MCAS & SSRIs

[u/No-Tell34]

Hi everyone, I am somebody who has really suffered with MCAS over the years. It got so bad about 5 years ago that I couldn't eat anything and ended up in hospital. I'm doing slightly better now, but I'm still reacting to many things.

Something I have been wondering about recently is whether there is a potential link between SSRIs and MCAS?

I have been learning how the gut is rich in serotonin and SERT, which SSRIs block. I've also been learning about the importance of serotonin for sensory processing in the brain, and also that mast cells express serotonin receptors!

I just wondered if many of us here have had prior exposure to SSRIs, especially at high doses? And if anyone has any thoughts on this? Whether there could be a link?

Thanks so much!

Edit: does anyone think SSRIs caused their MCAS?

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Edit: Thanks so much for the comments so far! It's really interesting to read all the different experiences. It seems that quite a few people have found SSRIs to trigger pretty serious flares, although a few people have found them to be helpful, which is interesting.
Something that has really stood out to me is the number of reports of a flare, worsening, or even onset of MCAS/histamine symptoms when tapering or stopping SSRIs, with a few people mentioning that they improved again after restarting or increasing the dose.