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The original was posted on /r/tifu by /u/sophiebbyg on 2025-12-20 22:54:59+00:00.
Title pretty much sums it up. I have been so sick the past week with what I am assuming is the flu. The only thing that really works for me is alka seltzer! So what do I do- take alka seltzer for almost a week. I’ve noticed I’ve felt very weird, crazy anxiety when trying to sleep, muscle stiffness. Thought hm this feels like how I felt when I had seratonin syndrome before?? No way I have it again I’m fine! Decide to go on a walk around the park because I woke up today feeling a lot better until I started feeling like I was high. Had an oh shit moment. Google lexapro and alka seltzer, apparently the one I’ve been taking has dextromethorphan in it which I had no idea can cause it. (I’m stupid) Been on lexapro for years and years- never had an issue until this year and I’ve had it twice… I feel so stupid for not looking up the drug interaction before.
Stay safe out there fellow SSRI takers and PLEASE! Read drug interactions for anything you take. Serotonin Syndrome is awful. I feel lucky I’m only having mild symptoms right now.
TL;DR- Gave myself seratonin syndrome because my sick brain didn’t think to google interactions and now i’m suffering the consequences.
EDIT- My SSRI takers, look out for DXM, DM, or dextromethorphan on cold medicine. This is what can cause it.
EDIT 2- Posted this as a funny TIFU. Because TIFU. Yes I talked with a doctor!! I have seen some comments saying I have health anxiety. Very hypocritical for you to try to diagnose me…? This has turned into more of a PSA and I am so happy about it. Thank you everyone for your well wishes and more advanced info in the comments :)