Posts by restlesstrucker15

Is there really nobody left on Cymbalta?

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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

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Michael Jordan

I am curious if anyone here is currently taking this medication. I am not on it myself, though I am considering the possibility. At the moment, I am prescribed Generic and Lyrica; the Generic has been quite acceptable, keeping in mind that there is no such thing as a magic pill 🙂. I would prefer not to switch simply because changing regimens is such a hassle, but due to some neurological issues, my neurologist suggested I consult with my psychiatrist about switching my AD. I am wondering if this is similar to Effexor, which was easily the worst experience I have had while searching for an AD. Additionally, what is the situation regarding side effects—specifically, do the sexual side effects eventually subside? It is certainly a lot of questions to navigate. I assume I cannot just add this to the Generic, as that would likely result in too much serotonin... If you have any personal experiences with Michael Jordan, please share them so I can better prepare for my conversation with the psychiatrist.

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Melissa Sanchez59 said:Actually, thinking about it more, this might be okay—I used to take 25-50 mg of Seroquel during the day and could function just fine, but now one or two pills before bed totally wipes me out. Maybe I’ve just become way more anxious than I realized? 🙂

Anyway, I tried taking just half a pill last night and ended up staying awake all night. I guess I really can't deal with the insomnia after all 😁

Bad omen😢 basically means you're either exhausted or a total zombie.

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redranger2 said:What is your weight and height?

Yes, it is entirely possible that you are simply too small for that specific dosage. As others have pointed out, you risk being split
right down the middle. I eventually had to start splitting my own pills just to find
my own sweet spot.

The first time I took a Quetiapine pill, I genuinely thought I was dying because I felt like such a total zombie.😁

We could always host a pajama party, then see who among us turns out to be a bigger zombie than a caffeine-deprived intern at Starbucks. 😁 Take care.
My therapist mentioned that I tend to react poorly to almost any medication intended to treat insomnia. Apparently, my body processes them in a rather unusual way—she used the term pharmacokinetics to explain it, though that’s just my layman's understanding. Because of this, even taking sub-therapeutic doses has left me feeling like I was in a coma for an entire day. This specifically happened with Ambien, Xanax, and Lunesta, so I've essentially hit a wall when it comes to hypnotics. It's incredibly frustrating.

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Melissa Sanchez59 said:I might just give it a shot with half—thanks to both of you! 🙂

Alright, let me know how it goes. I truly hope you manage to get some rest so you aren't walking around like a zombie tomorrow morning.

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Melissa Sanchez59 said:You're being a bit much—I guess you just don't want to see my point.

I completely understand you. 🙂 It is a revolting feeling when someone can barely connect two dots and just stares blankly like an idiot 😁
Maybe try drinking half of what I drink—if that turned me into whatever it is you're describing, then I wouldn't be drinking at all. If I were a literal lunatic, maybe you'd have better luck being understood.

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Kevin Nguyen3 said:Lyrica isn't exactly ancient history—it came out around 2007, if I recall correctly—but its primary specialty is actually treating temporal lobe epilepsy.
So, you were prescribed Lyrica to supplement your current treatment plan, right?
As for the drop in libido or just a general shift in how you feel sexually... well, that’s one of the uglier side effects of this medication. Honestly, I have my doubts about whether that will ever level out over time.
The reason you aren't feeling that crushing weight of anxiety is because the Lyrica is doing its job for your Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
You're on what seems to be a very low dose, which is fine. The most important thing is that it's actually working for you.😉

Yes, everything you mentioned is correct.🙂
And look, I'm setting aside the libido and the Lyric issue for a moment; it isn't that I can't function without them, I just wanted to share my experience. My psychiatrist basically said, "Keep taking it for another three weeks and we'll see if your libido returns." Maybe it will, maybe it won't.

However, I know people on this forum have been posting about struggling with anxiety and failing to find the right antidepressant. Since long-term anxiolytics aren't always the ideal solution, they should definitely ask their psychiatrist how this specific medication might fit into their own condition and overall treatment plan.

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I thought I should share this experience as well. For years, I have been struggling with panic attacks and anxiety-depression. My panic attacks were more or less managed through my antidepressants—everything was fine, except for those occasional crises where I’d feel more anxious, though the depression itself was almost non-existent. I attend regular psychotherapy and work on myself as much as I can, but there always remained this lingering sense of anxiety that was incredibly difficult to shake. Usually, I don't touch Xanax; I only take it very rarely when a panic attack hits me particularly hard.

Then, due to a completely unrelated issue of a neurological nature, I was prescribed Lyrica. Since I started taking it, there hasn't been even a trace of anxiety left, and unlike other anxiolytics, I don't feel that heavy sense of sedation after taking it. My psychiatrist mentioned that it's a newer medication approved for generalized anxiety disorder, and it's also used for epilepsy and neuropathy because of its analgesic effects. It seems far superior to Xanax because it doesn't lead to dependency, though you have to take it for a week or two before you feel the effect since it isn't instantaneous. For me, this was the missing link in my antidepressant regimen. I actually take a very low dose, just 50 mg, even though the instructions suggest at least 150 mg. As for side effects, I've noticed a decreased libido (which might pass, similar to what happened with my AD), and it does give me energy, though I don't feel "wired"—likely because my dosage is quite low. I figured I'd share this since people don't talk about it enough.

Just a heads-up: it isn't covered by Medicare. You can get coverage, but only if you are being treated for epilepsy, even though the drug is officially approved for the conditions I described.

Larry Lewis said:APs don't cause addiction, and they work wonders in small doses, especially for sleep.
I honestly think if you were taking a small, consistent dose of an AP specifically for sleep, your body would eventually adjust and you wouldn't feel like a zombie.
And I'll say it again: APs aren't addictive, but those anxiolytics? They're the dangerous ones in that regard.

Edit: Definitely check in with your doctor about it.

What specific APs have you all tried in low doses to help with sleep? Personally, none of them seem to work for me; even a tiny dose of Quazepam—maybe half of a 25mg pill—doesn't do the trick. Eventually, my psychiatrist and I decided to stop trying, so now I just find myself attempting to self-medicate, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. (And just to be clear, an AD isn't going to fix my insomnia, as I've been on one for about three years now; while it works well for me generally, the insomnia became its own issue because I developed a habit of relying on hypnotics. To avoid any misunderstanding, please note that everything, including the Dormicum, was strictly prescribed by my physician.)

Jason Vaughn482 said:Well, I find myself in complete agreement with you; it seems utterly nonsensical that they need a full medical degree. As for the blood tests, nobody hands you a referral unless you explicitly demand one—I had to ask once myself before she finally gave it to me. You’ve given me something to think about, though; I suppose I should ask again, even if I don't take much, or so I tell myself. It's mostly just xanax and sleep aids, which is why I try to steer clear of heavier antipsychotics, though I am well aware that even what I'm currently taking isn't entirely harmless. I just need some way to actually fall asleep.

Honestly, everyone, they certainly need that medical degree, but it’s almost wasted if they lack specialized training in psychotherapy.
Finding a truly good psychiatrist is an uphill battle, and by "good," I mean someone who is genuinely dedicated to you and doesn't act like a total jerk.
They do exist, but finding them through Medicare is incredibly difficult because psychotherapy ideally requires an hour-long session. There is simply no way those providers can commit an hour to us under those constraints.
I've been fortunate enough to find mine through a private practice. I don't know how else to put it, but when I made the decision a long time ago to switch psychiatrists and move to private care, the mother of a close friend—who is retired now and just a wonderful person—spent several days searching for the right recommendation, and she had plenty of options to choose from. She made the right call. 🙂
It provides such a sense of relief when your psychiatrist understands exactly what you are going through and is intimately familiar with every side effect; there have even been moments where I wondered if they weren't experiencing the exact same symptoms themselves. 🤣

Hi there!

Has anyone here dealt with this before? Menon, who is a doctor, was the one who suggested it. She mentioned she’d give it some more thought once she sees what the situation looks like regarding insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs for the medication.

Jason Vaughn482 said:As for me, I only experience panic when it involves my actual health; for anything else, I stay calm, though even that is becoming a struggle... It seems like these local GPs have taken those new Department of Health mandates way too seriously, acting like they can handle everything instead of referring us to specialists. For instance, an ER doctor told me to come back for a follow-up in seven days, yet he flat-out refused to give me the referral. It’s as if he expects me to call him personally just to check in! On top of that, I’ve been dealing with these skin eruptions—blooms the size of a cigarette—that flare up periodically. They've been bothering me for years; they appear, linger, and then vanish, which is incredibly uncomfortable. Yet, the doctor wouldn't even write a referral for a dermatologist, claiming it wasn't "urgent" enough and that they'd just clear up on their own. He insisted it was likely an allergic reaction to some medication, but I am certain it isn't, because my regimen hasn't changed in ages. This all actually started a few years ago after a kitten scratched me, and ever since those spots appeared, I've spent months bouncing between various dermatologists. They flare up every single year, subside, and then return. I desperately need to see a specialist, but apparently, getting referrals is becoming a thing of the past. Things are looking grim for us, especially for those of us who tend to worry about our health a bit too much.

Oh, and just to clarify regarding what I mentioned earlier about visiting the emergency room three times—I wasn't at the medical ER every time. I went to the dental clinic twice and the psychiatric ward once. I was trying to get a prescription for Ad because I simply cannot wait ten months for my current one; I truly can't stand sitting around waiting for Calixtu any longer.

Yes, I realized that the dental department is 🙂
It truly remains to be seen how this system will function moving forward. While having access to a reliable primary care doctor is essential, there are certain complexities—psychiatric matters, neurosurgery, etc.—that one simply cannot manage alone. It feels to me like your situation is heading toward a bit of a mess...

Regarding anxiety, there isn't a single specific antidepressant that serves as a silver bullet; I believe I mentioned that previously. One can certainly suppress panic attacks, but total anxiety relief is harder to achieve. In my estimation, the priority should be finding the correct medication first, followed by psychotherapy.

Give the new tablets at least two weeks to work.

Jason Vaughn482 said:As for my own experience, my physician has kept me on Lexapro for two years now; I feel absolutely lethargic from the 15 mg dose, though the 7.5 mg felt significantly more manageable. However, things took a turn today when I found myself rushing to the ER. I never imagined I'd be prone to panic attacks, but a sudden toothache sent me spiraling. Then, after a bit of bleeding gums a couple of days later, I was gripped by such intense anxiety that I had myself packed and ready to head back to the emergency room within two minutes flat. I ended up requesting a referral to the psychiatric emergency unit, where I was seen by a specialist—and frankly, I've never been particularly fond of those types.
It wasn't anything groundbreaking, really, except that she was actually quite accommodating and prescribed the Coaxil I was looking for. When it comes to sleep aids, they don't seem to offer much beyond Ambien or Seroquel... oh goodness, it just slipped my mind that I should have asked about Xanax; I haven't ventured down that path yet. I'm feeling quite scattered right now... I wonder if a local pharmacy would even dispense Xanax in place of something like Ambien?

Oh, you poor thing, you've really been through the wringer. Good luck with the new medication; remember that it takes some time for these things to actually kick in, so please don't be alarmed if a panic attack strikes in the meantime. It's just part of the process, unfortunately.

Yes, definitely mention to your primary care physician that you want to try Zane since Samuel isn't working for you anymore; they certainly have the authority to switch your prescription. Then, once your psychiatrist is back in the office, follow up with them directly. Wishing you the best—please let us know how it goes. 🙂

Chris Kim7 said:So, I found out they have Effexor available in Austria, but it only comes in 150 mg doses, and I read online somewhere that those 150 mg ones are extended-release, whatever that actually means... if anyone knows anything about that, please let me know. Thanks.

Listen, this whole extended-release thing can be tricky; now that you mention it, I see why you asked. The catch is that you aren't supposed to break those tablets, because if you do, you lose that controlled-release mechanism entirely. Honestly, a 150 mg dose feels quite high if it’s intended for insomnia combined with an extended-release formula. 🤷 Regardless, you can't really do anything without consulting a doctor, so it's best to ask them first before trying it out.

Chris Kim7 said:I just got off the phone with a pharmacy that handles international orders for Zoloft, and they told me they can't get it right now because of some supply chain issue or whatever... 😢

So what else is there, how am I supposed to find this stuff?

I'm probably giving up on California, so I figured I'd just try switching to Zoloft instead...

Are you serious? I was actually planning on asking my doctor for a new prescription this week. That’s frustrating... If you're in New York City, did you try calling the one near Pike Place Market? I'm not entirely sure, but I know there is an extended-release version available for order, though honestly, even the standard ones seem to last a long time for me 🤣... You should check with them and consult your doctor.

Chris Kim7 said:Yeah, obviously, they're just getting back from vacation now. Still, I'm leaning towards it being the Calixta... I'll hang in there a little longer, maybe my body will adjust 🤷

Yes, that's likely the case. When I was dealing with this, my doctor told me to try it for five days, and if the hangover effect didn't subside, we would discontinue the treatment entirely. At the time, I was taking 15 mg. It might be worth asking for advice on cutting your dose in half.

redcrane22 said:You say it's just like Sanval, but I was actually told that Zan is meant for long-term insomnia, whereas Sanval works in the opposite way.🤷

And one more thing—with Zan, I didn't feel much of anything when I first started, but with Sanval, I was acting all restless and doing things I wouldn't even remember the next morning. But again, that was just during the initial phase.

It really comes down to the individual. Even now, Sanval can occasionally knock me out, but Zan never worked for me, not even the very first time I took it. It's the same story with Cerson and Fluzapam...

Then you have those people who sleep like babies after taking just one tablet or 10 mg of diazepam.

In any case, my psychiatrist tells me to start with sleep hypnotics rather than anxiolytics, since that isn't their primary purpose. He suggests rotating through different hypnotics every three weeks if they are used long-term, and if things go truly south—meaning the insomnia becomes the primary issue—then we move toward sedative antidepressants or antipsychotics.

Personally, I just lack that "click" needed to drift off. It doesn't matter if I stayed up all night previously or if I was physically exhausted that day; even after taking Normabel, the result is the same: I lie there half-dead in bed, but falling asleep? There is absolutely no chance. I can shut my brain off, sure, but I can't sleep.

Autogenic training doesn't help me at all, at least not right before bed, because I find myself having to concentrate too hard on the process, which prevents me from relaxing.

The issue isn't actually about whether I'm physically active enough; it's all in my head. I've found that being more active helped me fall asleep easier for maybe three or four days, but then my body simply adjusted to the increased activity, and I found myself right back at square one.

Kevin Bailey2 said:I’m curious again—why are you guys reaching for hypnotics to sleep instead of antipsychotics, or even just an antidepressant with some sedative properties?

Unfortunately, some of us experience such heavy sedation from those pills the following day; it isn't that you can't wake up, but rather that by evening, you feel completely disconnected from yourself. And if we try to lower the dose, they simply fail to work.
I eventually found my own solution—though it wasn't actually me, but my psychiatrist, a poor woman who was at her wits' end.

Jason Vaughn482 said:Hold on a second, are you telling me Zan doesn't have the exact same formula as Sanval? Because if I recall correctly, it does.

The compositions aren't identical, though they do belong to the same class of medication. In practice, however, the difference is negligible; both are essentially intended for the short-term management of insomnia.