Hi all,

I am in desperate need of advice or good news or something. 

I started Buspar about 3 months ago and the first week taking it, I was also tapering off Celexa. Twice in that first week I had symptoms (which I thought were from withdrawing off Celexa-- increased heart rate, full body zaps/ tingling, feeling all of my weight when I laid down like I couldn't move, constant feeling of wanting to pass out, etc). This happened several more times over the next couples months. 

But this week, Monday morning out of nowhere my heart rate spiked to 150 and I was dizzy and sweaty, etc. I went to urgent care and they said I was having panic attacks (which I've never had anything close to that before starting this medicine). Has this happened to anyone else? 

I went to my doctor and they think my serotonin levels are out of whack and he said it was okay to just quit taking. I was only taking 5mg x 2 day. My last dose was Tuesday because I just couldn't shake the panicking feeling for over 24 hours. I was prescribed low dose Xanax (which I don't want to rely on taking but I have had to take it several times this week due to what feels like an oncoming panic attack). 

I'm wondering, has this happened to anyone else? Did Buspar increase your anxiety/cause panic attacks? How was withdrawing from it (because I feel horrible now- shaky, unable to focus/concentrate, crying ALL the time, incredibly down, just zapped physically/emotionally/mentally). How long did these symptoms last for you and did anything help? I am in nursing school and have clinicals so I am terrified of this happening during clinicals when I am supposed to be caring for patients. I don't want to be taking xanax and taking care of patients (which luckily I haven't had to do yet)

Just looking for some positive support, tips, reassurance.

I am so thankful for this Reddit community full of people who are so open and helpful surrounding mental health.