Flashbacks?

[IsotopeMe]

I have had a stressful time recently and have restarted taking fluoxetine. It is basically Valium from what I understand. I was having massive anxiety attacks, had some left over from last time (I know, I know) started them and they helped. I then went to the doctor and got them properly prescribed.

A whole bunch of things happened and I haven't gone back for my follow up, but a new prescription was put through so I am now on my second box. I have taken these a number if times before with no issues.

However, I am still anxious, but generally quite level now. But this afternoon I have been very stressed and have started getting what is sort of an out of body flashback experience. But it is not stuff that has necessarily happened to me (but sometimes it us) but things I have dreamed or read or imagined?

I get a massive cold feeling or adrenaline scare shock type feeling spreading out over my torso.

I say it is out of body as it can be happening, I have no control over it, but I can act normal and Boone will notice on the outside. But inside I am having this dread feeling spreading and my mind is somewhere else.

This happened a bit with the first box this time, but I thought it was just a random side effect as I had just started them again and my body was adjusting.

But surely after a whole box (30 days) the settling in should have stopped (2 day off new box).

It really is disconcerting and I think it only happens when I am feeling stressed but can't be sure. This afternoon has been quite stressful with the kids playing up etc since about four and it has happened half a dozen times or more. Luckily I have been able to hide it from the kids.

Dh is out at the moment and I want to explain to him but not really have the words. I know he will want ,e to come off the p ills but at the same time, they are the only thing keeping me level.

Does anyone have any experience or explanation to help me word it better? I sm not sure I have even describe it very well here.

Apologies for the length and if you made it this far!

[IsotopeMe]

When I say dreamed or imagined or read about something, I mean that it hasn't cut ally happened to me but in the flashback, it is happening to me. Iykwim?

[nippysweetie82]

This sounds similar to something that happens to me. I have flashback type episodes with deja vu and memories of a childhood dream. Sometimes i get a warning just before an episode with a heat spreading up the left side of my body.
When the episode is over I forget what triggered it. I'm waiting to see an epilepsy specialist as I believe it could be partial complex seizures.

[IsotopeMe]

Thank you for replying.

I think stress triggers mine? Also, it is so real while happening, yet when it is over, only a few moments, not minutes, I can only recall snippets of what I was experiencing and in awhile can't remember it at all.

So you do not think it is related to the medication? How long are your episodes?

[nippysweetie82]

My episodes last anything from a few seconds to a few minutes. I can have several episodes a day and then go a few weeks without one.
I have woken up on occasion in a confused state with temporary amnesia leading me to believe that i'm now having seizures in my sleep.
I'm not sure if certain medications can trigger epilepsy so that would be worth discussing with your doctor. I also was unsure if my episodes were stress related but I doubt it because they seem to hit at any time.

[nippysweetie82]

I just did a quick google search and there is a link between fluoxetine and seizures.
I don't know what triggered mine but I've been getting them on and off for 10 years now and they are becoming more frequent. The docs always insisted that I was having panic attacks, so I decided to research my symptoms. I googled deja vu, nausea and confusion and found the better medicine forum. There's alot of people on there with similar symptoms.

[Elquota]

Hi OP,

Fluoxetine is also known as Prozac, and is a SSRI antidepressant. It's not related to Valium (diazepam) which is a benzodiazepine.

If you've never had this before taking this medication then it could be a side effect. Perhaps go back to the GP and ask to try a different SSRI, as you might not have this effect from a different one.

[IsotopeMe]

Sorry yes, meant Prozac, not Valium, always get them confused!

Thank you all for the replies. I know I have to go back to the doctor. :(

Thank you for the googling tips. Interesting reading.

I guess I am trying to figure out if I am having a breakdown, it is epilepsy or something or if it is the medicine. I have taken it before with no issues. Could it really be that even though I never got it before?

[dontrunwithscissors]

Sounds like depersonalisation-often triggered by anxiety. Sometimes yhe fear of this happening can increase anxiety so you go around in circles.

[tegula123]

I experienced flashbacks during the day. I ve had them in the middle of the day. For no reason in particular I will start to recall some element of what I am sure I can only have dreamed or hallucinated.I am awake and aware of what is happening, but the vague images in my mind (which I can never remember afterwards) are accompanied by dizziness, nausea and sometimes tunnel vision and a buzzing in my ears. Any sense of fear is comparitively mild, especially now, and the experience is mostly confusing and only mildly disturbing. It usually passes in 3 -4 seconds.
Also I suffered from anxiety, panic attacs and sleep paralise for years...
These flashbacks happening only when I awake in interactions whit s some elements during daytime. Are these brief "Dream flashbacks" from hypnagogic hallutinations or maybe from night terrors??? This is very disturbing... This happening for 5 years on and off...

[tegula123]

I experienced dream flashbacks during the day. I ve had them in the middle of the day. For no reason in particular I will start to recall some element of what I am sure I can only have dreamed or hallucinated.I am awake and aware of what is happening, but the vague images in my mind (which I can never remember afterwards) are accompanied by dizziness, nausea and sometimes tunnel vision and a buzzing in my ears. Any sense of fear is comparitively mild, especially now, and the experience is mostly confusing and only mildly disturbing. It usually passes in 3 -4 seconds.
Also I suffered from anxiety, panic attacs and sleep paralise for years...
These flashbacks happening only when I awake in interactions whit s some elements during daytime. Are these brief "Dream flashbacks" from hypnagogic hallutinations or maybe from night terrors??? This is very disturbing... This happening for 5 years on and off... Thank you my friend...

[nippysweetie82]

Tegula, that sounds very similar to my own experience. I am waiting to see a neurologist (an epilepsy specialist) so I will let you know of the outcome.
The doctors have tried to fob me off for years telling me I was suffering from panic attacks but they are finally taking me seriously.

[tegula123]

Deal, nippysweetie81 :-)

[tegula123]

Anything new?

[nippysweetie82]

Hi Tegula, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I've been for MRI scans and have a cyst on my brain but according to my neurologist it's not causing my symptoms. I have an appointment for EEG on 18th October to determine the cause of my symptoms. Any update with your situation?

[nippysweetie82]

Sorry IsotopeMe, forgot to ask. Did you ever find out what was causing your symptoms?

[tegula123]

Nothing nippysweetie82. I think your EEG will be clear...

[nippysweetie82]

Hi Tegula, just an update for you. My EEG was clear as you predicted and I'm waiting for my follow up appointment with my neurologist.
I just started my own thread about these episodes. I had a bad episode the other day with the usual deja vu, stomach churning thing and the left side of my body was tingling with a heat that lasted for an hour afterwards.
I hope you finally got some answers.