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Hello. I sustained a concussion 07/26/14 where I was knocked unconscious for give or take a minute. I fell from about the 3rd or 4th step of a pool slide and hit the back of my head on concrete. I have no recollection of the time after the accident until about 30 minutes later where I started becoming more appropriate. I did not go to the ER that night. I woke the next morning with a pounding headache, a few head lacerations, then realized I may not have taken the full force to my head because I had a large hematoma on my hip and could barely move my elbow.

Two days later as I was trying to go to sleep I suffered a panic attack out of the blue. This would begin what I coin 21 days in hell where the "feelings" would not end. Long story short, I landed in the ER twice with clear CT scans, MRI and lab values. It was like my body was in fight or flight mode and wouldn't stop. My stomach was constantly in knots. I got to a very deep dark place where taking medications was my only options as through the 21 days I was also not eating or sleeping well- like hardly at all.

I began 50mg of Zoloft on 08/08/14 and Mirtazapine on 08/12/14 for appetite and insomnia (presribed by an in patient psychiatrist.) I noticed that the wretched anxiety that was almost over me had somewhat gotten better and I gained a small appetite before I started the Mirt. I find myself feeling better in the evenings than in the mornings since being on the regimen. I'm eating and sleeping better. I still don't feel like me, however, but am searching to get her back. It's depression, I assume, considering the circumstances. I am thankful that I wasn't hurt worse and that I'm not, as of now, suffering any other symptoms associated with vision/hearing/headaches.

I would like some advice on a few things, if I may. I want to come off the medications. I've never been the one to fall back on medications. I have cleaned up my diet, cut out caffeine, began a heavy vitamin regimen per the sticky, concentrated on relaxation and breathing and prayed to our Lord for strength and healing. Should I begin to taper down the Mirt? I'm scared its making me feel worse in the mornings than what I would on my own. Has anyone suffered just the anxiety and depression and not any other symptoms?

Before this I was a happy, outgoing, fully functioning wife, mother of two sweet girls and a nursing student. I am supposed to begin my 4th semester Thursday and am unsure if I begin I will suffer a major setback. Also, and this is the most strange, I was a paint peeling sneezer with allergies to pet dander before the accident. As of now, I have no allergies and haven't sneezed in well over a week- seriously freaking me out. I have even tried to bring on the urge with light, tickling my nose and pepper with no success. Has anyone had this after a head injury or starting an anti-depressant?

I have been on this site several times since my accident and been afraid to post. I know there are no set answers and many seem to have some of the same symptoms. I just was hoping someone may have some of my same experiences and be able to help. Any and all advice is welcome. I do appreciate it.

RAllen82,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. I am sorry to hear of your accident.

I am surprised you were prescribed Zoloft and Mirt. Zoloft takes weeks to show an effect. Mirt is an atypical antidepressant. A benzo (anti-anxiety med) like Klonopin or Xanax often is prescribed for a quick result while the slower med begins to take effect. When I lost my appetite due to anxiety, my doc prescribed Zyprexa. It appeared to help. At least I stopped losing weight.

Anxiety is often most apparent in the stomach. It has more nerve endings that any other part of the body.

At only 3 weeks since your injury, you are early in your recovery.

Do you have any neck stiffness ? It sounds like you may have hit in such a way as to get some whiplash. The upper neck can cause all sorts of struggles.

Starting school may be a struggle. Try to limit your other activities and save your energy for class. It will likely help to sit at the front of the class to reduce the distractions and stimulations from seeing and hearing the other students.

Do you have access to a concussion clinic nearby ? A review of your meds may help with your decision about the Mirt.

My best to you.

Thank you for your reply, Mark. I do not think we have a concussion clinic in our area. My neck does not appear to be stiff or sore anymore than it usually is. I did have a script for Ativan but found it's effects to be so short lived and almost exacerbating the symptoms. Plus, I was very hesitant about becoming dependent on them. I cut my Mirt dose last night and am going to do that for 5 days as I have only been on the 15mg for 5 days and see how it goes past that. It makes me feel like I have taken Benadryl the next morning- very groggy, tired and shaky.

Thank you for the advice. Now, if I could get myself to sneeze. My sinuses feel backed up and that isn't adding any good to the situation.

Welcome RAllen82. :Tip-Hat:

Welcome RAllen!

Please don't ever be afraid to post here... we are all going through something.. maybe be similar to you or could be something that someone else is afraid to ask... I have not met anyone that is not willing to help or offer words of encouragement...

As for meds... I take Lexapro, it is good for both depression and anxiety...

So, you do not have any headaches at this point? Maybe what I would do regarding nursing school is spend a day reviewing the last few semesters or studying for the NCLEX and see if that brings up any symptoms.. if it does you can decide at that time what you think the next best course of action is... taking a semester off or going for it...

RAllen82...Welcome!:grouphug: