Burning Sensation and Anxiety or SSRI?

[carebear814]

Is is possible that this burning sensation that I'm feeling is from an SSRI?  I started taking Lexapro almost four months ago and since then I get burning sensations in my head.  I worry that this could be something more serious and my doctors are not guiding me correctly.  The sensations happened more frequently in the beginning, however they still find their way back on occasion.  It is extrememly uncomfortable and scary.  My psychistrist believes that it is anxiety, not from the Lexapro, but I am not sure that I agree.  I never had it as a symptom of anxiety beforehand, and trust me I had some severe anxiety.  Other than the burning, I feel good.  Any advice that you can offer will be very much appreciated!  Thank you.

[Musicalguy]

I am experiencing the same thing but only after 3 days, also blurred vision, short of breath near constant tremors especially after the 10th hour of taking the drug , lack of concentration, the anxiety is less and the thoughts of self harm are too but my head is hot and very very heavy

[rbkk]

Oh I meant to say I also have anxiety but its so minor, and since I've had these pills it is virtually gone so I don't personally think the burning is anxiety.

[rbkk]

I also get this symptom. I had it with zoloft (sertraline), venlafazine and mirtazipine. With mirtazipine I found I need to sit in a cold bath to cool down and it was bliss. With zoloft it is just on my forehead, cheeks and neck. The inside of my mouth actually feels cool. when I look in the mirror my face is not flushed. I agree it feels like the membrane just under my skull has flared up. I put a cold flannel on it and again it is bliss and the accompanying headache goes. I find I get it when I get a little frustrated, angry, upset, purtubed...anything really. I mentioned it to my doctor but I have accepted that its just one of those things. I put up with it because it means my moods are more stable and I can cope with daily life.

xx

[Jerzeegal]

One of the side effects of many of the SSRI's is a tingling /pins and needles sensation. Perhaps this is the sensation you are feeling?  At any rate I know it's annoying and I agree with the other poster... don't stop the lexapro suddenly.

Jerz

[carebear814]

Thank you everyone.

JS- The burning is on top of my head.

Dragon- I read your entries, thank you.  The only thing is, when I get the burning, it's hot, but on the inside of the head..kinda..if that makes sense.

[DragonTU84]

Your story sounds all to familiar to mine. Whatever you do though, do NOT quit it cold turkey. WEAN off of the Lexapro, do NOT quit it. But YES, it IS possible it could be the medication. Am I saying it absolutely is? NO. But it IS A POSSIBILITY!! The ultimate test will be for you to wean off the medication and see if the head sensations stop. Just be forwarned though, now that your body has experienced them, they MAY become a symptom of your panic attacks for now on....mine still are to some degree after my experience with Zoloft and Lexapro. Let me bump you up some of my old posts for you to read.... they are called "This is My Story...." and "The "Truth" about Panic Attacks - What I believe." So read BOTH and see if they ring home to you. Your story just hit me like a nail on bricks and reminds me too much of my experience, so it may prove of some use to you.

~Crystal~

[cj29]

I would suggest continuing to work with your psychiatrist with your concerns about your side effects with medication.  The only thing I have to add to JS's comment is that, in my opinion, when we have any form of anxiety, we can tend to shift focus from one symptom to the other.  I have had (and still do to some extent) health anxiety and new symptoms pop up with me on a weekly basis.  I am on a different SSRI and I look at it like this; if I can tolerate a side effect (i.e, burning sensation in my head) and it is not physically threatening, and I am better off than without taking something then I usually take it.  However, which medication you take is a personal choice and always ensure you are expressing your concerns with your psychiatrist.

[JSGeare]

Burning? Burning where? On the tongue, the skin, in your tummy or throat maybe? I'm not teasing you - I really am wondering more what it is, exactly, that seems to be burning.

Whatever it is, there is no reason to think that because your shrink suspects anxiety rather than meds that the conversation is by any means over. Keep track of when it intensifies and lessens and try to pin it down as much as you can, and continue to present it to the shrink if you're not happy with the answers.

All that said, if the proble is tolerable -and everything else is OK, maybe it is something you can live with for right now -reserving the right to do something about it later if need be.