anti depressants and hallucinations?

[G0nz0]

Hi,

I have very recently started taking an antidepressant . On the first day I began experiencing a few of the most common side effects (nausea, drowsiness) but then at night when I tried to go to sleep I realised I was having these closed-eye hallucinations of fast moving fractal-like patterns, I could see them when I had my eyes open in the dark too as well as having my over-all perception altered. 

I've tried researching about this and I recognise that any medication which alters the brain in some way may result in things like this.. but there weren't many sources which talked about it in depth and the information sheet for this medication only vaguely mentions 'visual disturbances' as a possible side effect.

I guess I'm interested in whether this could be something I have to deal with long term or whether it is likely to go away when the other side effects do too. It's pretty distracting when I'm trying to fall asleep, which is already proving to be difficult as well.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this and is this just another common side effect?

Thankyou

[white knight]

Hi G, welcome to beyond blue forums

I havent experienced what you describe. However if you take aD's once a day try taking them at other times, eg if you've been taking them at night try in the morning. check with your Dr if this is ok.

Also medication takes around 6-8 weeks to take effect.

[Sparkles183]

Hi G, Welcome to the forums.

When I started my first antidepressant I was getting the normal side effects, then by day 4 I started to get hallucinations (or as my GP called it visual disturbances) I was getting them both when I had my eyes open and closed.

I did some research on the type of medication I had and they suggested to see my GP straight away as hallucinations is one of the rare side effects that must be dealt with straight away.

When I went back to the GP she made me stop the med straight away and get my eyes tested.

Unfortunately I was still getting these visual disturbance’s every few days for 3 weeks after I stopped the med.   And I was also not allowed to  start a new med until 4 weeks after I had my last dose just to make sure the medication was out of my system.

My suggestion is if you are still getting the visual disturbances, go back to your GP and talk about it. I don’t want to worry you, but I don’t want anyone to go through the horrible stuff I went through with visual disturbances.

 I hope things gets better Good luck 

Sparkles

[Steff_apos_shangingon]

Hey G0nzo

I  believe have experienced similar things. I also felt as though , occasionally, there was a fluttering sensation in my brain and strange visual experience that I can't explain.  I told my psych and I changed meds but it really freaked me out .

With different meds and dose , it  dissipated but only  over period of time and I think it was a matter of finding what I needed and suited me and allowing the other meds to get out of my system.

Def ask the GP or Psych that prescribed .  You don't need it to be a worse experience than those you have had already

Good luck

xxoo s