Posts by Ethan Cruz4

fadedbear92 said:Don't take it at night—you won't be able to sleep, because Zoloft can be quite stimulating.

In my case, they used to have me take one dose at 1:00 AM and another in the afternoon, paired with Celexa and some benzos.🤷 That was the only way I could actually get some sleep.

electrichound3 said:Hey everyone... I'm new here. I struggle with generalized anxiety disorder. At first, I tried Fevarin, but it was a complete disaster for me. It just didn't sit right at all—I felt absolutely terrible. I had this constant, crushing fatigue that wouldn't go away, zero appetite, and this weird ringing in my head. I couldn't function. It was awful. But hey, we all know how individual these reactions can be. So, I switched over to Effexor. Right now, I'm just taking 70 mg in the morning. It took my body nearly two months to actually stabilize and start working, and yeah, the side effects are still there. Mostly just the loss of appetite and weight loss... though it’s definitely more manageable than what I dealt with on Fevarin. Also, my hair? I'm losing it. I don't know if anyone else experiences this, but mine seems to be thinning quite a bit since I started. I read somewhere that antidepressants can cause that, though. In the beginning, my anxiety spiked through the roof before the medication finally kicked in. Once it does work, though, it's a massive lifter; it really gives you that drive you need. I do have a question regarding memory and Effexor, though. I've noticed my memory hasn't been great lately. I'm having a hard time recalling information that used to come to me easily, which is a huge problem because I'm a college student and I have to memorize massive amounts of info for exams. I've been on this for 8 months now...

If it provides any comfort, I’ve dealt with memory issues across every single antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication I've ever tried. Whether it was Omega-3 supplements, cod liver oil, or fish oil, or even taking Lexapro—it feels like everyone just found a way to profit off my struggles. 🙂 Whatever you do, please don't go mixing guarana and green coffee extract right before an exam. It’s just asking for trouble. If you're noticing hair thinning, stress could very well be a contributing factor there. You might want to look into taking a probiotic; they can actually be quite helpful. Specifically, the ones formulated for IBS tend to be the most effective—I believe there's one called VSL#3—though, in my experience, even then, it might not be a complete silver bullet.
Thank you for sharing your personal experience regarding Effexor. 🙂

Brenda Lee9 said:Can anyone actually give me some real advice regarding Zoloft?? I’m only taking two a day now—I dropped the third one because the weakness was just too much—but it hasn't really helped much either... My appointment with the psychiatrist isn't until early September. Should I just stop taking them altogether? Does anyone here actually know anything about this medication? How do you even taper off...?
Thanks in advance

Tianeptine is often referred to as a "mood enhancer," primarily because its mechanism of action differs significantly from most standard antidepressants. Based on what you’ve described, I suspect either your current dosage is too low or this specific medication simply isn't the right fit for your chemistry. If I were in your shoes, and if you aren't able to consult your own psychiatrist immediately, I would go ahead and schedule an appointment with a specialist to get a second opinion. It clearly isn't working for you, and you shouldn't have to settle for feeling this way. 🤷
When tapering off Zoloft, it is essential to proceed with caution. I recommend a gradual reduction of your dosage over a period of seven to fourteen days. During this process, you should pay close attention to how you distribute your doses throughout the day to maintain stability. Regarding your question, what specific type of weakness are you referring to?

Hey restlesstiger49, we’re all just venting and letting things out here. 🙂 In your case, you should probably hold off on any drastic changes until you consult with a specialist; personally, I think this specific support regimen might be your best bet.

I am currently taking Effexor and trying to determine if it's actually worth sticking with or if I should start looking for other options. I feel a bit strange right now, though I am hoping it is just a temporary side effect. I am following the advice Ray gave me. My experience with Quetiapine was by far the worst, and I would absolutely not go through that again.
Regarding the Xanax XR, what you mentioned is accurate, especially if you take them at roughly the same time. When combined with Fevarin, it takes nearly twice as long to clear your system, which can lead to slower psychomotor functions. On the bright side, it does help you sleep. (Please don't come for me for saying that! 🙂 ) I haven't been able to sleep for more than three hours at a stretch for quite some time now, so I have been trying to space out my rest throughout the day. I would give anything for a solid eight hours; I really miss having a routine.

James Fowler3 said:My doctor suggested 2x50mg of Eglonyl and 2x0.25mg of Xanax for two weeks before my follow-up appointment... but given that a standard 2mg dose of Valium tends to completely flatten me and knock me out, I can't help but worry that this regimen might leave me feeling like a total zombie...

You could try the Eglonyl, and then just use the Xanax as needed. 🤷

restlesstiger49 said:I'm honestly at a loss for what might actually work anymore. It's just frustrating as hell...🙂
The only thought that brings me any peace is death...

restlesstiger49, don't let those inner demons get the better of you. 🙂

Fevarin didn't work for me either, so I switched it out pretty quickly until I finally found the medication that actually helped. Just a heads-up: Fevarin (fluvoxamine) can actually intensify and extend the effects of Xanax XR, which is likely why you ended up sleeping through your entire day. If this current regimen isn't sitting right with you, I’d suggest trying a lower dose of Xanax, perhaps switching to a different benzodiazepine, or looking into an alternative antidepressant altogether. 🤷
Please reach out to your therapist and let them know how you're doing. Even though I suspect emotional stress is the primary culprit here, it wouldn't hurt to get an appointment on the books just to be safe.

Wow. 😲

That's really interesting, thanks for the insight, fadedbear92.
I'm on what I’d consider a "small" dose—37.5mg—and honestly, I feel like I just downed several Red Bulls mixed with vodka. My head feels completely cluttered. I've noticed my need for sleep has dropped significantly lately, though I originally assumed it was caused by something else entirely. This information is actually incredibly helpful; I think I'll bring this up with my psychiatrist.
I had been considering restarting melatonin to help with my sleep issues, but I'm feeling pretty hesitant because of how it might affect my serotonin levels. 😢 If it isn't going to be effective when combined with this, then there's really no point in trying.
edit: Michelle Kelly4, Sanval doesn't seem to have any effect on me anymore.
It might become effective again after a sufficiently long break, but as of right now, it's doing absolutely nothing for me.

Michelle Kelly4 said:And what's not...

Oh boy, 😢

Let's all just take a moment to practice some deep breathing together.
Inhale (two, three, four, five) — Exhale (two, three, four, five).

Has anyone here ever taken or currently taking Velasquez?
I've noticed that I feel quite, shall we say, disoriented about an hour after taking my pill, and my face feels somewhat "wooden" when I wake up lately—specifically over the last two or three days. I have a strong suspicion it's being caused by the medication.😕

quietwalker5 said:Does anyone else experience sudden restlessness immediately after drinking coffee while on antidepressants?
Is caffeine contraindicated when taking an antidepressant?

I am actually feeling it right now.
It definitely happens. It tends to be a bit more pronounced if you are dealing with anxiety issues or if you have just recently started your antidepressant regimen.

James Fowler3 said:Yes, I am planning on starting psychotherapy, but since summer vacations last until September, I have to wait... though my therapist did suggest I double-check my thyroid levels first, because it seems strange that after being stable for such a long stretch without any intervention, everything has suddenly spiraled again.
I didn't actually ask him why; he mostly just told me it was for my stomach, advised me to take it and get outside as much as possible, and insisted that nothing bad could happen to me. I mentioned to him that the physical symptoms are what bother me the most, so perhaps that is why he specifically prescribed Eglonyl... I haven't asked about next steps yet, he just told me to come back for a follow-up in two weeks.
I also struggle with the fact that I'm so sensitive to medication. For instance, even a small dose of Xanax can leave me drowsy for the entire day. I can't help but wonder how I'll fare with this... 🤷

You should definitely check those thyroid levels as soon as possible. Mental health and thyroid function are deeply interconnected; I have certainly experienced that connection firsthand.
Eglonyl is a different class of medication altogether and operates on a different mechanism. It will likely make you drowsy, at least during the initial period. In lower doses, it acts somewhat like an antidepressant, whereas higher doses function more like an antipsychotic. It is commonly used in conjunction with Xanax for OCD or severe panic attacks. If I were in your position, I would suggest taking things very slowly and prioritizing self-care. Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep and looking after yourself.🙂
A friend of mine reacts so strongly to Ativan that she is forced to lie down, and afterward, she becomes quite short-tempered and prone to irritability. Everything is highly individual. Since they prescribed it during your pregnancy, its purpose is to relax the muscles. This should also help mitigate some of the physical symptoms of anxiety and ease the pain.
Please ask your psychiatrist every single question you have, especially while you are struggling with that nagging uncertainty about whether you should even be taking this. They ought to explain everything clearly to you. These two medications serve different purposes. Xanax works more rapidly and intensely than Ativan, but it also wears off faster and leaves your system more quickly. That is why it is utilized for treating acute panic episodes—timing is everything.
Have you tried journaling your thoughts? When I cannot access therapy, writing things down helps me relax. I describe my symptoms to myself, analyze the underlying causes, and brainstorm potential solutions. Perhaps finding a similar outlet might help you as well?

Paul White80, 👋 I have never allowed myself to carry any stigma, so I simply don't possess it.
cosmicorca18,
In my view, you made a mistake by not pursuing him through the courts; by choosing to save your own peace instead, you weren't actually sparing your daughter’s "frustration." When something rightfully belongs to her, she should fight for it. It seems to me you might be projecting a bit, but that is how it looks from my perspective. There is no sense in beating yourself up over things that are already set in stone. My assumption is that your younger daughter "pushed" you into this legal action. 🤷

My daughter won the court order regarding back payments and future support, yet her father has filed an appeal. This has been devastating for me. I feel a deep sense of regret that my daughter has to endure yet another humiliation, while on the other hand, we feel like fools because he and his new partner are utilizing everything we once had, while our children have to make do and earn their way through part-time jobs and campus gigs.

I understand why this bothers you, but what can one say? Other "children" who aren't in this specific situation also find ways to scrape by and earn what they need. There is nothing unusual or shameful about that. In fact, it is good that they are developing a strong work ethic. Why view an appeal as a humiliation? The father is the one humiliating himself with his behavior, not the daughter. It is up to her to hold her ground if she believes it is the right thing to do. Your role is simply to provide support.

I am not a wise person, and it feels terrible to have to go through this. I worry about the long-term consequences for my daughters—suing their own father, especially when he refuses to respect even a court ruling, feels awful, and I see it affecting them too. How does one survive all of this and remain a sane person? 🤷

I believe these circumstances are taking a much heavier toll on you than on your daughters. As for how to survive? Accept the reality that some people are simply foolish individuals who may only realize their mistakes on their deathbeds. Forgive him as a human being, if only for your own sake and for your daughters'. Move forward with your lives. You truly can. You cannot re-educate him, so there is no point in wasting energy on someone you cannot influence. Bitterness and anger will only consume YOU. Simply focus on the legal claims so your daughters have some level of financial security if possible, and spend the rest of your time focusing on positive things.
As long as your younger daughter understands why she is angry and knows who is responsible—rather than blaming the other children—then it is healthy for her to express herself. Communication is vital, though if I were in your shoes, I would quickly move past any finger-pointing. Personally, I wouldn't get too hung up on the property, but I would certainly fight for what is owed. Whatever happens, life is full of injustices. 🤷 It is rare to maintain a clean conscience in situations like this. If your daughters maintain a positive relationship with that woman and her children, perhaps things could unfold differently?

This is far too much trauma for such a sensitive girl, who is now a young woman.

That might be a flawed argument, but there are much larger traumas in this world involving living people. I suspect the emotional trauma is actually amplified by how much weight you give to it; I would argue she isn't taking it to heart as much as she is simply feeling angry. He has already shown us his true character, so if I were you, I would already be feeling pity for that woman and her children, as they have no idea what they have naively stepped into. Everything comes back around eventually.

Has anyone else dealt with something similar? I'm wondering what kind of lasting impact it leaves behind...

It isn’t easy, I completely agree with you on that. As for the consequences? For me, it meant growing up much faster. I realized that my actions actually carry weight, and I learned the importance of forgiveness. I haven't forgotten what happened, but I don't hold any grudges. I know people who have faced far worse than what you're going through, yet they emerged from it capable, self-assured, and truly grounded.
I believe that you and your daughters can navigate your way out of this complicated situation quite successfully if you simply reevaluate your priorities. This isn't the end of the world.

There is a certain profound sense of liberation that comes from letting go of everything that weighs you down. It feels much like being caught in a sudden, powerful gust of wind—unburdened, untethered, and moving with a momentum that is entirely beyond your control. It is a state of pure existence, where the noise of the world finally fades into the background. kaže:
When you're fasting, the body is essentially forced to tap into its existing energy reserves, which naturally leads to weight loss. It’s a basic biological necessity. My question is: could Leponex potentially interfere with that metabolic process or disrupt how those stores are utilized? 😢

My advice would be to focus on eating smaller, more frequent meals consisting of low-glycemic foods. This approach should help you avoid those massive spikes and crashes in both your blood sugar and insulin levels. It is a well-documented reality that almost everyone prescribed Clozapine or Olanzapine experiences significant weight gain, primarily because these medications fundamentally alter how your body metabolizes carbohydrates and fats.
I was recently reading through some research suggesting that certain habits can spike your leptin levels to the point where the body begins developing resistance. Once that happens, you're essentially on a fast track toward prediabetes and weight gain. Following that logic, it stands to reason that our metabolic mechanisms start mimicking those found in prediabetic individuals. If that's the case, it would be highly logical to study the dietary patterns of diabetics to understand how to avoid this cycle—especially if you notice your weight gain is concentrating specifically around your waistline and abdomen.
P.S. I’ve been browsing some international health forums lately, and I noticed several people mentioning how much they benefited from switching to a Paleo-style diet combined with a more rigorous exercise routine. It might be worth looking into—perhaps it's something you could try?

James Fowler3 said:Thank you. To be honest, I am somewhat perplexed as to why my doctor prescribed an AP in the first place, considering my diagnosis is simply an anxiety disorder. I am aware that it is used to treat anxiety and various other conditions, of course, but this is my very first experience with this type of medication... he hasn't even attempted to start me on an antidepressant yet. 🤷
Why is it that you don't like AP?
I have been spending quite a bit of time lately reading about this drug online, and I find it truly difficult to believe how casually some people seem to take it... using it for stomach issues, or just to deal with a bit of stress, or even just taking it occasionally as needed... I just don't know.
Is the process of tapering off it particularly difficult? Is there any chance this will actually cure me, or am I simply stepping into a lifelong cycle of pills with no way out... all of these thoughts are just spinning endlessly in my head...
He also prescribed me Xanax, but since I am generally terrified of side effects, I would much prefer Ativan... I don't feel that same fear toward it.

Medication is really just a buffer for your symptoms. If you can work through the actual root of the problem on your own—perhaps through psychotherapy or dedicated self-reflection—that will always be the most effective form of treatment. It’s possible they started this specific regimen just to stabilize an acute situation, with the intention of transitioning you over to an antidepressant later down the road. Have you had a chance to ask your psychiatrist about the reasoning behind this approach?
Antidepressants aren't always the right tool for the job when it comes to anxiety, particularly during those moments when it hits acutely. 🤷
The more you prioritize your own well-being and proactive health management, the more manageable the side effects and physical tension tend to become. Personally, I find myself feeling quite anxious about them because I have a very high sensitivity to medication. It’s certainly not like taking an Advil; you can't just brush it off. However, what truly matters is staying consistent with whatever regimen currently serves your specific needs. At the end of the day, everyone's experience is entirely individual.
I honestly believe that at that specific dosage of Eglonyl, you really have nothing to worry about. Just take it slow and try to stay calm. 🙂

Jason Vaughn482 said:How long were you taking it, and did it actually provide any relief for anxiety? Also, what kind of side effects did you experience?
Look, since I don't work, I actually have plenty of opportunities to rest, yet whenever I take a sedative, I can't seem to drift off for at least an hour. Back when I was working, I was like a hibernating bear; I’d be passed out by 8 PM. If only I could just fall asleep at 11 PM and sleep straight through until 8 AM so I could head down to the beach. Instead, I end up waking up right when the sun is at its most punishing, leaving me with absolutely no chance of finding a spot on the sand in the afternoon.

I took it for about a month and a half before I stopped. During the first week, my sleep was perfectly fine, but after that, I stayed awake and felt constantly intoxicated. The side effects I noticed included muscle weakness, skin sensitivity, and bouts of intense hunger. While it did soothe some of my anxiety symptoms, I felt extremely moody the entire time. It just wasn't the right fit for me.

When I talk about resting, I mean truly lying down in a darkened room for fifteen minutes without the TV, any background noise, or a computer, focusing solely on your breathing. Otherwise, you are merely resting your body rather than your mind, and it is essential to reduce that mental tension. 🙂 In my opinion, summer is the most difficult season for dealing with anxiety, insomnia, and psychosis. Have you considered trying to "force" yourself to get up earlier for a few days, perhaps taking your medication earlier as well?

Michelle Kelly4 said:Anyone have experience using Sanval?

I believe there is an entire dedicated thread regarding Sanval here on the forum. It seems to work well enough as long as you don't become dependent on it, so try to avoid building a tolerance and make sure to maintain good sleep hygiene. For me, the only noticeable issue was a slightly racing heart in the mornings, but nothing too serious.

Jason Vaughn482, I am keeping my fingers crossed that you manage to get some decent sleep and that the Trazodone works exactly the way you need it to. 👍

I noticed a couple of people have already mentioned that Trazodone should help with sleep, so please forgive me if I inadvertently provided any misleading information earlier. Medication doesn't affect everyone in the same way. In my own experience with Trazodone (Trittico, at a 50mg dose), it didn't actually solve my insomnia; instead, it just left me feeling incredibly relaxed and borderline lethargic. It was either that, or I would crash into bed only to wake up abruptly after three or four hours. 🤷

On the other hand, Quetiapine completely knocked me out for about 10 to 14 hours, but I still felt totally wiped out the following day, along with several other side effects. It might be wiser to start with the Trazodone once it arrives, as it tends to be a gentler option with fewer side effects.

Jason Vaughn482 said:To be perfectly honest, Mirzaten is effective for sleep, but for me, it doesn't work unless it's paired with 10 mg of Valium. Now I'm stuck in this agonizing limbo where I sit on the edge of the bed, paralyzed by indecision: what should I take? Ideally, I wouldn't take either, especially since I read somewhere that Valium is linked to cancer, which has ironically made me more anxious due to the sheer fear of the disease.
Mirzaten isn't intended for anxiety...
Last night, I took both Valium and 7.5 mg of Mirzaten, and I lay there staring at the ceiling from 10:30 until 1:30 in the morning—three wasted hours. Then, once I finally succumb to sleep, I am a total wreck in the morning, forced to drag myself out of bed at 10:00. It's infuriating.🙂
My shipment of Devidon should arrive soon; do you suppose the 50 mg dose will actually help with sleep?

In my opinion, Devidon won't provide much relief for insomnia. Have you considered taking the Valium an hour before the Mirtazapine? That might allow you a window of sixty minutes to try and relax and mentally prepare for sleep, which could potentially make a difference. It generally takes about three weeks to train your body to start falling asleep and resting at a consistent time. Personally, I find it easier to sleep at night if I take a few fifteen-minute rests during the day; that seems to be roughly what my body needs to decompress. I'm not sure how your experience differs, but I often find myself unable to sleep not because I have excess energy, but because I am utterly overtired. Afterward, I feel completely drained the following day, and the cycle just repeats itself. My body switches to reserve mode and my nerves keep me awake. Consequently, those brief daytime rests are vital for me. When you are heavily sedated by medication, it becomes difficult to sense the actual state of your physical exhaustion; for me, my mental state can sometimes override the effects of the pills. I truly have to intend for them to work, otherwise they don't. Sometimes that means staying awake for an extra hour while practicing breathing exercises or journaling, but I count that as the body getting at least a little bit of rest during that interval.

I’ve always found myself drawn to people who possess a genuine sense of self. There is an unmistakable sincerity about them that you can pick up on instantly through their body language and the way they carry themselves. I have a deep respect for those who can laugh at their own misfortunes instead of turning every minor setback into a theatrical production.

On the flip side, I find nothing more off-putting than individuals who wear their coldness like a badge of honor or those who perform a persona rather than being themselves. The former often seem like hollow vessels serving nothing but their own egos—unreliable, vacuous, and ultimately quite bitter. As for the actors, they are just insufferable with their forced politeness and artificial mannerisms.

Does "being a good person" actually just mean being naive and a pushover for everyone? Reading through the responses here, it seems like most people view them as one and the same.

restlesstiger49 said:I have a question for anyone who has used Fevarin in the past or is currently using it. Does anyone experience issues when getting out of bed in the morning—specifically things like dizziness or feeling lightheaded? For context, I take a 50mg dose in the evening.

I certainly did. I can't recall the exact dosage I was on at the time, but the dizziness would persist well enough to linger until lunchtime. I felt completely foggy, sluggish, and physically uncoordinated all morning. To make matters worse, I started feeling incredibly jittery and on edge. I ended up switching my medication quite quickly because Paxil just wasn't the right fit for my system.

Hello hollowharbor12,

I believe the answer depends on which specific pill you are taking from the blister pack. Generally speaking, anything occurring after the eighth pill is considered higher risk, and medical professionals often suggest using additional protection for the following seven to ten days. It is also my understanding that any significant events happening within two to three hours of taking the pill should not interfere with its absorption.

I had a very similar experience myself when I was on Triquilar, with an interval of about two and a half hours. In my case, they assured me I was protected and advised me to increase my intake of fiber and potassium through my diet, noting that hormonal contraceptives can sometimes impact digestion.

In my opinion, it doesn't necessarily have to be severe diarrhea; even if your stool is noticeably softer than usual, it is worth noting. If I were in your position, I would reach out to your gynecologist to ask for clarification. It is always better to be certain. 🤷

You seem to be implying that certain criteria must be met before we can achieve a specific outcome. But what exactly is this desired result?

You have already explained everything quite clearly. 🙂
I tend to interpret people through the lens of the realization that most of us are fundamentally inverted—completely backwards in our weaknesses.
Where we ought to be selfish, we are usually not. Where we should be considering others, we are often terribly self-centered. We take our hundred different masks—the various roles we play in life—and mistake them for our very core, for our identity.
In reality, these are merely the forms through which our identity is expressed. Because of this inversion, the search for one's true self lasts much longer than it ever should.
Denying one's weaknesses to protect the ego is often mistaken for strength, when in fact, it is the greatest weakness of all. What one truly needs to do is honestly assess their strength based on the state of their weakest link.

As human beings, we have a tendency to assign credit or blame using an inverted logic. We typically blame others for the mistakes we ourselves have made; we fixate on the destination rather than the journey. We place our locus of control outside of ourselves, dedicating our energy to circumstances instead of to our reactions and the source of those reactions. Consequently, we miss what we are actually searching for and end up looking for answers in all the wrong places.

Personally, I believe the most vital thing is to be painfully honest with oneself. One must realize that being a person is, in itself, an active process. Our problems and conflicts are rooted in our own self-deception.
This means admitting that we are small, weak, and full of flaws that require work. Doing so does not diminish our inherent importance, nor does it change the fact that we must continue moving forward. 🙂

Linda Johnson15 said:At the Cancer Institute over on Ilica / Baruna Filipovića...
I’ve actually been there myself.

Hello everyone.

I am quite interested in this as well. Does anyone happen to know roughly how long the waitlist was before they ordered yours?

Thank you.