Posts by Jason Vaughn482

Melissa Sanchez59 said:Well, it’s not quite that simple. For me, even tiny doses of antipsychotics turn me into a total zombie—well, except during my absolute worst crises, when I can actually handle a bit more, but luckily that's been super rare lately.
The only thing they do for me is help me sleep, but I can't even take them at night unless I know I have 8 or 9 hours to spare, otherwise I can barely function the next day. Everything feels slow and foggy, and I just can't think. It's hard to even describe how awful that feels; I can barely make it through the day. Plus, it's tough to find that much time for sleep with everything else going on. Sanval is basically garbage—it leaves me waking up in a panic every few hours. And I've definitely been taking too many anxiolytics for way too long. Honestly, I'm just sick of these meds. I just want to function like a normal person.😢

Are you taking Coaxil, or did I misremember? I completely agree that Sanval is trash, but I haven't been able to find a viable alternative, and my insomnia is relentless.🙂

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Jason Vaughn482, I honestly don't know what wise advice I could possibly offer you that you haven't already realized.
Every single anxiolytic triggers some level of dependency, whether you feel it or not.
The real trouble starts when you reach a certain dosage and realize you aren't getting the result you expected—whether that's sleep or just feeling calm.
What do you do then?
Naturally, everyone just bumps up the dose because they want the effect. But in doing so, they are also ramping up the addiction.
Everything seems fine until the moment you have to stop the treatment; then, everything goes completely sideways.
It is classic withdrawal, much like coming off drugs.
I support taking medication as needed, but taking it every single day for months on end? Not so much.
I know, because I have been there myself.
For you, the only real solution is finding the right antipsychotic, specifically the one you were prescribed.
If I recall correctly, your doctor recommended somewhere between 25 and 50 mg.
That shouldn't cause dependency, and your body shouldn't develop a tolerance to it. If you follow the recommendation, there shouldn't be any issues.
And it might actually help.
Try tapering off the Ambien slowly and gradually. And maybe increase your Prazines dose to 50 mg.
If nothing changes after that, then it's best to sit down with your psychiatrist.

Thanks, I hear what you're saying and it all makes sense. I mean, I can fall asleep with the Sanval, but I really don't care for it... I definitely prefer Xanax a bit more😁 because that's how I feel my absolute best... and the relief hits me in just ten minutes.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Yes.
Basically, the recommendation is to stick with it for four weeks, plus whatever extra time you need to taper down the dosage and actually stop the treatment.

Those are just the official guidelines, though... it's a completely different story when people start playing doctor with themselves and deciding their own dosage based on what they "think" feels right.

I have been relying on both Xanax and Ambien for five years now... I am acutely aware of the implications, but I once heard a psychiatrist mention that one can stay on Xanax long-term, provided the dosage remains strictly controlled and doesn't escalate.
By the way, I find that Prazines actually prevent me from falling asleep, so I won't be touching them; I have no desire to exceed a 25mg dose. Perhaps there is another anxiolytic out there that might actually induce sleep, because honestly, I am at a total loss as to how to wean myself off the Ambien... the Xanax doesn't help me sleep, it’s simply my lifeline when panic or anxiety strikes. My only saving grace is that I refuse to push past 1.5 mg; while I take less on certain days, I still take it daily.

It is quite a struggle, frankly; my mental state dictates this entire cycle because my doctor recognizes that I am resistant to antipsychotics, yet every time I attempt to start an antidepressant, the initial side effects are so overwhelming that I simply cannot endure them.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:That should be fine. I truly believe it’ll help you get some sleep. It isn't exactly a massive dose, so you should still be able to function normally tomorrow.
Prazin is one of those universal antipsychotics—not overly heavy-handed, perhaps? But then again, it can certainly carry its fair share of side effects.
A small word of caution: please, don't mix it with other medications. It can lead to some rather unpleasant interactions.
Well, aside from anxiolytics... that could happen.😉

It feels as though at low doses, it acts somewhat like an anxiolytic, but personally, I don't find myself needing an extra anti-anxiety med when I have my Xanax, which works perfectly well for me. Honestly, I'm just relieved to be staying on a consistent dose. I am fully aware that it isn't a "cure," but now that I have started taking Coaxil seriously, we shall see how things unfold... and if I could finally resolve this insomnia, it would be a godsend. As for psychotherapy, I feel like this doctor is just wasting my time. We'll sit down to talk about something, maybe discuss medications today, and fifteen minutes later, I'm ushered out the door. Then she schedules me for December 13th, and then again for the following month... I mean, does any of this even make sense? She isn't even the one prescribing the medication or handling my follow-up appointments anyway.

Harold Harris20 said:Does anyone have the scoop on the 25mg Modiodol Depo injection? My brother just started it today because nothing from the Zypadhera we've been using for months has actually worked. He’s dealing with extreme delusions and aggression, and honestly, even though doctors rave about these "new generation" meds, nothing he's tried over the last year has helped him for more than five days a month. I know Modiodol is an "old school" drug and can come with side effects, but I'd love to hear what your experiences have been like. On top of this, he's taking 30mg of Azolar daily and a total of 250mg of Lamictal per day. Those two stay the same, but the Modiodol is the new addition to the mix.

I took that 2.5mg version of Modiodol for a very brief window—maybe ten days—and it was absolutely terrifying (which is exactly why I steer clear of APs). At one point, I physically couldn't speak; it felt as though my tongue had dropped into my throat, leaving me only able to sputter and mumble incoherently. I genuinely feared I was having a stroke, but after the fact, I was told it was simply the drug's effect... I stopped taking it immediately.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:No. Please, just don't go suggesting pills that might actually make her feel even worse than she does right now.
Seroquel is a heavy hitter; I mean, is it even possible for someone to sleep for 20 hours straight without ever waking up? Because it happens... it really does.
Seroquel is intended for schizophrenia.
For anything else? It isn't the right tool for the job.
Qpin is a much milder option and generally easier to tolerate, though you have to remember the dosages aren't comparable.
A 200 mg dose of Qpin is significantly lighter than taking 100 mg of Seroquel.
She has a doctor, doesn't she? So let them decide what they think is best.

suggested I switch from Ambien to 25-50 mg of Prazin instead.

fadedbear92 said:—or maybe the Qpin version at those same doses

I truly appreciate the input, but here’s the situation: I went in today, and the doctor suggested I try 50 mg of Prazosin first. She told me that if it doesn't do the trick, I should head back to the acute care clinic this Sunday since there's an on-call physician available... have you ever personally experimented with Prazosin?

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Well, if your doctor recommends it, then even more often!
For those first 3 to 4 months, wouldn't it be best to go every single week?!
There is such a massive risk for agranulocytosis—you know, that huge drop in white blood cell counts.
If you're at risk, isn't it just better to do regular checkups?
They even perform an EKG for the heart.
Lopressor is a hell of a drug. I took it ages ago and honestly, I don't even remember it anymore.
After that initial 3 to 4 month period, they do monthly white blood cell checks.
Once you stop the therapy, you have to do blood tests again around the 4-week mark.
Sometimes they run lipid panels too, checking sugar levels, liver function, and monitoring for low blood pressure (which is actually why I stopped taking it myself).
It is absolutely vital to tell your physician if you are on any other medications, because certain drugs simply cannot be combined with Lopressor.
And there's also the possibility of weight gain.
Zyprexa is peculiar in its own way; it carries quite a few unpleasant side effects that tend to pop up frequently.
Of course, it doesn't happen to everyone—for some people, it's perfectly fine.
Then there is that famous "Lilly" phobia.🙂
If there are signs of persistent behavior issues—hallucinations, mania, sudden loss of speech, and things like that—then Zyprexa is usually pushed. If those aren't present, one looks into changing the therapy.
In your specific situation, it would be Lopressor.

Which AP would be considered the mildest option for anxiety or perhaps as a sleep aid to replace Ambien, assuming it doesn't come with debilitating side effects or a laundry list of required lab tests? They always seem to suggest 25-50 mg of Prazosin to me; is that truly the gentlest option, or is there something else?
I'm mostly asking about sleep options for when I can no longer rely on Ambien.

My doctor informed me today that he can no longer prescribe Sanval for me, as his medical board insists it’s strictly intended for short-term use. Apparently, following a recent audit, they’ve tightened the reins; now, it can only be issued via a private prescription, and the suggested alternative is Cerson. Personally, I find Cerson to be utterly ineffective—Sanval actually does the job, though, truth be told, I am eager to move past it. Now I find myself in a bit of a bind, staring down an uncertain path, wondering what on earth I should start using to finally get some decent sleep.

Eric Mitchell55 said:It usually lasts about 15 minutes straight, and it happens several times a day—pretty frequently, actually.

Personally, whenever I’m struck by a bout of hiccups, I simply take a sip of water while holding my breath, and the whole ordeal ceases immediately.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Escitalopram is a slightly stronger antidepressant intended for more significant depressive episodes.
Sanval works well during the initial phase to help with insomnia.
People tend to underestimate Xanax—they just pop them like candy—but it really is quite dangerous.
Since both medications you mentioned are only meant to be taken for a specific, short duration, they can be combined without significantly increasing the risk.
That being said, I must emphasize: they should only be taken for a maximum of 4 to 6 weeks.
After that point, there is no longer any sense in taking Sanval.
It’s better to take Xanax when things are worse (the anxiety hits) or, as it's often prescribed, "PRN" (as needed).
Both Sanval and Xanax serve a purpose; they relax and calm the system, helping you get some normal sleep while the antidepressant begins to kick in.

I've been cycling through Xanax and Sanval for four years now. Honestly, I can't wrap my head around your argument that Xanax is somehow more dangerous than other benzos like Ativan or Klonopin; they all occupy the same pharmacological space, even if doctors switch you from one to the other to manage dependency. Look, I'm no fan of Sanval—I truly detest it—but I’d take it over Prozac any day of the week. As for which is worse or which is better... fine, I agree that an antidepressant is the gold standard if it actually works, but what happens if it doesn't?

rowdycobra10 said:So, this is the third time they’ve messed with my meds—just switching from one pill to another, I guess. To start things off, I was given a weaker dose of Valium, 0.25 mg 1 1 0
Escitalopram Pharmas 1 0 0 and Ambien 10mg 0 0 1. Now, some people over at the pharmacy are telling me that combining these specific drugs—specifically the Valium and the Ambien—isn't really recommended. It’s left me feeling a bit lost, honestly, because my doctor didn't mention anything about it during our appointment. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do here?

Hmm, I'm the first voice in the room. As for me, those are the only two I'm taking: xanax and Ambien.🤷

rowdycobra10 said:I was wondering if anyone could explain the actual difference between Sanval and Cerson? I used to be prescribed Sanval—the first pill I took basically floored me, and the second one did the same, though it felt more like I was just eating candy rather than taking an actual sedative. Once I switched over to Cerson, things actually got worse; it feels like it does absolutely nothing at all. To top it off, my dosage of Xanax has been increased, but the effect only lasts about 15-20 minutes before everything just goes right back to how it was :S

I can't say for certain what the pharmacological distinction is, but for me, Cerson has never been able to put me under, or if it does, it's an uphill battle. Sanval worked similarly for you; those 5 mg tablets used to knock me out beautifully, and for a while, it was incredibly reliable. I eventually moved up to 10 mg, which held steady for a time, and while it's getting harder to drift off lately, it still manages to pull me through. I've been navigating this for four years now, and unfortunately, I've been on Xanax for that same stretch too. It remains my lifeline, though. I don't go looking for higher doses; in fact, I occasionally cut my dose in half. Generally, I stay within the 0.75 to 1.5 range... I've never felt the need to push past that, and it holds me steady enough, except when life throws those truly extreme, overwhelming situations my way..

Kevin Nguyen3 said:I'm currently on two different antidepressants and one antipsychotic.
Not a single anxiolytic or anything like that.
And I sleep just fine.
We've touched on this a few times already, haven't we? For chronic, long-term insomnia, nothing really works unless you introduce an antipsychotic.

I know you’re taking Lexapro, but which other antidepressant are you pairing with it? I'm curious about the specific combination... and what do you mean by "it doesn't help"? Personally, even a half-dose of my 15 mg Lexapro knocks me out cold. I still rely on Ambien to get through the night, but the side effects—that restless urge to get up in the middle of the night and the midnight munchies—are becoming a real nuisance.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:The core issue—the real trouble here—lies with medications like anxiolytics or sedatives. You see, they create this cycle of dependency. It’s a physiological reality, isn't it? The body develops a tolerance to the drug. In other words, you find yourself needing a higher dose just to achieve that same baseline effect. How can one expect stability when the very chemistry of the body keeps shifting its requirements?
Addiction? It’s a phenomenon we all know too well, isn't it? A pervasive, undeniable reality that touches so many lives.
And there it is... that endless, vicious cycle. Isn't it just always like that? You think you've finally broken free, only to find yourself spinning right back into the exact same loop. It’s relentless, really. How does it even happen? One moment you're making progress, and the next, the circle closes again. It’s exhausting, isn't it?
You’re already telling me how much more liberated you feel on Helex—how things are clearer, sharper, better... doesn't that just say everything? It sounds like you can't even function without it anymore. I mean, wouldn't you assume that if you aren't taking it, you just feel terrible? And let's be honest, I bet you're dealing with a mountain of side effects on top of all that, too. Don't you think?
Is Helex actually effective during that initial stretch? I mean, for those first few weeks—maybe even up to two months—it seems quite useful for calming the nerves and just finding some semblance of relaxation while you wait for the AD to properly kick in and start doing its job. Isn't that the main point? To bridge that gap until the antidepressant finally takes hold?
As for everything else... honestly, what is even the point of staying on it long-term? It simply doesn't make sense! Does it actually address the root cause? No. Is that its primary objective? Certainly not. Why would one continue such a regimen when it isn't even designed to fix the underlying issue? It just feels futile, doesn't it?

Perhaps all that logic holds water, but when I start an antidepressant—take Lexapro, for instance—everything just falls apart; I can't sleep, and my anxiety spikes even worse than before. Or if I try something like Paxil, it knocks me out so completely that I feel like a total zombie the next day, which then makes me reach for Xanax just to function. So, what have I actually achieved? Maybe these specific meds just don't sit right with my chemistry, but with Xanax, things always seem manageable. It seems like everyone is on something; one person takes Xanax, another takes Klonopin, but almost nobody survives on antidepressants alone... at least from what I've gathered in my research. If I could just stumble upon an antidepressant that didn't leave me needing Xanax or battling insomnia, I would be the happiest person on earth.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Look, I’m not saying this is some magical, perfect fix, but at least a person gets some sleep. And tomorrow? You have to get up. You have to act normal and function like a regular human being among other people.
The real issue lies with things like Sanvale and that whole class of drugs—they create such an intense dependency. Getting off those pills is incredibly difficult. Believe me, I’ve been through the withdrawal process myself, and I know exactly how brutal it is. It's pure misery.
The only way forward is to stop the propaganda that suggests these medications—the antipsychotics—are dangerous rather than helpful.
And they *are* helpful.
Some of them are outrageously expensive, too, so I suspect there might be a financial incentive at play there as well.

Breaking free from any of these medications is an ordeal. I spend a fair amount of time lurking on these forums, and it seems like every single person eventually posts about the struggle of tapering off everything from Sanval and xelex to AD... though, in my estimation, every remedy is a double-edged sword—they might help one thing, but they'll likely take a toll on your liver in exchange.

Andrew Bishop6 said:I haven't slept in maybe three or four days now—honestly, I've lost track... I just can't seem to drift off.

So, are you taking anything to help you sleep?

redranger2 said:And why have you stopped taking Calixt?
When dealing with stubborn insomnia, antipsychotics are often prescribed; Vaira (Zyprexa) or Q-pin (Seroquel, Loquex) are quite effective options. I have personally tried both, and they certainly get the job done.

The truth is, Calixt doesn't seem to touch anything for me other than sleep itself, though lately, I've been managing to sleep reasonably well using just Sanval, without any extra supplements... however, three days ago I started Coaxil and then switched over to Zan yesterday per my doctor's orders, and it resulted in a total collapse. I have never experienced a night where I stayed awake until 4:30 in the morning; usually, while falling asleep is a struggle, I am out by 1:00 AM at the latest, or perhaps I'll wake up at 4:00 and find myself unable to drift off again until 6:00, but I have never faced a catastrophe quite like this one. I didn't take the Coaxil today... and yes, regarding those antipsychotics, I harbor a genuine fear of them and try to avoid them whenever possible, with the occasional exception of Prazin at 25mg, though clearly, even that failed to provide relief last night... generally speaking, I tend to sleep until about 10:00 AM every morning... sometimes I wake up intermittently, sometimes I sleep straight through, but it always starts from midnight.

Last night was an absolute nightmare. I turned in at 10 PM and popped that Zan—though, frankly, I am never touching that stuff again. I spent two grueling hours tossing and turning in bed with zero relief, so I eventually tried 25 mg of prazosin, but even that did absolutely nothing for me. It wasn't until 4:30 AM, after I finally took 5 mg of Sanval, that I managed to drift off. Now, I feel like I’m in a complete stupor; I have never experienced such a profound inability to sleep through the night before. Could this be some sort of reaction to the Coaxil I started yesterday? It’s only my third day on it, but I haven't the slightest clue. Regardless, I’m skipping my dose today; I just can't face it. The only reason I even stuck with Calixt in the first place was because it always seemed to knock me out reliably... ugh, I am just so incredibly exhausted by all of this.

Andrew Bishop6 said:Which one works better—Xanax or Normabest?

So, you’re also staring at the ceiling tonight?