Posts by urbanskipper4

Jason Vaughn482 said:What dosage are you currently on? A friend of mine handed me some 100 mg pills he had just sitting in his desk drawer and suggested I simply split them in half. However, looking at the tablet now, there isn't a score mark or any indentation to guide the way, and frankly, I’m paralyzed by the thought of hacking it into three uneven pieces. I haven't taken anything yet; I'm just sitting here staring at this tiny fragment of a pill, feeling a genuine sense of dread about whether I should even attempt it.

Just use a knife to split it. I remember back when I was on Seroquel, I used to split mine all the time. Even at the hospital, they’d use those little pill cutters to slice everything up.

They even go as far as crushing tablets into fine powder for patients who refuse to swallow them.

Jason Vaughn482 said:Well, fine then. I was already waiting, so I went ahead and grabbed a different red box—some Fit Vital premium wheat germ. It shouldn't matter much; I'll just finish this one first and then pick up the specific bran you mentioned later. I think I got mixed up because you mentioned wheat bran and I instinctively connected it to what I saw on the shelf... even though this one also claims high fiber content and calls itself premium wheat germ.
Thanks, 🙂

Have you tried cutting back on the Xanax?
The meds are making me crave cookies. I am obsessed with cookies, but I'm supposed to be on a diet.

Jason Vaughn482 said:That sounds like a plan; I'll check them out since I'm already feeling way too reliant on laxatives. Thanks.

The wheat bran stuff you're looking for—look for "wheat bran fiber." You can find those red boxes over at Whole Foods. It's about $2.00 bucks for a 250g bag.
Best way is to take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with some warm water. If that tastes like total garbage to you, just mix it with milk or something.

Just grab two of them, you'll need it.

silentmarlin76 said:I don't even know where to start with this one, honestly, because there’s just so much to unpack from what was said, but I guess I'll dive in anyway since my brain won't let me settle down until I've chewed on it for a bit. It's funny how certain things just stick in your head, isn't it? You're just going about your day, maybe grabbing a coffee in Seattle or something, and suddenly you're spiraling over a conversation you had three days ago. Anyway, regarding what was mentioned...

Lyrica is some heavy-duty stuff... Honestly, you can notice it with pretty much any medication they put you on, that whole water retention thing. It doesn't have to be a huge deal if you’re just feeling a bit bloated around the stomach—that’s kind of par for the course—but you really ought to get your liver checked out, especially if you start noticing swelling in your legs. If you don't mind me asking, what are they even having you take it for? Not trying to pry or anything, just curious.

I don't really know how else to put this, but I've been sitting here staring at my screen for what feels like an eternity just trying to find the right way to respond to everything that’s been said, because honestly, there's so much to unpack and my brain is feeling a little bit like scrambled eggs today. It’s funny, isn't it, how we all end up in these digital spaces just drifting along, hoping someone actually gets what we're trying to say, even when we're being a total mess about it? Anyway, I was looking back at what was mentioned earlier, and it really got me thinking about how much stuff changes depending on who you ask, which is kind of wild if you stop to dwell on it for more than a second. I guess I'm just rambling now, sorry, I tend to go off on these little side quests in my own head sometimes, but I just felt like I had to share those thoughts before they drifted away entirely.

I guess I’m just sitting here thinking about things again, probably overthinking them more than I should, which is kind of my specialty, I suppose. You know how it goes when you start spiraling down one of those mental rabbit holes where everything feels a little too heavy and you can't quite shake that sense of unease. It’s like being stuck in a fog where you’re trying to find your footing but the ground just feels a bit too soft, if that makes any sense? Anyway, I was just reflecting on how much easier life might feel if we could just flip a switch and turn off all that background noise in our heads, though I know deep down that it isn't actually that simple, no matter how much we wish it were. Just one of those days where my brain is doing its own thing and I'm just along for the ride, trying to make sense of it all while sipping on some coffee and hoping the clouds clear up soon. kaže: I honestly feel like we should be sending everyone struggling with mental health issues in for a full checkup once a year, you know? Like, just a regular, comprehensive deep dive to see where things stand. It feels like we just sort of drift along until something hits the fan, but if we actually had a system for annual screenings, maybe we could catch the downward spirals before they turn into total freefalls. Just a thought, I guess—maybe I’m just overthinking it again, but it seems like it would make so much more sense. Just thinking about everyone out there who’s currently navigating life on a mix of AD and AP... you know, those of us just trying to keep our heads above water with the daily meds and the anti-anxiety stuff.

Man, what they actually ought to be doing is lightyears away from how they’re actually running things... I know, I know, there's supposed to be a rule for this kind of stuff, but honestly, hardly anyone ever bothers to post about it, and from what I can tell, nobody even considers it essential documentation for anything, so everyone just skips right over it.

Sometimes my stomach looks like I’m freaking pregnant.
I’m taking it for anxiety tied to my OCD. I also struggle with some pre-psychotic symptoms.
This time around they switched me over to an anti-epileptic because, honestly, every other antipsychotic makes me put on at least 50 pounds.

I feel like Lyrica bumps up my appetite on Yelp just a little bit, nothing crazy though.

Anyone else taking Lyrica? It’s got me feeling super bloated and my legs feel all swollen and weird.

Jason Vaughn482 said:I’ve been taking it for five years myself, and frankly, I have my doubts about whether one can just quit overnight; if I pull the plug, how on earth am I supposed to actually get any sleep?

Just taper off the dose slowly. And maybe use some Xanax to help you get through the transition.
I actually had to stop because I couldn't get my hands on it anymore.

As for the constipation thing... honestly, I think most of us deal with that. I rarely take laxatives now. There was a period where I was using them way too much and my body just got used to relying on them.

Check the Walgreens aisle; they have those wheat germ seeds in the red box. They're around $2.00. They work pretty well for me. I'll find out the exact brand name and let you know.

Jason Vaughn482 said:How many years had you been using Ambien? I would give anything to follow in your footsteps; I've been relying on it for years now and still can't seem to fall asleep without it.

I was on it for five years.

Anyone else out there taking Lyrica? My stomach is seriously bloating up. I can actually feel this constant pressure in my gut... honestly, at this rate, I’m gonna look like I’m pregnant by next week.

My appetite has definitely gone up, too, though I'm trying my best to hold back.
Loud noises are driving me crazy lately, and crowds just totally set me off. I get so incredibly agitated when things get hectic.
I just hope I don't end up slapping someone in public, haha.😠

Now my face is breaking out in eczema—just these little blisters everywhere. I can't tell if it's the meds or if some new moisturizer I used is messing with me.

l

I mostly hang out on the OKP forums, but I pop in here every now and then.
I finally managed to get myself off Ambien.
Honestly, I thought it was going to be impossible, but I actually did it.

I used to take 10 mg of Ambien.
My doctor told me they wouldn't prescribe it anymore because I’d been using it way too long—apparently, the new rules say you can only get it for maybe two or three weeks max.
So, I started cutting my dose in half to 5 mg and took some 0.25 mg Valium along with it for a week.

After that, I dropped down to just a quarter pill of Ambien and kept taking the Valium for another week.

Then I moved on to just taking the Valium. Now? I'm not even touching that anymore.

I'm just sticking to my regular prescribed meds now.

Anyway, I just wanted to reach out and encourage anyone else here who's trying to kick Ambien. Just wanted to say that it really is possible.

Charles Wright said:That’s encouraging! How many milligrams do you take daily, and how many times a day? Are you taking it along with any other pills? Thanks.

25 mg Anafranil, three times a day (2,2,2)
150 mg Aurorix, twice a day (1,0,1)
25 mg Lyrica, three times a day—that's my current setup (2,2,2)
I'm on it for OCD.

Charles Wright said:Has anyone here actually used Anafranil? It hasn't been manufactured locally for quite a while now, so if it gets prescribed, you usually have to source it from overseas. I think I read somewhere that you might be able to pick it up at a pharmacy in Chicago, though it wouldn't be under that specific brand name since it's imported from Germany.

God, the misinformation floating around about getting your hands on Anafranil is unreal. I've been on it for 12 years now.

It used to be made by Pfizer. Then they stopped because the margins weren't there—it was just too cheap to bother making.

For years, I used to grab mine at a CVS over near the city center and spent a small fortune on it.

I found out recently that you can get it via prescription again. Local pharmacies usually have it in stock if you go to a standard drugstore in the suburbs. You just need to show your psychiatric history and a blue prescription. Sometimes they import it from Germany, other times from Austria.

It's pretty easy to handle. It lowered my blood pressure a bit when I first started. The main side effect that hit me was intense sweating. Now, I only sweat a little, probably because my body finally got used to it.

Tyler Brown2 said:Can someone please tell me, how on earth did you all deal with this?

I’ve got this issue—most of you know my situation, and you know my meds have been a constant revolving door of changes. I really need some advice for those of us who have packed on the pounds because of our prescriptions. It’s obvious this isn't "natural" weight gain; the scale just jumps up instantly, and while it can drop just as fast, I have to stay on these meds, and the weight just keeps climbing. Honestly, I don't care about how I look in the mirror as much as the fact that none of my clothes fit anymore. It’s getting hard to even bend over to tie my sneakers, I struggle with the stairs, and don't even get me started on waking up under the influence of my meds—I feel completely disoriented and have to rush to the bathroom immediately; it's a struggle just to stand up. It’s becoming a bit much, frankly. That’s why I started the new Ad Fevarin, but I'm still on Seroquel, and it's not exactly a small dose... come on, please, tell me: how do you actually control weight while on this kind of therapy?

Stick to foods with a low glycemic index. If you're struggling with extra weight, swimming is probably your best bet. If you start jumping around too much during workouts, you're just going to wreck your joints. Once you warm up a bit, maybe try cycling.
It might be best to go see an internist or a nutritionist to have them put together a meal plan for you.

urbanskipper4 said:Hey zvonx. I started taking Lyrica because of my anxiety. I'm only on day two. It makes me a little sleepy, but the anxiety is still right there. I guess it probably just needs more time to kick in.

I'm feeling a bit out of it from it.

How many days did it take before you felt it working?
How was your appetite? I really hope it doesn't make me ravenous because I'm trying to stick to a diet.

Oh, and I'm getting a little dizzy, too. Everything feels slow and I'm kind of clumsy.
Today I was carrying a piece of paper in one hand and a water bowl in the other, and I ended up dumping the water straight into the trash can and tossing the paper into the sink.🤦
It's one of those moments where you don't know whether to laugh or cry.😉

Plus, I'm coming up with the weirdest word combinations. Like, I told my mom to put a cup in the sink instead of water in the sink, or telling someone there's no toilet paper in the restroom. My brain is mush.

restlesstrucker15 said:I find myself returning to this question: is anyone here currently taking Lyrica? It’s typically prescribed in lower doses for generalized anxiety or neuropathy. I was on it quite some time ago to deal with nerve damage following spinal surgery, but I only managed to tolerate it for about two months. While it worked wonders for my anxiety, it left me feeling wired—almost like I was on speed—which made sleep impossible. As for the neuropathy, you really need a higher dose and longer-term use to see results, so the pain persisted regardless. I am curious to hear if anyone else is using it and how you are managing.
Also, I know Amyl is sometimes prescribed in small amounts, though I will need to consult with my neurosurgeon and coordinate that with my psychiatrist.
If you are struggling with anxiety, feel free to ask about Lyrica, though unfortunately, it can be quite expensive. Just keep in mind it isn't indicated for epilepsy.

Skickas fr

Hey zvonx. I started taking Lyrica because of my anxiety. I'm only on day two. It makes me a little sleepy, but the anxiety is still right there. I guess it probably just needs more time to kick in.

I'm feeling a bit out of it from it.

How many days did it take before you felt it working?
How was your appetite? I really hope it doesn't make me ravenous because I'm trying to stick to a diet.

Oh, and I'm getting a little dizzy, too. Everything feels slow and I'm kind of clumsy.
Today I was carrying a piece of paper in one hand and a water bowl in the other, and I ended up dumping the water straight into the trash can and tossing the paper into the sink.🤦
It's one of those moments where you don't know whether to laugh or cry.😉

fadedbear92 said:Aside from those, certain anticonvulsants like Tegretol can help too—I used to sleep like a baby on it, but then I developed an allergy, so my doctor immediately pulled it and switched me over to Q-pin.

I tried Carbamazepine once. Honestly? It made me feel sick to my stomach... like, total nausea, and my head felt all weird and foggy.

Jason Vaughn482, can you actually get San Francisco on a private prescription? Like, which one—the blue or the black kind?

What should I take instead of San Francisco? Anyone got any suggestions? Just curious, though I am definitely seeing my psychiatrist regardless. Peace to everyone.

Thanks to fadedbear92, Michael Hill2, Jason Vaughn482, and restlesstrucker15 for all the help and replies.

Michael Hill2: says she's an OCD freak.😵She’s on Anafranil and Aurorix right now. Apparently, the insomnia started back when she was trying out Prozac, Fevarin, and Seroquel. Even though she isn't even taking those
meds anymore, she's developed this massive dependency on San Francisco and now she can't sleep a wink without it.

I know, I know—I really should get off the San Francisco.
But honestly, someone just needs to give me something else because without it, I don't sleep and I can't function at work. My job comes with a ton of responsibility.
I'll have to see my psychiatrist for a check-up anyway, so hopefully she can swap it for something else to help me sleep.

restlesstrucker15: I heard Dormicum is brutal? I have this sinking feeling I'm never going to get free from sleeping pills. Honestly, it would have been better if I'd never started them in the first place.

My primary care doctor is driving me absolutely insane. She’s refusing to let me stay on my sleep meds anymore, saying I can only take them for three weeks max. I’ve been on 10 mg doses for four years straight. Now, I’ve got just enough left to try tapering down to 5 mg so I can finally get off this stuff. To make matters worse, my psychiatrist told me to just switch over to 0.25 mg of Xanax because she claims there isn't anything else she can give me. Honestly? Xanax does nothing for me. I honestly can't even remember the last time I actually slept through the night. I struggle to drift off, then I’m wide awake again after three hours, and then I’m staring at the ceiling for another two or three. 😵There has to be something out there that actually works for sleeping. This whole situation is a total nightmare. 🙂

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Ugh, I honestly don't know. Diet culture has become such a total nightmare for women in this country, hasn't it? People are constantly hunting for the next "miracle" pill or supplement just to shed a few ounces.
It really comes down to how we define obesity and when a diet is actually necessary. If someone is carrying significant extra weight, the only way is to go slow over a long period. You need those little breaks to let your body adjust to its new baseline before starting again.
That's the only sustainable way; anything else is just a roller coaster of crashing and rebounding.
Man, you listed quite a laundry list of medications there.
But remember, you always have a choice. You shouldn't just blindly swallow whatever a psychiatrist prescribes if it doesn't sit right with you—don't just let them dictate your life.
Surely we still have enough freedom in America to make our own decisions, right?
As for the hunger, I personally think it’s more of a habit than actual physical starvation. In my book, there's no excuse for eating after 6 or 7 PM; snacking around midnight is practically a crime!
If things get intense and the anxiety kicks in, try reaching for some fruit or vegetables instead. It doesn't have to be a massive sandwich loaded with pounds of deli meat and heaps of cheese.
Just by cutting out late dinners, you'll eventually start seeing results.
You can always explain all these side effects to your doctor; it's just that in the heat of the moment, it rarely occurs to us to bring up those specific details.

Hmm, yeah, I'm 45 pounds overweight. "Corpulant" is such a nice way for you to put it; I'd just say I'm fat.
I love bread, pastries, cookies... That's what really does me in.

Oh, and there are still more meds I've been on:

Paxil, Zoloft, Eglonyl, Dogmatil, all mixed in with the ones mentioned earlier.
Now that I think about it, I could probably make a career out of testing drug side effects, since pretty much everything sticks to me.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:@emma88

With any medication—and especially with an AP—there’s always this looming possibility that certain side effects will kick in, or maybe they just linger.
When we group everything under one big umbrella, we're basically just trying to figure out how to take a pill while minimizing the fallout, all while ensuring the drug actually does what it's supposed to do in the first place.
I’ve cycled through Vera, Alexander, and several others, and honestly? Every single one brought its own unique set of issues.
I’m still dealing with some side effects right now, but they aren't stopping me from living my life normally.
I think the best approach is to just make peace with it as long as you can maintain a semblance of a normal existence. Isn't constantly hunting for new medications or trying things we haven't touched before just making our future more complicated?
Of course, there is a valid reason to switch if the current medication is causing so many side effects that the damage outweighs the benefits. A drug shouldn't be doing more harm to the body than the actual illness itself!
As for the weight gain issue... I believe I've mentioned this somewhere before, but I'm not convinced that any specific medication is the sole culprit behind the scale going up. In my view, it’s more about lifestyle and mindset than the pills themselves. They might mess with your metabolism enough to trigger cravings or a sudden urge for sweets, but ultimately, the responsibility falls on us to try and exercise some self-control.

Yeah, sure, maybe the pill isn't "fattening" per se, but it triggers those cravings. For me, it hits like crazy—I get this insane hunger and get so jittery that I absolutely *have* to eat, it's awful. How the hell are you supposed to stick to a diet like that?