Posts by Jason Vaughn482

Paul Newman5 said:Just wanted to share a win. For two days now, that restless feeling and chest tightness from Lexapro—which I've complained about here a few times—has finally stopped. Hopefully, my body is adjusting. I haven't even taken my afternoon dose, which used to be my ritual. I feel great this afternoon. Hope you guys are rooting for me too. Thanks for the support so far. Glad I didn't quit. Heading to my Psychiatrist for a check-up today.

That is wonderful news...🙂 but tell me, during this period of adjustment, did you experience any bouts of nausea or perhaps some other gastrointestinal issues?

fadedbear92 said:Anxiety can trigger pretty much any symptom you can imagine
and I definitely remember feeling bloated whenever my anxiety was peaking

God, honestly, I feel like I might actually sleep better tonight now that this is on my mind, though it’s a double-edged sword because lately, any little thing that happens triggers a panic response; once I notice a symptom, I obsess over it, and suddenly it’s all I can think about... thank you, truly, there is some small comfort in knowing I'm not alone in this... I often get the sinking feeling that this anxiety is simply my new permanent reality—if it isn't one thing, it's another—it feels as though fear has become the very fabric of my daily existence. On top of that, my digestion has been a total wreck lately, which I suppose could easily be another byproduct of the constant stress.🙂

Quoth:

Paul Newman5 As I have observed through countless cycles of human folly, there exists a certain predictable pattern to these discussions, much like the repetitive, grinding gears of an old industrial engine that refuses to catch. One finds oneself staring at the screen, waiting for a spark of genuine insight, only to be met with the usual deluge of superficial observations. It is, quite frankly, exhausting to witness the same arguments recycled as if they were profound revelations, rather than the stale leftovers of a conversation that ended years ago. One cannot help but feel a sense of weary resignation when faced with such intellectual stagnation. And if I may add one more observation to the record: I can finally sense the anxiety receding. That paralyzing, existential dread—the constant, gnawing fear that I was actually losing my mind—has finally begun to lift. For the longest time, that was my primary phobia, a shadow that followed me everywhere. The sudden, violent panic attacks, those terrifying moments where I was certain something catastrophic was about to happen, have ceased entirely. What remains is merely this lingering restlessness and a persistent, stinging sensation around my heart that persists daily. Its intensity fluctuates wildly; today it was quite manageable, whereas yesterday, it felt absolutely maddening. If it weren't for that specific physical discomfort, I would happily take this medication for the next hundred years.🤣

I find myself in a state of profound uncertainty. For fifteen days, I maintained a regimen of half-doses, yet here I am on my third day of that same halved dosage, and frankly, the experience is nothing short of disagreeable. I am plagued by this persistent sense of nausea—a heavy, churning discomfort in my stomach—and if anything, I feel more restless than before. I have reached the conclusion that I simply cannot continue this. I am struggling to discern whether this physical rebellion is a direct consequence of being on this half-dose for three days, or if I am merely experiencing a recurrence of the same nausea that haunted me during my previous attempt. Furthermore, there is this constant, unrelenting bloating that refuses to subside. I am left wondering if this is a side effect of the medication itself, or if it is merely the visceral manifestation of my own mounting anxiety. It is a frustratingly blurred line between the chemical and the psychological.

Paul Newman5 said:I'm taking Lexapro—they say it's like Zoloft. Been at it for about 16 days. I was on 25 mg until Friday because adjusting was a nightmare. At certain times of day, it hits me with this restlessness and a weird burning sensation near my heart. Since starting, I haven't gone a single day without taking up to 10 mg of Lexapro. Since Friday, I moved up to 50 mg. It was okay until today, when the agitation hit again so hard I had to take three Lexapro pills plus 5 mg of Normabell. I feel like I'm heading straight for a manic episode. My head is clear, but my body feels like it's being electrocuted. I called my Psychiatrist, and she claims this is "normal" and that the dosage doesn't matter, just that I need to calm down. When I first saw her a month ago, I was just anxious and lethargically depressed. I've never been manic in my life. I used to work two jobs if needed, lived life at a hundred miles an hour, but I never needed stuff like Normabell. If this keeps up, I actually will become manic. She says I have to wait a full month before we can see anything. Has anyone else dealt with this? Is this really normal? I've never been a restless person, but now she's acting like my restlessness is a disorder itself, just to keep me medicated until I actually lose it. All I wanted was to stop feeling tired and paranoid. Help. Is my Psychiatrist right?🤷

So, you haven't felt even a shred of improvement in these 16 days? Hmm, I find myself asking those very same questions. I know for a fact that I am prone to anxiety, constant worry, and a touch of hypochondria, but I wouldn't call myself depressed. And yet, I find myself unable to function without Xanax, which has become the one steady constant in my life over the last few years, alongside Sanval. I've recently restarted Zoloft; today is only the third day. Honestly, this is my second and final attempt at making it work.

Justin Rogers5 said:Jesus, this fever has me crashing hard. Not even at night when I actually need it, either—it hits me around 8 AM and just drags on until 1 PM. It’d be great if I didn't have to work mornings, because honestly, I feel like I'm on drugs. Just walking around half-asleep. Total nightmare. My doctor just put me on 15 mg of Mirzaten at night, claiming it's "perfect" for sleep. But then again, she says that about everything she prescribes.

is, well, you aren't wrong there. While Mirtazapine certainly delivers on the promise of heavy sleep, you still end up feeling like a total zombie the next morning. At least, that was my experience; it did absolutely nothing to touch my anxiety levels. So, what's the current regimen? Did they put you on both the Paxil and the Mirtazapine simultaneously, or are you tapering off the Paxil now?

fadedbear92 said:If I absolutely had to pick a winner, I’d definitely go with Faverin—Zoloft just makes me feel too wired.

I appreciate the insight; I'll be sure to bring this up during my next appointment with the doctor.

fadedbear92 said:The way Fevarin is formulated, its chemical makeup is specifically designed to act as an anxiolytic—basically, it targets anxiety symptoms directly.

I find myself wondering, based on your personal experience, which yielded better results for managing anxiety: Paxil or Zoloft? And if we’re being honest about the side effect profile, which one felt less intrusive to your system? I’m particularly curious because I’ve heard whispers that Paxil might actually assist with sleep—a luxury I desperately need given my chronic insomnia—though there is also the persistent warning that it can be quite harsh on the stomach.

Paul Newman5 said:Better to just stick with Luxury then. With my luck, Fevarin will probably just leave me feeling restless🤣My psychiatrist says there are 30 different types of antidepressants out there, so I guess one of them will eventually work for me😂

Why on earth would you assume that? She explicitly stated she’s never experienced a single moment of restlessness from taking Fevarin, so it seems you’ve fundamentally misread the situation. It’s quite clear there was a misunderstanding of her words.

Paul Newman5 said:I started Apple on Saturday, just 25mg in the morning so far, but the restlessness is hitting hard. I told my doctor, but she just told me to take a Normabel. I was already dealing with some anxiety and depression before this, but honestly, it feels worse now. Is this normal when you first start? That feeling where your chest tightens, you can't focus on anything, and everyone just gets on your nerves. It's true I've been diagnosed with perimenopause and I'm supposed to start Novofem hormone therapy soon. My thyroid isn't doing great either. Anyone else dealt with this? I wasn't expecting a miracle in five days, but this constant restlessness is too much. Help.🙂

I went through the exact same thing while I was on a 20mg dose; the restlessness and anxiety were so overwhelming that even my own doctor couldn't provide much relief. It made sleep impossible, which only compounded the misery, so I eventually stopped. Now, I find myself caught in this exhausting loop of thinking about restarting, though God knows I don't have the mental fortitude left for it. Today has been absolutely wretched... and even without the Zoloft, the agitation and nervousness are just unbearable...🙂

Justin Rogers5 said:Man, my doctor won't even prescribe it anymore because I wasn't consistent over the last three months. Sometimes I take it, sometimes I don't. Lately, I've been taking it more often because stress has been absolute hell, but neither my GP (who's actually pretty understanding) nor my psychiatrist wants to write it for me again. Honestly, I'm too embarrassed to even ask them.🙄

Which one are they withholding from you? Is it Prozac, Xanax, or maybe Ambien?

vividdrifter26 said:So, last year I tell my doctor I’m dealing with this massive amount of rage—just constant anger—and he basically shrugs and goes, "That's what Xanax is for." Look, the Xanax works—it's not like it does nothing—but it feels like the effects just don't last nearly as long as they used to(?).

Just posting this to see if anyone else is going through the same thing. What kind of Xanax doses have you guys been taking, how long has it been, and what kind of line is your doctor giving you?
I’ve seen some massive bottles of Zoloft and Xanax sitting on pharmacy shelves lately—just huge quantities of the stuff. I've also heard that these... I can't even begin to deal with these idiots. They’re handing out some extra heavy doses—who knows exactly what the deal is—plus another two or three different pills on top of that. Honestly, I don't even know the names, but whatever. It doesn't really matter right now.

For me, Xanax has been a constant fixture in my life for four years now; I take about 0.5 mg two or three times a day, and I never push past that limit. Lately, I've been looking into switching over to Paxil, as it seems to provide much better sleep.

Justin Rogers5 said:My doctor cut me off my Seroquel for sleep and switched me to placebos. Haven't even taken one yet. What's the deal? How does that actually work? I’m also supposed to stop taking Zonadin (doc won't prescribe it anymore either). Anyone here on Zonadin or Sanval long-term?

I experimented with Prazin for a brief window alongside Sanval, but honestly, the results were pretty underwhelming. I've been on Sanval for about four years now, starting at 5 mg and eventually bumping up to 10 mg, but I can't stand how it triggers those late-night binge eating episodes. Lately, I've been looking into Praxiten; when I take it with a 5 mg dose of Sanval, it actually manages to knock me out. My only real dilemma now is figuring out the best way to balance taking the Praxiten in the evening while managing my daytime Xanax intake.

restlesstrucker15 said:I apologize if this topic is considered inappropriate for discussion here.
Has anyone found Agomelatine helpful for insomnia? The literature suggests it works on melatonin receptors, but I’ve found most melatonin supplements to be nothing more than expensive water. My doctor mentioned that, at least among her own patients, she hasn't observed a link between Agomelatine and insomnia.

I am struggling significantly with insomnia. I seem to be resistant to almost all hypnotics (including Ambien, Valium, Celexa, and Flurazepam, or even Xanax). I have had to abandon everything from Lexapro to low doses of antipsychotics because the next day I feel like I'm in a coma. My doctor maintains that none of the older ADs still on the market are effective for sleep; they just provide mild sedation. Look, I could easily take two 10 mg doses of Valium to pass out, but that isn't a sustainable solution.

Do you have any pharmacological advice or, perhaps, personal experience to share? For context, I have been taking Eli Lilly medication in the morning for quite some time. My issue isn't the morning dose; rather, I can't sleep due to racing thoughts and what feels like a growing dependency on hypnotics. Has anyone else dealing with chronic insomnia found an AD that actually aids sleep, specifically excluding Lexapro or Faverin, both of which caused me terrible side effects?

I mentioned to you once before that Amyzol helped me sleep somewhat well; admittedly, I only took the 10 mg dose a handful of times, though I believe they offer a 25 mg version as well... you should definitely consult your psychiatrist about that option. I struggle with sleep issues too... yesterday, I took 10 mg of Sanval along with one Praxiten and managed to sleep through the night, though I find Xanax much more effective during the day—though I'm unsure if mixing them is safe. What kind of side effects were you dealing with from Calixta, aside from that heavy hangover feeling?

urbanpilot said:My experience with Zoloft, hm. It doesn't actually start kicking in until you've been on it for maybe 2 or 3 weeks. At the same time, I was taking Xanax at 5 mg, four times a day (as needed). Back then, my "attacks" used to hit two or three times a day—I’d be gasping for air, shaking uncontrollably, unable to speak or even move... I'd take the Xanax, and about 20 minutes later, things would settle down. Whether that was the Zoloft or just my mental state at the time, who knows? I was basically in a vegetative state most of the time. After two weeks, I dropped 3 pounds and finally forced myself out of the house for a walk—fighting my way back, my own way. Now I'm 10 pounds lighter (one of the few "pros" for me), and I feel significantly better. Aside from the terrible sex life, but we'll manage through that.
I talk to my husband about everything eating at me, as well as friends and family. It helps a lot; keeping everything bottled up is what landed me in this mess in the first place.
I think my husband is exhausted by all of this. He never knows when I'm going to crash, and I'm left alone with the kids, especially when the oldest is in middle school. One time I felt so sick that the kids actually called him to say I was fading; he rushed home from work instantly just to give me a pill because I literally couldn't make it the 2.5 miles to the medicine cabinet to grab a glass of water.

So, how long have you actually been taking Zoloft? And what dosage are we talking about?

Paul Newman5 said:Even if she suggested that, the doctor actually wrote 3x25 on my prescription, despite explaining it the way you just did. I'm stuck without anything until Monday. We'll see. I have my own ways of dealing with nerves, even if they aren't from this medication. Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I feel like sticking with psychotherapy—actually doing the work, clearing out the mental clutter, and getting on hormone therapy. If I can manage the menopause symptoms properly, maybe I won't even need the AD.

As for me, I only took them for a short stint, but Xanax has always been my constant companion; it's my universal safety net. Fortunately, I haven't fallen into the trap of addiction where the dosage needs to climb higher and higher just to feel level... I've managed to stay steady on the exact same dose every single time.

Paul Newman5 said:No. Her notes say if Cipralex doesn't work, switch to Luxeta, so the GP can swap it instantly. Nervousness? Was it manic or just regular anxiety? She had her right on the edge of mania with the Cipralex. Prescribed 3x25 mg.

It wasn't manic, per se, but let me tell you, it’s a deeply unsettling sensation... and as for that dosage, 3 x 25 mg? If you start at 25 mg for a couple of days and then jump straight to 50, you're going to find that's far too much to swallow all at once at the beginning.

Paul Newman5 said:Been on Lexapro for two days. It’s awful. Pins and needles all over my body, and I feel manic—super jittery—even though that's never been an issue before. Called my psychiatrist and they just told me to switch to Lexapro. Anyone actually have experience with it? Or anyone taking it right now?

Well, Celexa is essentially the same class as Zoloft, which is sertraline. I’ve personally taken Zoloft, though only for a brief stint; I ended up stopping after about twenty days and now I'm starting the whole process over again. It carries its own set of side effects, too—things like nausea and heightened anxiety—but according to the literature, those should subside within three weeks. How is she planning to make the switch? Doesn't she need an actual appointment with her doctor to officially change the prescription?

Paul Newman5 As I have observed through my own weary travels down this winding road, one cannot simply expect a quick fix when the mind begins to fray at the edges. It is much like trying to repair a vintage Mustang with nothing but a roll of duct tape and a prayer; you might patch the leak for a moment, but the structural integrity remains compromised. We often find ourselves grasping for immediate relief, searching for that one magic pill to silence the internal cacophony, yet we ignore the fact that true stability requires more than just a chemical bandage. Life is an unpredictable storm, and while medication can certainly act as an anchor in heavy seas, it isn't a guarantee against the wind. One must be prepared for the reality that healing is rarely a linear progression, but rather a grueling, uphill climb through thick mud.
This information is incredibly significant to me. I took my first dose of Lexapro today, and by this afternoon, I was hit with heightened irritability, some tingling sensations in my hands, and a surge of anxiety and restlessness. I reached out to my doctor, and her advice was to take half a dose for the next three days, suggesting that these side effects should subside within a few days. Interestingly, she actually noted that she’s pleased with how my body is responding; according to her, it’s a sign that the medication is taking hold, which might lead to a faster therapeutic effect. Has anyone else here had experience with Lexapro? I’d appreciate any insight you can offer. To be honest, I am someone who tends to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders—if I weren't such an overthinker, I probably wouldn't be struggling with this level of anxiety and constant analysis. Between my perfectionism, juggling three different jobs, and that relentless internal drive to have everything executed perfectly and immediately, life has been a whirlwind. On top of all that, menopause decided to join the fray, and now, here I am.🙂

I haven't really ventured into this territory before—my last attempt at medication was a few years back, and it triggered such a violent rash that I had to pull the plug immediately. It’s a bit of a minefield, isn't it? To be honest, I have zero experience navigating the world of AD, though I am currently facing the prospect of starting Zoloft. My previous attempt at an antidepressant lasted all of twenty days before I abandoned it because my body simply refused to tolerate it. On the other hand, I am far more acquainted with Xanax; it provides that instant sense of calm that I find myself craving when things get heavy. Right now, I feel completely overwhelmed by the sheer weight of everything life is throwing at me, which is exactly why I reached out to tell you not to worry yourself too much.

Paul Newman5 said:Also, are you working right now? I am, and I really don't want to lose my job because of antidepressants. Not that anyone needs to know what I'm taking, anyway. Can I actually expect to stay functional on this stuff?

When it comes to AD, you will certainly be able to work; furthermore, there is absolutely no requirement to disclose your medication or even hint that you are dealing with these kinds of struggles. Please, do not allow yourself to become so weighed down by the sheer weight of this concern.

restlesstrucker15 said:Unfortunately, Paxil won't provide the same coverage that Xanax does. Did your doctor explicitly tell you that you aren't allowed to take them together, even if you were to take the Paxil strictly before heading to bed?

It’s almost as if they belong to the same category, so one would assume they could overlap, but I have a feeling I can manage it. When she tells me that combining Zoloft and Remeron is perfectly fine, I struggle to see why this wouldn't be possible too—but then again, I can't know for certain. I'll just have to wait and see; I've already taken my daily dose of anxiolytics.