Oh yeah, my relative abused the Ambien. He’d used up all his Xanax and figured out that half an Ambien would act like a tranquilizer. Only he ended up taking about 45 mg Ambien in 24 hours (night dose for men is 10 mg) and became paranoid and delusional. But even the 10 mg causes amnesia, somnambulism and bizarre behavior in some people.
I thank you for your vivid description of serotonin symptom - something I hope never to see, but to recognize if I do.
I used to be the biggest shill for mental health meds like antidepressants in FR. I still believe they have their place in medicine including AD's and Benzos.
I'm not knocking the use just advocating using common sense and education of patients and families for all of them rather than fear. My dad was on Luvox for his last 15 years and it worked great for him. My sister had some serious issues which required some hard meds like Haldol long term. Unfortunately sis was a chain smoker also & that's not a good combination. Dementia from strokes took her.
I also know from experience PTSD nothing beats a good therapist. The well known couch many associate as being in a psychiatrist office is a misconception. A LCSW aka therapist is the ones with the couch or comfortable chairs and long sessions LOL. My wife saw one up till her last month of life or for about 12 years. She was a godsend to her.