Psychotropic medication discussion thread

I was actually watching *Drug Inc.* on Max yesterday—one of those shows about the drug trade and all that. It really got me thinking about how the whole of America seems to be pivoting toward these "cleaner" substances lately. We’re seeing this massive surge in people relying on painkillers, Xanax, Valium, or methadone. It feels like a full-blown epidemic at this point, mostly because it’s just so much easier and arguably "safer" to get ahold of them now compared to the old days, when you actually had to track down some sketchy character on a street corner to score.

The thing is, stuff like OxyContin, Vicodin, or Xanax is practically flying off the shelves everywhere...

But what I’m really struggling with is how my psychiatrist could just abruptly pull the plug on the Zoloft I’d been taking for months. I tried going cold turkey, and man, it was devastating... just pure, unadulterated sadness. My depression came rushing right back. I lost interest in everything, even eating. So, I've started taking my Zoloft again in the mornings, and...😁😁😁 honestly, it’s like a relief; I feel happy again, and that old version of myself is finally resurfacing. Because of that, I suppose I’ll have to convince my primary care doctor to let me get back on that 50mg dose of Zoloft.

Kenneth Scott41 said:I was actually watching *Drug Inc.* on Max yesterday—one of those shows about the drug trade and all that. It really got me thinking about how the whole of America seems to be pivoting toward these "cleaner" substances lately. We’re seeing this massive surge in people relying on painkillers, Xanax, Valium, or methadone. It feels like a full-blown epidemic at this point, mostly because it’s just so much easier and arguably "safer" to get ahold of them now compared to the old days, when you actually had to track down some sketchy character on a street corner to score.

The thing is, stuff like OxyContin, Vicodin, or Xanax is practically flying off the shelves everywhere...

But what I’m really struggling with is how my psychiatrist could just abruptly pull the plug on the Zoloft I’d been taking for months. I tried going cold turkey, and man, it was devastating... just pure, unadulterated sadness. My depression came rushing right back. I lost interest in everything, even eating. So, I've started taking my Zoloft again in the mornings, and...😁😁😁 honestly, it’s like a relief; I feel happy again, and that old version of myself is finally resurfacing. Because of that, I suppose I’ll have to convince my primary care doctor to let me get back on that 50mg dose of Zoloft.

Good luck getting a GP to agree to that. Mine wouldn't do it for anything. I've lost faith in psychiatrists; I've posted about it before. My doctor used to seem crazier than I am.🤣😂Hang in there.

redranger2 said:What exactly are you taking it for, and what's your dosage?

Borderline. Just 10mg before bed.
Got diagnosed with anxiety right before I hit the border, but after seeing a therapist, they said my depression and anxiety scores were basically hitting the clinical limit.
Plus, I deal with intrusive thoughts and can barely focus on anything.
Never been hospitalized or tried anything drastic, though.

Currently on Ad Ladiomil, Lexapro, and Valium.

Used to take 100mg of Prazin at night, but switching over to Olexar now.

Angela Patel79 said:Borderline. Just 10mg before bed.
Got diagnosed with anxiety right before I hit the border, but after seeing a therapist, they said my depression and anxiety scores were basically hitting the clinical limit.
Plus, I deal with intrusive thoughts and can barely focus on anything.
Never been hospitalized or tried anything drastic, though.

Currently on Ad Ladiomil, Lexapro, and Valium.

Used to take 100mg of Prazin at night, but switching over to Olexar now.

So, how are you holding up on the Olanzapine? For me, it was a day defined by insomnia and obsessive suicidal ideation—it knocked me out in two days flat. I have never had a medication work that quickly. That was precisely why my psychiatrist prescribed it; he needed something with immediate efficacy. Of course, everyone reacts differently.

Angela Patel79 said:Borderline. Just 10mg before bed.
Got diagnosed with anxiety right before I hit the border, but after seeing a therapist, they said my depression and anxiety scores were basically hitting the clinical limit.
Plus, I deal with intrusive thoughts and can barely focus on anything.
Never been hospitalized or tried anything drastic, though.

Currently on Ad Ladiomil, Lexapro, and Valium.

Used to take 100mg of Prazin at night, but switching over to Olexar now.

Man, there are so many parallels here. It started for me with anxiety, plenty of derealization and depersonalization, and then eventually the Borderline diagnosis. I was on Olanzapine (Zyprexa) 10 mg before bed back in my early twenties, but eventually stopped. Then I moved to Prazosin—started at 100 mg, bumped it to 200, then 300—but had to quit again because I just develop a tolerance to everything so incredibly fast. Along with all that, I was constantly cycling through combinations of Seroxat and Prozac, then Effexor, then Cipralex, then Wellbutrin... then back to Seroxat and Prozac again. As for anxiolytics and hypnotics? Xanax, Lorazepam, Normabest, and Ambien—and, predictably, I built up a tolerance to every single one. Currently, I'm on Valium as needed (though I barely even feel it), some Xanax for sleep, and 80 mg of Prozac. Finally, I feel like I'm functioning okay. For those of us dealing with Borderline, improvement just takes a long, long time.

Timothy Wood38 said:Man, there are so many parallels here. It started for me with anxiety, plenty of derealization and depersonalization, and then eventually the Borderline diagnosis. I was on Olanzapine (Zyprexa) 10 mg before bed back in my early twenties, but eventually stopped. Then I moved to Prazosin—started at 100 mg, bumped it to 200, then 300—but had to quit again because I just develop a tolerance to everything so incredibly fast. Along with all that, I was constantly cycling through combinations of Seroxat and Prozac, then Effexor, then Cipralex, then Wellbutrin... then back to Seroxat and Prozac again. As for anxiolytics and hypnotics? Xanax, Lorazepam, Normabest, and Ambien—and, predictably, I built up a tolerance to every single one. Currently, I'm on Valium as needed (though I barely even feel it), some Xanax for sleep, and 80 mg of Prozac. Finally, I feel like I'm functioning okay. For those of us dealing with Borderline, improvement just takes a long, long time.

I'm curious, though—how did they transition you from an anxiety diagnosis over to Borderline? Was it just a matter of time before the right diagnosis finally clicked, or were there specific symptoms that really tipped the scales toward BPD?

Is it actually possible to fully recover from BPD?

Steven Martin13 said:I'm curious, though—how did they transition you from an anxiety diagnosis over to Borderline? Was it just a matter of time before the right diagnosis finally clicked, or were there specific symptoms that really tipped the scales toward BPD?

Is it actually possible to fully recover from BPD?

My doctor... she’s not a fan of the term "borderline." She prefers calling it "emotionally unstable personality disorder," which is technically the more accepted clinical label, even if everyone still uses BPD in everyday conversation. Honestly, getting a solid diagnosis takes time. In my case, it was the self-destructive tendencies, the suicidal ideation, the messy social life, that constant sense of emptiness... all that stuff. I'm not entirely sure if you can "cure" it—I mean, we're talking about a personality disorder here, after all—but you can definitely keep it under control and learn how to navigate life with it. Personally, I've made huge strides during my three years of treatment. Psychotherapy is everything. It really is.

I’m going to try this one more time... does anyone here actually have experience working with Asante?

Larry Campbell said:I’m going to try this one more time... does anyone here actually have experience working with Asante?

Well, you aren't exactly having much luck finding anyone with real-world experience, are you?

Timothy Wood38 said:My doctor... she’s not a fan of the term "borderline." She prefers calling it "emotionally unstable personality disorder," which is technically the more accepted clinical label, even if everyone still uses BPD in everyday conversation. Honestly, getting a solid diagnosis takes time. In my case, it was the self-destructive tendencies, the suicidal ideation, the messy social life, that constant sense of emptiness... all that stuff. I'm not entirely sure if you can "cure" it—I mean, we're talking about a personality disorder here, after all—but you can definitely keep it under control and learn how to navigate life with it. Personally, I've made huge strides during my three years of treatment. Psychotherapy is everything. It really is.

I agree—I've done quite a bit of reading on this, and from what I gather, there isn't even a consensus among most specialists when it comes to diagnosing it, let alone what to call it. It seems like a lot of different issues just get lumped under the BPD umbrella just to make things simpler for everyone involved.

Sending good vibes your way—really hoping things keep looking up for you 🙂

So, I’ve been taking Mirzaten for about two weeks now, and my sleep has improved drastically. I’m actually heading to bed around 9:00 or 10:00 PM and sleeping relatively normally. However, I noticed some new information on these recent printouts from my doctor, specifically mentioning that I should notify my physician if I am taking birth control pills. Does anyone happen to know what kind of interaction this might have with oral contraceptives?

@shadowbear9
You seriously need to loop both your psychiatrist and your primary care doctor in on absolutely everything you’re taking. There might be some crazy contraindications buried in there somewhere, and those are the people who actually know how to manage that stuff and keep you safe. I personally never touch anything—even something basic like an Advil—without checking with them first...
To be specific, I felt okay using certain pills alongside my ADHD meds, but honestly, just ask them before you try anything...

Matthew White4 said:@shadowbear9
You seriously need to loop both your psychiatrist and your primary care doctor in on absolutely everything you’re taking. There might be some crazy contraindications buried in there somewhere, and those are the people who actually know how to manage that stuff and keep you safe. I personally never touch anything—even something basic like an Advil—without checking with them first...
To be specific, I felt okay using certain pills alongside my ADHD meds, but honestly, just ask them before you try anything...

From now on, I will—and I intend to—but I completely forgot to ask how long I am supposed to stay on Mirzaten to keep my condition stable. I’m starting to realize I could end up eating like a whale if I'm not careful.🤣 I honestly have no idea what the minimum duration is that I need to take this before my symptoms potentially resurface.

shadowbear9 said:From now on, I will—and I intend to—but I completely forgot to ask how long I am supposed to stay on Mirzaten to keep my condition stable. I’m starting to realize I could end up eating like a whale if I'm not careful.🤣 I honestly have no idea what the minimum duration is that I need to take this before my symptoms potentially resurface.

I don't think anyone can give you a 100% certain answer on how long it'll take for the meds to get you back to baseline. Usually, with antidepressants, doctors suggest sticking with them for anywhere from 6 to 12 months after the depression or anxiety episodes actually clear up, just to make sure they don't sneak back in.

I know the weight gain is stressing you out, but honestly, try to focus on your mental health first. 🙂
If you're constantly hungry, maybe grab some healthy snacks and try eating smaller meals throughout the day. If you stick to cleaner eating, you probably won't pack on as much weight. Plus, (from my own experience), once you finally stop the antidepressants, the weight usually just falls off because that weird, unnatural hunger disappears.

EDIT
I went down a Google rabbit hole just now to check the instructions for Xanax (since you mentioned it earlier, and it's essentially the same thing) versus birth control, since I was taking both and nobody ever warned me about anything. On this site, it says this (I bolded the important parts):

When alprazolam is used alongside medications that interfere with its metabolism, pharmacokinetic interactions can occur. Agents that inhibit specific liver enzymes (specifically cytochrome P450 3A4) can increase the concentration of alprazolam and intensify its effects. Data from clinical trials involving alprazolam, in-vitro studies, and trials with drugs metabolized similarly to alprazolam provide evidence of varying degrees of interaction and potential interactions between alprazolam and numerous other medications.

Based on the level of interaction and the type of available data, the following recommendations have been made:

• Simultaneous use of alprazolam with ketoconazole, itraconazole, or other azole antifungals is not recommended.
• Caution and consideration for dose reduction are recommended when alprazolam is used concurrently with nefazodone, fluvoxamine, or cimetidine.
• Caution is advised when alprazolam is administered alongside fluoxetine, propoxyphene, oral contraceptives, sertraline, diltiazem, or macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and troleandomycin.
• Interactions involving HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) and alprazolam are complex and time-dependent. Low doses of ritonavir have led to significant impairment of alprazolam clearance, extending its elimination half-life and amplifying clinical effects. However, following prolonged exposure to ritonavir, induction of CYP3A acts as an offset to this inhibition. Due to this interaction, it will be necessary to adjust the dosage or discontinue the use of alprazolam.

Brandon Lopez6 said:I don't think anyone can give you a 100% certain answer on how long it'll take for the meds to get you back to baseline. Usually, with antidepressants, doctors suggest sticking with them for anywhere from 6 to 12 months after the depression or anxiety episodes actually clear up, just to make sure they don't sneak back in.

I know the weight gain is stressing you out, but honestly, try to focus on your mental health first. 🙂
If you're constantly hungry, maybe grab some healthy snacks and try eating smaller meals throughout the day. If you stick to cleaner eating, you probably won't pack on as much weight. Plus, (from my own experience), once you finally stop the antidepressants, the weight usually just falls off because that weird, unnatural hunger disappears.

EDIT
I went down a Google rabbit hole just now to check the instructions for Xanax (since you mentioned it earlier, and it's essentially the same thing) versus birth control, since I was taking both and nobody ever warned me about anything. On this site, it says this (I bolded the important parts):

When alprazolam is used alongside medications that interfere with its metabolism, pharmacokinetic interactions can occur. Agents that inhibit specific liver enzymes (specifically cytochrome P450 3A4) can increase the concentration of alprazolam and intensify its effects. Data from clinical trials involving alprazolam, in-vitro studies, and trials with drugs metabolized similarly to alprazolam provide evidence of varying degrees of interaction and potential interactions between alprazolam and numerous other medications.

Based on the level of interaction and the type of available data, the following recommendations have been made:

• Simultaneous use of alprazolam with ketoconazole, itraconazole, or other azole antifungals is not recommended.
• Caution and consideration for dose reduction are recommended when alprazolam is used concurrently with nefazodone, fluvoxamine, or cimetidine.
• Caution is advised when alprazolam is administered alongside fluoxetine, propoxyphene, oral contraceptives, sertraline, diltiazem, or macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and troleandomycin.
• Interactions involving HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) and alprazolam are complex and time-dependent. Low doses of ritonavir have led to significant impairment of alprazolam clearance, extending its elimination half-life and amplifying clinical effects. However, following prolonged exposure to ritonavir, induction of CYP3A acts as an offset to this inhibition. Due to this interaction, it will be necessary to adjust the dosage or discontinue the use of alprazolam.

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to try to scan that new paperwork because I read everything they give me, and all this stuff about it affecting blood levels... that definitely wasn't mentioned before.

Kenneth Scott41 said:I was actually watching *Drug Inc.* on Max yesterday—one of those shows about the drug trade and all that. It really got me thinking about how the whole of America seems to be pivoting toward these "cleaner" substances lately. We’re seeing this massive surge in people relying on painkillers, Xanax, Valium, or methadone. It feels like a full-blown epidemic at this point, mostly because it’s just so much easier and arguably "safer" to get ahold of them now compared to the old days, when you actually had to track down some sketchy character on a street corner to score.

The thing is, stuff like OxyContin, Vicodin, or Xanax is practically flying off the shelves everywhere...

But what I’m really struggling with is how my psychiatrist could just abruptly pull the plug on the Zoloft I’d been taking for months. I tried going cold turkey, and man, it was devastating... just pure, unadulterated sadness. My depression came rushing right back. I lost interest in everything, even eating. So, I've started taking my Zoloft again in the mornings, and...😁😁😁 honestly, it’s like a relief; I feel happy again, and that old version of myself is finally resurfacing. Because of that, I suppose I’ll have to convince my primary care doctor to let me get back on that 50mg dose of Zoloft.

I haven't been keeping up, but are you on both Effexor and Zoloft right now, or just the Zoloft? How are you feeling on it? I was thinking about switching to something else, maybe taking a little break from Effexor since it makes me feel so much more aggressive and on edge. It's weird, I react so intensely to it, but at the same time, it's okay, so I don't really know...🤷

"Quote:"

wiredmason56 said:I haven't been keeping up, but are you on both Effexor and Zoloft right now, or just the Zoloft? How are you feeling on it? I was thinking about switching to something else, maybe taking a little break from Effexor since it makes me feel so much more aggressive and on edge. It's weird, I react so intensely to it, but at the same time, it's okay, so I don't really know...🤷

I tried both Luxe and Cipralex before, and the aggression and jitters were so bad I still can't even think about them. That’s why I’m terrified of trying new antidepressants—I just can't risk it. Haven't touched Effexor, so no clue there, but those first two... they drove me absolutely insane. My therapist actually told me to stop taking them. Now I'm just sitting here weighing my options, wondering if I should even bother seeing a psychiatrist again, even though my symptoms haven't let up since last year. Physically, I feel stronger, but the anxiety and nerves are constant. I only have one fear, which is why I'm speaking in the singular.

Paul Newman5 said:"Quote:"

I tried both Luxe and Cipralex before, and the aggression and jitters were so bad I still can't even think about them. That’s why I’m terrified of trying new antidepressants—I just can't risk it. Haven't touched Effexor, so no clue there, but those first two... they drove me absolutely insane. My therapist actually told me to stop taking them. Now I'm just sitting here weighing my options, wondering if I should even bother seeing a psychiatrist again, even though my symptoms haven't let up since last year. Physically, I feel stronger, but the anxiety and nerves are constant. I only have one fear, which is why I'm speaking in the singular.

It might be worth looking into some sedative-type antidepressants, perhaps something like Lariam or Faverin.

Hey everyone, here I am too... Can anyone tell me how sulpiride interacts with Aurorix (the antidepressant moklobemide)? Does it boost its effects? I’m just two weeks into the moklobemide, and I've only been on Eglonyl for a few days. (In the past, I used much higher doses up to 600mg, but now I'm on a minimum dose of 2x100mg because I heard that anything under 200mg acts more like an antidepressant than an antipsychotic.) I'm not crazy, I swear. I want to get rid of all this "nonsense" eventually, but right now, I'm just too alone with my own thoughts, and it's been going on for far too long. Anyway, I'm looking for experiences with other antidepressants! Thanks in advance for any answers!!
Hey everyone, here I am too... Can anyone tell me how sulpiride interacts with Aurorix (the antidepressant moklobemide)? Does it boost its effects? I’m just two weeks into the moklobemide, and I've only been on Eglonyl for a few days. (In the past, I used much higher doses up to 600mg, but now I'm on a minimum dose of 2x100mg because I heard that anything under 200mg acts more like an antidepressant than an antipsychotic.) I'm not crazy, I swear. I want to get rid of all this "nonsense" eventually, but right now, I'm just too alone with my own thoughts, and it's been going on for far too long. Anyway, I'm looking for experiences with other antidepressants! Thanks in advance for any answers!!

Michael Bennett31 said:Hey everyone, here I am too... Can anyone tell me how sulpiride interacts with Aurorix (the antidepressant moklobemide)? Does it boost its effects? I’m just two weeks into the moklobemide, and I've only been on Eglonyl for a few days. (In the past, I used much higher doses up to 600mg, but now I'm on a minimum dose of 2x100mg because I heard that anything under 200mg acts more like an antidepressant than an antipsychotic.) I'm not crazy, I swear. I want to get rid of all this "nonsense" eventually, but right now, I'm just too alone with my own thoughts, and it's been going on for far too long. Anyway, I'm looking for experiences with other antidepressants! Thanks in advance for any answers!!
Hey everyone, here I am too... Can anyone tell me how sulpiride interacts with Aurorix (the antidepressant moklobemide)? Does it boost its effects? I’m just two weeks into the moklobemide, and I've only been on Eglonyl for a few days. (In the past, I used much higher doses up to 600mg, but now I'm on a minimum dose of 2x100mg because I heard that anything under 200mg acts more like an antidepressant than an antipsychotic.) I'm not crazy, I swear. I want to get rid of all this "nonsense" eventually, but right now, I'm just too alone with my own thoughts, and it's been going on for far too long. Anyway, I'm looking for experiences with other antidepressants! Thanks in advance for any answers!!

The instructions for Aurorix regarding "Taking other medications" should have the answer you need.

http://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers/drug-labels/...-05-02-959.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moclobemide

http://www.depression.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=1070