Source
r/visualsnow•
falconview

Will stopping SSRIs make it go away?

I've been taking prozac for about 11 years now (since middle school) and I've only recently really become aware that visual snow is a thing that isn't normal. I don't remember it ever starting, maybe I've always had it but I am concerned that it was caused by taking an SSRI long-term. I am on an extremely low dose right now and am planning on stopping soon. If it was caused by my medication will it go away when I stop or is my brain ruined permanently? Any tips on how to cope?

I'm definitely overthinking this and kind of spiralling but I need to vent a little.

Posted Sep 25, 2019, 12:46 AM UTC

54
intrinsic_gray•

I've had visual snow since birth, but SSRIs definitely made it worse and gave me "after images". Like I was seeing things frame by frame instead of a smooth movement. The symptoms went away significantly when I stopped taking SSRIs. I don't know if they cleared up completely because I've always had some kind of visual snow, but being off of them did help.

I will say though, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating better has helped too. Especially sleep. So make sure you're resting enough!

5
falconviewOP•

thank you, this was very encouraging

3
TroutCreekOkanagan•

Amazing how time flies on ssri ‘s. I tend to believe there is correlation with a lot of people in this subreddit having taking ssri for a period of time. At this point are sure you want to stop? I hope it helps whatever you choose. Seems to me just random genetics and environmental factors at play.

2
Gazzax•

Made no difference for me unfortunately. I was on a tricylic for 15 years and I was sure it was the meds making it much worse. well, 4 months off them and no changes. my VS is just as bad as ever. Sigh. my mental health has also plummeted so I am going to have to go back on some kind of meds soon

1