Posts by Kevin Nguyen3

steeleagle23 said:Wait, you've seriously been taking Ambien for four years? I don't have any personal experience with it, but from what I've read, the instructions say you shouldn't use it for more than two weeks at a time. Apparently, one of the side effects is that it can actually mess up your sleep patterns if you use it for too long...

Well, I suppose if a doctor writes it in as "as needed," then it isn't strictly bound by a specific timeframe, right? As long as one doesn't overdo it, I assume.
But of course, one of those side effects is... insomnia.

Timothy Wood38 said:I’ve actually found that Omega-3 fatty acids can be incredibly helpful when dealing with brain zaps—though, honestly, it’s a bit hit or miss. Sometimes you need much higher doses or more frequent applications throughout the day, and other times they just phase them out entirely. Still, I think it's worth a shot. St. John's Wort, either in tea or pill form, can be another option too. Worst case scenario, a doctor might bring Prozac (fluoxetine) into the mix to help smooth out the transition and avoid those nasty side effects from coming off other SSRIs with shorter half-lives.

Yes, Omega-3 can definitely provide some relief.
As for St. John's Wort, that's only relevant if the antidepressant has already been discontinued; otherwise, it won't do much.

Eric Mitchell55 said:What exactly are we talking about here? 🙈

I mean, I have a general idea of what people mean when they talk about these "glitches," but what I really want to dig into is how they actually show up in real life.
What is actually happening during these moments?☕

Starting on an anti-epileptic medication can actually be quite beneficial when it comes to sexual performance—it can really help there—but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to do much for one's libido. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, isn't it?
One really ought to discuss these specific nuances with their physician.

Jason Vaughn482 said:Are you making insinuations about me again, for the eighty-fifth time? If you have something to say to my face, then just say it directly.
By that same logic, I could claim I don't understand why someone would be terrified to stay home alone or too paralyzed to step outside, but I won't say that because I recognize the struggle—even if I don't personally deal with those specific issues. Therefore, I expect the same grace for those who fear medication or those struggling with health anxiety... but fine, maybe it's better if I just withdraw from the forum entirely. As for knowing about drugs, I actually come from a medical background, and I spend a significant amount of time reading and educating myself as much as I possibly can. I've been lucky enough to only be dealing with anxiety for four years now, and I hope I can pull through, but if I can't, well, Bog knows, Xanax is helping me get by for now... Best,

Oh, noooo... I wasn't aiming that at you. You're one of us; we all look out for each other the best way we know how.😉
I was talking about those people who pop in once every three months with the exact same question they asked three months ago.
And let's be honest, there's been a massive amount of them.
Then, once they feel somewhat satisfied with some advice or an answer, they just go right back to their old ways, and three months later... it's the same cycle all over again.
I really have no reason to mock anyone or pick on someone by accident. Sure, maybe I'm taking a combination of medications that isn't exactly "recommended," but just like everyone else here, I don't have many choices left. I take what works for me.
But people are just people, aren't they? Some prefer a gentle nudge, while others need a direct hit to the face.
Perhaps I lack tact, and I tend to attack head-on, but then people dig out their egos and suddenly find the motivation to write something meaningful... I suppose.
It just seems to me that's the only time they become truly honest... honestly, I don't even know anymore.🙄

Edit
Downer and I have only crossed paths in a few passing posts, and there has never been anything else going on or any backstabbing involved.
Just like how I might support certain viewpoints while criticizing others. We're all in this together, so it's only natural that we have to tolerate one another.

Paul Newman5 said:Nobody's looking for a magic pill. But when you've spent two years seeing doctors without getting the right prescription (I actually stick to my regimen), and they won't even believe you when you report side effects... sometimes I wonder how we're supposed to trust them either.
Bluzara acts like everything is fine and perfect, but then turns around and dismisses anyone else's experience as if they're making it up or just uneducated. Honestly, maybe I think his story sounds fake too, like when he claims he doesn't feel hungover the next morning after taking something.
It feels like there's this little clique on this forum—a handful of people who've been on meds for years and hang out here together. The second someone posts something different or says something "wrong," they jump in to condescend to us or lecture us. Of course, they immediately start talking about how long they've been medicated and how they're "experts." Vegga is just anxious and naturally worried about side effects, which is why they struggle with consistency, yet you immediately cut them down by saying they're looking for a miracle cure. Real comforting.

Man, I am truly sorry that you interpret certain posts as if they were personal attacks or... I don't know, something aggressive?
But you know how it goes, right? You can explain something eighty-four times to certain people, and yet, they just stubbornly cling to their own views regardless.
I live with PTSD from my time in the service.
I’ve tried everything—every substance under the sun—experimenting, struggling through it all, dealing with a mountain of side effects. Even now, I still deal with them, but honestly, I just don't let it get to me anymore.
I used to think, "Wouldn't it be incredibly cool if people felt more comfortable sharing their silly little struggles more often?" I never realized that this place would feel like an exclusive "clique" where a small group has basically privatized the entire forum and won't let anyone else get a word in edgewise.
Look, if my decision to stay quiet helps anyone, fine, okay, but I highly doubt that's the case.
I suppose I might have started getting on a few people's nerves over time, but I really do try to remain objective—as much as I can, damn it.
As for medication? I know a thing or two about it. I've been through the ringer with various prescriptions... and when you talk to a doctor, you usually just get those classic, canned responses that don't actually tell you anything at all.

Paul Wilson2 said:Hey,

How does Seroquel behave at a daily dose of 150mg? I’m thinking 50mg in the morning and 100mg at night. Does it actually have any antipsychotic effect at that level?

Of course it does.
I mean, when you look at the total amount taken throughout the day, that isn't exactly a negligible dose, is it?
To even be prescribed Seroquel, you generally have to be dealing with a pretty heavy diagnosis—plus insomnia or perhaps suicidal ideation...
I can't quite tell, are you already on this, or are you just planning to start?!
If you aren't dealing with actual psychosis, you are going to find Seroquel incredibly difficult to tolerate.

Paul Newman5 said:I know people who’ve been on various benzos for years and they sleep just fine. For me, I was on Calixta with Effexor; took it for a month and quit. I could only afford to take it if someone paid me a massive salary, hired a housekeeper, and let me sleep half the day while walking around like a zombie the rest of the time. But I work, I run a household, I have a life. So I go back to the benzos. They aren't the sin you're making them out to be. Sorry, didn't mean to offend, just stating my piece.

😉

Yes, I consistently criticize them, but I have been on medications for many long years, so I am speaking from my own lived experience. And I happen to know a thing or two.
"Benzos" create dependency.
That is a fact.
After a certain amount of time, they lose their effectiveness.
And that, too, is a fact.
As for those others—the ones who claim to take them for years and still sleep perfectly... hmm. No offense intended, but there is nothing to that. Those are just made-up stories people tell themselves to justify their own excessive swallowing of just about anything.
Unlike you, I am currently taking 75 mg of Effexor and 45 mg of Calixta, but even that isn't enough, so I supplement with 250 mg of Quetiapine, then maybe a little Sonata, then a bit more... and Lamictal in the morning and evening at 25 mg.
Let me emphasize: I have absolutely no trouble getting up in the morning, and I am not an alcoholic.
Everyone reacts differently, and there are no universal rules.

rowdyorca13 said:Hey there,
I used to take Valium, but honestly, I wasn't happy with it at all. It barely helped me. It worked for the first three or four days, and then after that, basically nothing... Can anyone recommend some other sleeping pills that actually worked for you?

As for Normbal, my doctor prescribed it along with Advil after a bad traffic accident. To be honest, I didn't feel any particular effect from it. It felt almost exactly the same whether I was taking it or not, except maybe feeling a little more drowsy, so I really don't know...

Doctors are the ones who prescribe sleep medication, so I suppose our personal anecdotes don't carry much weight, do they?
If we are talking about pure strength, Ambien is quite powerful.
Of course, since it belongs to the benzodiazepine class, there really isn't any point in taking it long-term, is there?

Brandon Lopez6 said:Well, then I'm out. I'm not about to go playing chemist for no reason if you guys are saying it doesn't even work 🙂

Look, listen—their universal objective is always the same, you already know which one. But that doesn't mean the results will be identical for you specifically.
Before jumping into these kinds of reckless stunts, let's be sensible, okay? You know better than most people on this forum: you talk to your doctor first.
Grrr...😍
In the end, all of this makes sense for a little while, maybe briefly... and then, just nothing.😢

Donna Vaughn28 said:From what I gather, he isn't actually sick. He’s just young and wants to be better than he currently is by his own standards. He’s looking for an instant fix through medication because he saw a friend do it and thought it worked. But he’s being cautious and sensible, asking if this is really the way to go since he cares about his future. He senses that these quick fixes offer temporary success and satisfaction, but they ultimately destroy you in the long run by creating a massive imbalance in such a delicate part of the psyche. There’s usually no turning back once that happens; you just end up dealing with a chronic condition for the rest of your life. So, if he truly wants to improve, the only real path forward is doing the actual work on himself.

Yes, you are absolutely right.
Regardless of his specific situation, isn't the only way to change one's beliefs or build true character through learning?
And I mean systematic, disciplined learning—not just swallowing random words that have no meaning or purpose.
What kind of supplements or "elixirs" could possibly work? Even if they do, the effect is incredibly fleeting, which is exactly why people take them.
Will a pill grow your brain? Will it grant you photographic memory? No. It won't.
The more one learns, the more understanding and intelligence develop; experience builds intuition; and all of it together provides the tools to fight stress or apply knowledge practically.
I have yet to see a "smart pill." Or perhaps... maybe they just don't work on me...🤣

Rebecca Sanders37 said:I truly believe our mental state—whether we're stable or spiraling—is all down to brain chemistry. Everything is basically just chemistry, even our thoughts! By doing "inner work," I'm essentially trying to change my brain chemistry naturally. But what exactly do you mean when you talk about "working on your psyche"? Like, what am I supposed to actually *do*?

Where on earth are you getting these ideas from?
"Self-work" alone isn't going to change a thing.
If you had been focusing on this before the illness took hold, then sure, maybe... but right now? The medication has to do its job first, stabilizing things until you're actually ready for psychotherapy.
And let me tell you, that is an entirely different ballgame altogether... just like fadedbear92 told you, it's all about time. And nothing but time.

Elizabeth Sanchez2 said:For those of you who claim to be happy 🙂,

do you think it’s because you actually checked off all your big life goals—or is it just because you don't need much to stay satisfied (you know, finding joy in the little things and not letting every minor setback ruin your week)?

So, you've posed a question about what we require for happiness, specifically centered on whether certain objectives have been met (or haven't).
I mean, we could only really discuss it within those bounds, right? It feels like a rather narrow scope because if we drift outside that specific context, a moderator might jump in and claim we're just trolling.
As for me? I feel happy because I’ve found myself through various chapters of my life—marriage, raising kids, and yes, even some material possessions, though we tend to devalue those very things because our actual desire is to be more spiritual than we realistically are.
Regardless of anything else, one should never underestimate oneself when circumstances shift, nor should one doubt their own core convictions.
Life changes constantly, doesn't it? And yet, when things pivot, we often go searching for supernatural explanations or start blaming fate, which is just such a bizarre way to sabotage our own happiness.
In truth, it takes very little to destroy our happiness and cast doubt upon it, whereas "being happy" requires so much more; sometimes, it feels like an almost impossible feat, doesn't it?
Fascinating.

Rebecca Sanders37 said:So, I had this session with a psychiatrist once—can't quite pin down the exact timing, maybe a year or two back? Anyway, I opened up to her about my OCD. After we chatted for about 45 minutes, she basically told me I was totally fine! She actually said my way of thinking was incredibly mature for someone my age and that I didn't even need to keep coming back for appointments. Still, she did mention that if I really wanted to, she could prescribe something for me... I can't remember the name off the top of my head, but it might have even been Zoloft. It just makes me wonder, though—how risky is it if a doctor is that quick to offer up a prescription like that?

Look, a psychiatrist isn't going to just hand you a prescription that would turn your life into a living hell.
If she did decide to prescribe something, it would likely just be a minimal dose, purely to give you some peace of mind since it seems like you've already made up your mind. She probably sensed that too, didn't she?
If you truly are "normal," then you don't need medication.
And if you think taking an antidepressant is going to drastically alter your entire personality or who you are at your core, you are mistaken.
In fact, it could even have the opposite effect.
Ultimately, once a psychiatrist writes that script, they are taking full responsibility for both your diagnosis and your condition.
No doctor is going to be that reckless with a prescription if there's a significant chance it could make things worse for you.

Rebecca Sanders37 said:Hey everyone! So, I’ve been doing a deep dive into all this medication stuff lately, and I’m starting to think that Zoloft might actually be the "holy grail" for everything I’m dealing with. A buddy of mine mentioned he has some lying around and offered to let me try it. He’s currently self-medicating with Lexapro, and man, you can really see the difference in him—he says it makes him feel incredibly happy and satisfied all day long, like all those mental blocks have just vanished. He’s totally uninhibited now, just chatting away and being his hilarious, outgoing self without any of that old social anxiety holding him back. Honestly, I’m pretty jealous! Since I struggle with some mild OCD on top of everything else, I figured Zoloft would be the perfect move since it hits both the depression and the OCD symptoms.

I’d love to get some firsthand accounts here about how Zoloft actually feels. Specifically, if anyone has cycled through both Lexapro and Zoloft, what was the main difference in how they hit you?

Also, big question: what are the actual risks of just taking Zoloft on my own without a script? Don't get me wrong, I’m definitely going to do my homework online regarding dosages and how to take it properly... but I’m genuinely worried, like, is there any chance this could actually mess something up in my brain?

Thx 🙂

Taking absolutely anything on your own (even something like Tylenol) can have negative effects on your body, because if you don't understand the specific mechanism of how a drug works, you are essentially causing yourself intentional harm.
By acting this way, you are taking full responsibility for any consequences or side effects that hit you.
But honestly, the mere fact that you've decided to handle this yourself suggests that you don't actually possess a sense of accountability or duty toward your own health.
No offense intended, but that's just the reality.
If you're dealing with OCD, then from your "expert" perspective, the risks and consequences are likely even more pronounced.
Why won't you just go see a doctor?
What do you have to lose? Absolutely nothing.
Then why do psychiatrists even exist if we supposedly know everything ourselves, including how to prescribe our own meds?
I may know quite a bit about certain drugs, but it never once crossed my mind to dictate my own medical therapy.
In that context, I mean, that's just my opinion—you shouldn't be looking for things here that go against basic moral principles.

shadowfox75 said:Thank you all for sharing your experiences. It is encouraging to read about your positive outcomes regarding tapering off Paxil. I have been consulting extensively with my specialist, and my doctor mentioned that they encounter such a wide variety of patient cases that they often find real-world clinical experience more insightful than any textbook. I have ten days left before I am completely off Paxil. I am staying optimistic and hope to navigate this final stretch successfully. :-D

I really don't understand why everyone is panicking so much.
Switching from one medication to another should always be done gradually, and if that means taking longer than the "standard" timeframe suggested by some, then that’s just what needs to happen.
Talking about "withdrawal syndromes" in this specific context doesn't even make sense.
Real withdrawal issues typically pop up when someone stops cold turkey or makes a sudden switch between different classes of antidepressants—like jumping straight from an SSRI to, say, a MAOI (Type A). You see? That involves changing the entire mechanism of how the drug works in your brain.
That is where the real trouble starts.
There is absolutely no reason to scare yourself or anyone else; truly, there's no need for the alarmism.

shadowfox75 said:I wish things had gone that smoothly for me. I practically lectured my neurologist and my primary care physician until they both admitted they needed to actually look into the issues I was raising.

About what?

fadedbear92 said:I took Wellbutrin and Cymbalta together back in the day and nothing happened—honestly, they weren't even working for me, so we just stopped them entirely.🤷

I truly believe... I really do... that I’ll keep taking Calixta and Velafax together, even though I know deep down they aren't exactly a perfect match. They just don't belong together, do they? Yet, here I am.
The issue is... well, it’s actually helping me. Isn't that strange? It's a problem, really. How can something be a problem if it's providing relief? It just doesn't make sense!😲
And now... what exactly lies ahead on the horizon? What will become of us in the long run? Honestly, one can only wonder. Does anyone truly know? It’s all quite uncertain, isn't it? Just something to keep in mind as we move forward.😢

fadedbear92 said:types of antidepressants

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

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

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

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

CALIXTA

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

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

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

Good luck!

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

Oh, sure, it’s the classic addiction to online content.
FOMO—fear of missing out.
People used to say this kind of addiction would eventually be classified as a formal mental disorder... whether it actually has been officially added? I really don't know.
At its core, though, it falls under the umbrella of obsessive-compulsive disorders.
It might feel strange to read, but that is simply the reality of it.
The internet becomes the obsession, while the compulsion—that frantic scrolling just to vent anxiety—is the repetitive behavior.
That is how it ought to be treated, of course, though everything ultimately depends on a professional's assessment.
The internet itself, or the computer, aren't actually to blame for triggering the addiction, even if we tend to take that for granted; rather, the issue lies within individual struggles known in psychology as impulse control disorders.
In other words, the internet is merely the medium through which these difficulties manifest.
The root cause is often the parent. You can try to run from that truth, but you won't get very far.
It’s that same parent—and I suspect you played a part too—who chose "peace and quiet at home" as the priority, making it easiest to just say, "go to the computer," so you could have a few hours of silence.
Now, that choice is coming back to haunt you.
Specifically, you won't find help just anywhere; you’d likely need to look toward somewhere like the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (Washington, D.C., I believe... near Kennedy Street...)
Treatment typically lasts anywhere from six months to three years.
We are talking about psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, breaking habits, and in extreme cases, pharmacotherapy.
But without a fundamental change in approach from your side, it’s all for nothing—there is no point or purpose in trying if you don't commit.
The computer must be kept in a common area, not tucked away in his bedroom. That is the essential first step.
Set an alarm on the phone, and once it goes off, the computer time for the day is over. Period.
Force more social interaction, contact with other kids, and definitely some kind of physical activity.
This type of addiction is incredibly difficult; it requires a massive amount of time and a lot of nerves.