Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Even at higher doses, Lamictal shows very few side effects, and at the specific dose we're both on? There's practically zero chance of issues there.
But, mind you—if you happen to be allergic to one of the actual ingredients in the pill, well, that’s an entirely different story altogether, isn't it?
So, tell me, are you experiencing any side effects?
Are you taking anything else alongside it?

Weight gain and weird vision issues.
I'm on Haldol, Stelazine, Cogentin, and Lorazepam. I mean, I know this list is a bit of a mixed bag, so honestly, I have no clue which one is causing what.

Mark Nelson said:Weight gain and weird vision issues.
I'm on Haldol, Stelazine, Cogentin, and Lorazepam. I mean, I know this list is a bit of a mixed bag, so honestly, I have no clue which one is causing what.

Man, oh man... that is a heavy load.🤣
There is certainly a lot going on here... Stelazine can be incredibly unpredictable when it comes to side effects; problems just seem to manifest out of thin air—like phobias appearing suddenly—only to vanish just as quickly after a short while.
Isn't that just bizarre?
And Cogentin... it feels like Cogentin doesn't get mentioned nearly enough in these discussions.
Are you dealing with some sort of Parkinson's syndrome or something similar?
Tremors, dyskinesia, akathisia... all these rather exotic-sounding terms, right?
As for the Lorazepam, it shouldn't really be the culprit for side effects unless the dosage is being pushed too far.

The real issue might be the Stelazine because it interacts with so many different medications, whereas Lamictal doesn't really play into that specific mix.
While I don't know your specific diagnosis, it's important to remember that the side effects from all these drugs can sometimes overlap perfectly with the symptoms of the underlying condition itself.
That is why it is absolutely vital to see your psychiatrist regularly and discuss everything—including every single side effect. You have to prevent those warning signs from being overlooked, because if they aren't addressed, they can disrupt your daily life so much that the entire treatment plan loses its purpose.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Man, oh man... that is a heavy load.🤣
There is certainly a lot going on here... Stelazine can be incredibly unpredictable when it comes to side effects; problems just seem to manifest out of thin air—like phobias appearing suddenly—only to vanish just as quickly after a short while.
Isn't that just bizarre?
And Cogentin... it feels like Cogentin doesn't get mentioned nearly enough in these discussions.
Are you dealing with some sort of Parkinson's syndrome or something similar?
Tremors, dyskinesia, akathisia... all these rather exotic-sounding terms, right?
As for the Lorazepam, it shouldn't really be the culprit for side effects unless the dosage is being pushed too far.

The real issue might be the Stelazine because it interacts with so many different medications, whereas Lamictal doesn't really play into that specific mix.
While I don't know your specific diagnosis, it's important to remember that the side effects from all these drugs can sometimes overlap perfectly with the symptoms of the underlying condition itself.
That is why it is absolutely vital to see your psychiatrist regularly and discuss everything—including every single side effect. You have to prevent those warning signs from being overlooked, because if they aren't addressed, they can disrupt your daily life so much that the entire treatment plan loses its purpose.

I don't have any of that. My diagnosis is F-22.

Mark Nelson said:I don't have any of that. My diagnosis is F-22.

That isn't quite right.
You’re dealing with dyskinesia, which is exactly what the Sinemet is trying to manage.
Dyskinesia causes various issues, including that tendency to look off to the side.

That 23.2 code... it always brings complications, doesn't it?
A disorder similar to schizophrenia.
How long have you been dealing with this?

Here is your previous post from another thread:

''I don't even know how to title this post because both sides seem somewhat true.
Every single time panic sets in, my gaze drifts upward and I just can't control it—which is incredibly awkward when I'm out in public.
It's as if I can't see the full picture when I look at things; it feels like my eyes aren't capturing everything at once, leaving me feeling lost and insecure. I saw an ophthalmologist who told me I'm just nearsighted.''

That's enough evidence right there. I hadn't really focused on that detail before, even though I noticed it happening.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:That isn't quite right.
You’re dealing with dyskinesia, which is exactly what the Sinemet is trying to manage.
Dyskinesia causes various issues, including that tendency to look off to the side.

That 23.2 code... it always brings complications, doesn't it?
A disorder similar to schizophrenia.
How long have you been dealing with this?

Here is your previous post from another thread:

''I don't even know how to title this post because both sides seem somewhat true.
Every single time panic sets in, my gaze drifts upward and I just can't control it—which is incredibly awkward when I'm out in public.
It's as if I can't see the full picture when I look at things; it feels like my eyes aren't capturing everything at once, leaving me feeling lost and insecure. I saw an ophthalmologist who told me I'm just nearsighted.''

That's enough evidence right there. I hadn't really focused on that detail before, even though I noticed it happening.

Wow, okay, you definitely follow the forums... But seriously, how did my doctor miss mentioning the dyskinesia? I go to all my appointments and I described the symptoms to her in total detail.
As for my DG, I've had it since March of this year. Before that, I was struggling with depersonalization and derealization, and I was taking Seroquel for it. That started back in late June 2011.

After consulting with my neurologist, I've decided to move on from Paxil after ten years. To minimize any potential withdrawal symptoms or side effects, we have a transition plan in place. I will start on Lamictal at 50mg (half dose in the morning, zero at noon, one in the evening) for fourteen days, followed by a full dose (one-zero-one) for another fourteen days. Once stabilized, I will taper off the Paxil using half doses. If she experiences severe side effects, we will adjust the plan based on our verbal agreement. Please keep me in your thoughts as I manage this transition.😠

Well, good for you. You’ll manage to follow those orders. I remember trying to taper myself off Seroxat years ago because I convinced myself I was completely fine and didn't need it anymore... Back then, I barely even had high-speed internet at home, so I had no idea what was actually happening to my brain. I'd just find myself snapping at someone here or there throughout the day—nothing major, just a momentary flash of temper. Best of luck 🙂 weaning off is usually easier than getting hooked in the first place, if only because it's a shorter process

FedEx

Mark Nelson said:Wow, okay, you definitely follow the forums... But seriously, how did my doctor miss mentioning the dyskinesia? I go to all my appointments and I described the symptoms to her in total detail.
As for my DG, I've had it since March of this year. Before that, I was struggling with depersonalization and derealization, and I was taking Seroquel for it. That started back in late June 2011.

The issue here is that according to the DSM classification for acute and transient psychotic disorders, the symptoms aren't supposed to last longer than a month; that's why it's labeled that way in the first place.
If it persists beyond that timeframe, the diagnosis shifts from that category to schizophrenia (which falls under different diagnostic codes), and there are several different types of that as well.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:The issue here is that according to the DSM classification for acute and transient psychotic disorders, the symptoms aren't supposed to last longer than a month; that's why it's labeled that way in the first place.
If it persists beyond that timeframe, the diagnosis shifts from that category to schizophrenia (which falls under different diagnostic codes), and there are several different types of that as well.

And regarding that dyskinesia—is that actually a symptom of schizophrenia, or what?

Mark Nelson said:And regarding that dyskinesia—is that actually a symptom of schizophrenia, or what?

No. In your specific situation, that "side-eye" or glancing away isn't being triggered by schizophrenia.
What causes schizophrenia? I honestly don't know. Would it be easy to uncover? Probably not. Maybe through some deep dive into psychoanalysis, who knows?
That tendency to look away is a side effect of the medication.
Taking Lexapro in combination with other drugs can lead to incredibly unpredictable adverse reactions.
The root cause could potentially be blood sugar levels, a tumor, or a whole host of minor, rare medical issues.
But in your case, it's the medication.

Is there really nobody left on Cymbalta?

Sent via

Kevin Nguyen3 said:No. In your specific situation, that "side-eye" or glancing away isn't being triggered by schizophrenia.
What causes schizophrenia? I honestly don't know. Would it be easy to uncover? Probably not. Maybe through some deep dive into psychoanalysis, who knows?
That tendency to look away is a side effect of the medication.
Taking Lexapro in combination with other drugs can lead to incredibly unpredictable adverse reactions.
The root cause could potentially be blood sugar levels, a tumor, or a whole host of minor, rare medical issues.
But in your case, it's the medication.

Alright, thanks for the input.😉

Can anyone help me out?
For a few weeks now, I've been taking 20mg of Prozac every morning and 0.5mg of Xanax at night for depression. So far, I haven't dealt with any side effects, and honestly, I think they're helping a little bit—but that’s not really my main concern right now...
I know you aren't supposed to mix alcohol with medication, but I have plans to go out tonight, and I'd really love to have a drink or two. I'm just not sure how smart that is. Is it going to make me feel terrible?

I'm not sure if the antidepressant will cause much trouble, but the second one worries me a bit. I was thinking maybe I should just skip the Xanax on the night I plan to drink?

p.s.—I know I probably sound pretty immature, but the truth is, I don't want to be stuck drinking soda all night while everyone else is having fun. Plus, I hate having to answer those annoying questions like, "Why aren't you drinking?" So, I'm wondering what I can safely have, and how much, without feeling like a zombie by morning.

Brandon Taylor9 said:Can anyone help me out?
For a few weeks now, I've been taking 20mg of Prozac every morning and 0.5mg of Xanax at night for depression. So far, I haven't dealt with any side effects, and honestly, I think they're helping a little bit—but that’s not really my main concern right now...
I know you aren't supposed to mix alcohol with medication, but I have plans to go out tonight, and I'd really love to have a drink or two. I'm just not sure how smart that is. Is it going to make me feel terrible?

I'm not sure if the antidepressant will cause much trouble, but the second one worries me a bit. I was thinking maybe I should just skip the Xanax on the night I plan to drink?

p.s.—I know I probably sound pretty immature, but the truth is, I don't want to be stuck drinking soda all night while everyone else is having fun. Plus, I hate having to answer those annoying questions like, "Why aren't you drinking?" So, I'm wondering what I can safely have, and how much, without feeling like a zombie by morning.

Just grab some non-alcoholic beer—like a Heineken 0.0%. Don't mess around with mixing alcohol and these meds. You can always tell your friends a story, like saying you went a little too hard the night before. At the end of the day, the choice
and the consequences are entirely yours.

Has anyone here ever experimented with combining COAXIL and Calixta? Or perhaps someone possesses the clinical insight to know if such a pairing is even viable? I am curious about what the minimum effective dosage might look like in that scenario.

Jason Vaughn482 said:Has anyone here ever experimented with combining COAXIL and Calixta? Or perhaps someone possesses the clinical insight to know if such a pairing is even viable? I am curious about what the minimum effective dosage might look like in that scenario.

types of antidepressants

COAXIL is tianeptine, which falls under the SSRI category—it works as an antidepressant and anxiolytic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianeptine

CALIXTA is mirtazapine, which belongs to this group:
OTHER ANTIDEPRESSANTS
These are dual serotonin antidepressants: they act as type 2 serotonin receptor antagonists and weak selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antidepressants

So, basically, we are looking at two different types of antidepressants, meaning they can be combined.

COAXIL should be taken exactly as the instructions state: Always take COAXIL exactly as your doctor advised you.
For adults, the standard dose is
one tablet three times a day, which is
taken in the morning, at noon, and in the evening before meals.
http://www.fda.gov/drugs/information

CALIXTA

3. HOW TO TAKE CALIXTA
It is vital that you take the medication exactly as prescribed by your physician. If you aren't sure about your dosage, always check with your doctor.

How much to take?
The typical starting dose is 15 to 30 mg daily. Your doctor might suggest increasing the dose after a few days to find what works best for you (anywhere from 15 to 45 mg per day).
http://www.mayoclinic.org

These are the official guidelines, so I hope someone who has used this combo reaches out to you. You could also check out some mental health forums online.

Good luck!

fadedbear92 said:types of antidepressants

COAXIL is tianeptine, which falls under the SSRI category—it works as an antidepressant and anxiolytic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianeptine

CALIXTA is mirtazapine, which belongs to this group:
OTHER ANTIDEPRESSANTS
These are dual serotonin antidepressants: they act as type 2 serotonin receptor antagonists and weak selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antidepressants

So, basically, we are looking at two different types of antidepressants, meaning they can be combined.

COAXIL should be taken exactly as the instructions state: Always take COAXIL exactly as your doctor advised you.
For adults, the standard dose is
one tablet three times a day, which is
taken in the morning, at noon, and in the evening before meals.
http://www.fda.gov/drugs/information

CALIXTA

3. HOW TO TAKE CALIXTA
It is vital that you take the medication exactly as prescribed by your physician. If you aren't sure about your dosage, always check with your doctor.

How much to take?
The typical starting dose is 15 to 30 mg daily. Your doctor might suggest increasing the dose after a few days to find what works best for you (anywhere from 15 to 45 mg per day).
http://www.mayoclinic.org

These are the official guidelines, so I hope someone who has used this combo reaches out to you. You could also check out some mental health forums online.

Good luck!

Personally, I don't think combining those medications is a smart move.
I mean, obviously, it's not going to be some massive catastrophe immediately... but even standing in a heavy gale isn't a great idea, right?😁
Cymbalta shouldn't—well, it’s not recommended, or you should just be extremely cautious, if you prefer that wording—be mixed with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
Not even with Velafax, Tramadol, certain antibiotics, or lithium (which is used for schizophrenia).
Now, why is that? Why does it matter?
In rare instances, it can trigger serotonin syndrome.
And what is that syndrome? It's roughly this: fever, sweating, a racing heart, diarrhea, muscle spasms, tremors, restlessness, and potentially even loss of consciousness.
At low doses (like Cymbalta 15 mg), I assume—and please understand, I am not an expert here—that nothing particularly special will happen.
But taking it long-term? That just isn't good.
If your doctor actually prescribed that specific regimen, then honestly, I am at a loss for words. If you're doing this on your own without medical supervision, well, then I have even fewer words to offer.😲🤣

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Personally, I don't think combining those medications is a smart move.
I mean, obviously, it's not going to be some massive catastrophe immediately... but even standing in a heavy gale isn't a great idea, right?😁
Cymbalta shouldn't—well, it’s not recommended, or you should just be extremely cautious, if you prefer that wording—be mixed with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
Not even with Velafax, Tramadol, certain antibiotics, or lithium (which is used for schizophrenia).
Now, why is that? Why does it matter?
In rare instances, it can trigger serotonin syndrome.
And what is that syndrome? It's roughly this: fever, sweating, a racing heart, diarrhea, muscle spasms, tremors, restlessness, and potentially even loss of consciousness.
At low doses (like Cymbalta 15 mg), I assume—and please understand, I am not an expert here—that nothing particularly special will happen.
But taking it long-term? That just isn't good.
If your doctor actually prescribed that specific regimen, then honestly, I am at a loss for words. If you're doing this on your own without medical supervision, well, then I have even fewer words to offer.😲🤣

I took Wellbutrin and Cymbalta together back in the day and nothing happened—honestly, they weren't even working for me, so we just stopped them entirely.🤷

Many thanks to Rejo and Bluzara. No, my psychiatrist didn't actually recommend it; ever since I stopped taking Calixta, I’ve been searching for coaxil, which I finally managed to obtain. However, I’ve hit a brutal rough patch lately—first a virus, fever, coughing, headaches...
...and then, out of nowhere, our little puppy got sick. He was only seven months old, a tiny thing we'd only had for three months, and he passed away within those four days. It feels like everything has collapsed over the last ten days. My anxiety has been through the roof; I'm such a hypochondriac that I can't stop spiraling. I ended up at the local ER three times and even made a trip to the psychiatric ward once. When I initially asked about Calixta, the doctor insisted I choose either coaxil or Calixta, so I decided to stick with coaxil. Though, truth be told, I am NOT taking it yet. It’s just sitting there in my nightstand drawer. I tried it for a couple of days a while back, but it made me feel even more jittery, so I put it off until I felt physically better. Honestly, Calixta would actually be helpful just to help me sleep, so I’ve been taking what I had left from before for the last few days. I don't have any coaxil left, and I certainly won't be mixing them. I'm hoping to let things settle for a few days before I finally start the coaxil regimen... once again, my symptoms have manifested physically, which is always how it goes for me—this crushing lethargy, exhaustion... total helplessness. I spent the entire afternoon reading through this forum about psychotropic drugs, and I have to say, I'm deeply disillusioned seeing how many people cycle through endless medications without ever reaching actual recovery. It makes me genuinely fearful of when things will improve for me, or for anyone else, really. I know the fault lies with me, because I haven't even given an antidepressant a full month to work so I can see if it helps... though I did take Calixta for a long time, and while it wasn't effective for my anxiety, it did help me sleep. I thought perhaps I could take one type in the morning for energy and then a minimal dose at night—maybe half of a 15 mg pill—just to sleep. But my primary care physician won't authorize Sanval because they aren't allowed to prescribe it to patients who have been on it long-term.

shadowfox75 said:After consulting with my neurologist, I've decided to move on from Paxil after ten years. To minimize any potential withdrawal symptoms or side effects, we have a transition plan in place. I will start on Lamictal at 50mg (half dose in the morning, zero at noon, one in the evening) for fourteen days, followed by a full dose (one-zero-one) for another fourteen days. Once stabilized, I will taper off the Paxil using half doses. If she experiences severe side effects, we will adjust the plan based on our verbal agreement. Please keep me in your thoughts as I manage this transition.😠

If it helps at all (though I doubt it 😁), I didn't get a single brain zap when I was coming off Paxil. 🙂

Brandon Taylor9 said:Can anyone help me out?
For a few weeks now, I've been taking 20mg of Prozac every morning and 0.5mg of Xanax at night for depression. So far, I haven't dealt with any side effects, and honestly, I think they're helping a little bit—but that’s not really my main concern right now...
I know you aren't supposed to mix alcohol with medication, but I have plans to go out tonight, and I'd really love to have a drink or two. I'm just not sure how smart that is. Is it going to make me feel terrible?

I'm not sure if the antidepressant will cause much trouble, but the second one worries me a bit. I was thinking maybe I should just skip the Xanax on the night I plan to drink?

p.s.—I know I probably sound pretty immature, but the truth is, I don't want to be stuck drinking soda all night while everyone else is having fun. Plus, I hate having to answer those annoying questions like, "Why aren't you drinking?" So, I'm wondering what I can safely have, and how much, without feeling like a zombie by morning.

Just decide which matters more: your mental health or getting trashed on a night out. If it's the first one—don't touch it. If it's the second—well, damn. I can't give you any advice on alcohol because everyone reacts differently. For me, I haven't touched a drop since I started meds back in early 2010.