I only took SSRI’s for 6 weeks and my doc said I could go off it, I still added some taper doses. Wow! Did I find out the hard way he was wrong. Yep, I got everything in the list of withdrawals. Every single one except headache & nausea. I wish I had gotten those ones instead (easily manageable or treatable).

 

Today is complete 4 weeks that I’ve experienced withdrawals. Some have come and gone, others are still hanging out with me.

 

I’ve now got a cervical collar that restricts my head movements. Which has been quite helpful.

 

Thanks Amit

 

 

[Altostrata]

Dizziness is a common withdrawal symptom. We do not know the cause. 

 

However, dizziness and vertigo can also be caused by inner ear conditions and other medical conditions.

 

That is all I can say about it.