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Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Mar 12, 2015

Honestly, it’s just been feeling like this lately, it's not like I've felt this way all the time. I've actually been on this stuff for about a year now, though it took me two whole months just to hit my target dose because my body is such a pain when it comes to getting used to things. So, anyway, I started feeling off again, and yeah, that old bad headspace just totally grabbed me. I ended up bumping up my dose, which is why I was asking if anyone else was dealing with side effects again, but I already took the new amount today and I feel fine so far. Guess this tiny little dose just wasn't cutting it for me anymore

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Mar 12, 2015

Hey guys, just a quick question for anyone who’s been through this...
I'm bumping up my antidepressant dose because, honestly, I'm hitting a massive wall. I had some smaller dips after being on it for a year, but this current crisis is brutal—it feels like everything is just crashing back down on me. One minute I'm stable, the next I'm a total wreck. So, I'm moving from 100 mg of Paxil to 200 mg, basically doing 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg at night.

I'm mostly wondering if increasing the dose means I'll have to deal with all those nasty side effects all over again? Is it going to be a huge ordeal? Since I've been struggling lately, I've been taking a tiny 0.25 mg dose once a day for the last four days, and man, I feel totally buzzed. Like, I'm just out of it and super disoriented all day long. I can't tell if it's the actual crisis or something else. Also, since Paxil tends to be pretty sedating, am I gonna feel even more drugged out if I take the full morning dose? Lately, I've been so sleepy I could sleep for twenty-four hours straight. I literally couldn't keep my eyes open during my lectures, and don't even get me started on the dreams—they're so vivid I could probably write a Hollywood screenplay about them.

If anyone can share what they went through, I would seriously appreciate it. Truly. 🙂

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Oct 21, 2014

I'm honestly spiraling over this article I just stumbled upon: Antidepressants might actually trigger cataracts.

"Taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) was linked to a 51 percent higher risk of needing cataract surgery, while venlafaxine (Effexor) showed a 34 percent increase. Interestingly, no link between cataract surgery and meds was found for people taking fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), or sertraline (Zoloft)."
And here I am, still stuck on my current prescription :/ Why does it feel like there’s a massive wave of articles coming out lately just trashing antidepressants?! 😢 It’s like, when we were at our absolute breaking point, did we even have a choice? Now it feels like everyone is claiming the side effects outweigh the benefits. Honestly, what's next? Are you guys gonna tell me they cause acne and breakouts too? :/

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Aug 26, 2014

Sean Howard2 said:Has anyone here tried Cymbalta? Please let me know.
I’m having major issues with it...
I feel exhausted all day long, almost like my head is foggy or drunk—it's hard to even describe.
I have to use the bathroom constantly, sometimes up to 20 times a day.
I've gained weight too... though that's the least of my concerns right now.
I get incredibly irritable; most of the time, I don't even want anyone talking to me. 🙂
I can't focus on anything at all.
Basically, everything just gets on my nerves and I feel like crying.
I've been on this for 11 months and I've never felt this way before.

I'm going through something similar but with a different med—Farxiga for me. My symptoms actually got worse after being on the therapy for about 6 months. Still waiting to hear back from my psychiatrist, and honestly, if things don't improve soon, I think I'm gonna have to call an emergency crisis center.

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Aug 25, 2014

Michael Hill2 said:Based on those symptoms you described, I don't think you had a full-blown panic attack. From my experience, a real panic attack is nasty—it feels like you're dying, losing your mind, or losing control. Honestly, sounds more like your anxiety just spiked a bit.

Have you seen your psychiatrist recently? You really should go so they can evaluate what's actually going on.

Unfortunately, antidepressants aren't a magic wand that just deletes anxiety or depression. They're just the foundation that gets you to a functional state so you can actually do the work through psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, etc. In my opinion, you can't really have one without the others.

As for the Misar 0.25, go ahead and take it when the anxiety hits hard. You'll be fine. For me, it works great to calm me down and shut up all that internal dialogue and overthinking about whatever problem is bothering me.

Either way, I'd suggest checking in with your doctor and giving psychotherapy some thought.

Did anything happen recently in your life that you think might have triggered these stronger anxiety symptoms?

Hang in there. 🙂

Maybe it wasn't even a full-blown panic attack or whatever, but man, it was enough to totally throw me off my game. I'm completely rattled. 😢 Honestly, in those moments, I legit thought I was losing my mind. Like, I actually wondered if there was something seriously wrong with my brain or if I was just going totally nuts... I don't even know.

Man, things have been absolutely wild lately. Life’s been moving at a million miles an hour and I haven't given myself even a second to just breathe. I've been working a ton leading up to summer—basically every single day from 8 to 4—and then once I get home, I'm immediately jumping back into chores. Especially this past week... it's been non-stop. To make matters worse, some jerk totally snapped at me recently, which honestly just left me feeling like absolute garbage. I ended up heading into work the next day feeling totally miserable because, let's be real, I'm sensitive as hell and everything just gets under my skin. I've definitely been dealing with a lot of anxious thoughts, too. They don't mess with me as much as they used to since I started the antidepressants (which are seriously a lifesaver), but I still feel this massive wave of insecurity. It's scary. Sometimes I feel like I'm actually afraid of myself. On the outside, I'll act all tough and stand my ground, but on the inside? I'm just falling apart. I feel so pathetic. I keep worrying that I have some horrible disorder and that I'm gonna snap soon and turn into a total psycho or someone just plain mean. I don't know. It's a lot.

Ugh, it’s honestly driving me crazy. I just feel so... empty? Like, I can't even wrap my head around feeling anything real for my family or my boyfriend. It’s like there's just nothing there. I don't know if it's the Adderall or maybe just low iron and blood pressure because I was reading online that those could be symptoms... And yeah, I actually just got some blood work back and it turns out I am super low on iron.

So, about therapy... I’ve been seeing this amazing woman over in downtown Chicago, and she told me I can basically call her whenever I need to vent. Honestly, most of our sessions have just been me rambling about how I've been handling everything lately and just processing all my feelings. She’s been great at helping me dig into why my anxiety is such a mess, but we haven't really jumped into the heavy lifting yet—like, you know, actually tackling the intrusive thoughts and killing off the anxiety for good. Once finals are finally out of the way, I’m definitely planning to try some CBT. My psychologist mentioned there’s this legendary professor over at Yale who specializes in it, so I might look into that!

The worst part is that I end up totally blaming my doctor. Like, I feel like they’ve done more damage than actual help, and then I just lose all faith in the whole process. I’m planning on scheduling an appointment with my psychiatrist soon anyway—she told me to check back in around September. Honestly, it feels like such a massive mountain to climb before I can finally feel like my old self again... or even a new version of me, haha. I’ve just let so much insecurity sink into my brain that I second-guess every single thought. I’m constantly spiraling, wondering if my reaction is actually normal or if I'm just completely losing it.

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Aug 25, 2014

Guys, please, I seriously need help... I don't know what to do. Is it actually possible to have a panic attack even though I've been on my meds for two months now? Man, this has never happened to me before, I'm totally lost. First, my stomach was acting up—I already deal with issues there—but then my hands started doing this awful tremor, like an electric current running through them. And then last night, my head just started pounding like it was going to explode... it felt so empty, you know? I'm feeling so hopeless right now. It's true I've been a little anxious lately, but I honestly thought things couldn't get worse if I was staying on my prescription. Plus, my libido is basically non-existent, my blood pressure is low, and my circulation feels off. I don't know if it's all connected or what. This time I'm genuinely terrified that I've got some incurable disease. Why is this happening to me? 😢(( I'm just waiting for the day I actually lose my mind ://

Oh, and should I take some Misar 0.25? Will that just make me completely sedated? I haven't taken it once since I started therapy because I just tried to tough it out, but if we're talking about a full-on panic attack, I'd take it just so I don't feel too drowsy... Please help, I really don't know what to do, I'm scared I can't handle this 😢(

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Jul 1, 2014

Michael Hill2 said:We're on the same dose! I got that same 0.25 mg bottle, but honestly, I haven't even touched them because I was so paranoid about getting hooked or feeling out of it, haha. Looking back, I'm glad I just toughed it out. But seriously, taking it a few times a week isn't going to kill you, trust me. My therapist even told me that in the beginning, 2-3 times a day is totally fine since you're dealing with such intense anxiety.

And regarding the sleep stuff, I went through the exact same struggle. I didn't get more than four hours of sleep at a time for two and a half months. Basically, Paxil has these mild sedative qualities, which is why some people prefer taking it in the evening. For the first four weeks, I had a hard time falling asleep, but now? I sleep like a baby. I really think it’ll help you with that once it settles in, especially if you take it at night.

As for the sleeping pills, I don't have any experience there. Honestly, your best bet is probably asking your therapist or your doctor. They'll know way more about the specifics than we will here on the forum. If I can give any advice, it's just hang in there. Once the meds fully kick in, I bet that sleep issue will resolve itself. Just try not to overthink it too much. 🙂

We're on the same dose! I got that same 0.25 mg bottle, but honestly, I haven't even touched them because I was so paranoid about getting hooked or feeling out of it, haha. Looking back, I'm glad I just toughed it out. But seriously, taking it a few times a week isn't going to kill you, trust me. My therapist even told me that in the beginning, 2-3 times a day is totally fine since you're dealing with such intense anxiety.

And regarding the sleep stuff, I went through the exact same struggle. I didn't get more than four hours of sleep at a time for two and a half months. Basically, Paxil has these mild sedative qualities, which is why some people prefer taking it in the evening. For the first four weeks, I had a hard time falling asleep, but now? I sleep like a baby. I really think it’ll help you with that once it settles in, especially if you take it at night.

As for the sleeping pills, I don't have any experience there. Honestly, your best bet is probably asking your therapist or your doctor. They'll know way more about the specifics than we will here on the forum. If I can give any advice, it's just hang in there. Once the meds fully kick in, I bet that sleep issue will resolve itself. Just try not to overthink it too much. 🙂
Thanks for the kind words. 🙂

I honestly thought that after almost six weeks on Prozac, I'd be sleeping through the night without waking up, but I guess I'm just hoping it needs a little more time to settle in.

I really wish I didn't have to add Zoloft into this whole mess, but I also know Xanax is bad news and incredibly easy to get addicted to. Unfortunately, I just can't function on three or four hours of sleep. 😢

Are you also dealing with having to pee all the time because of the Prozac?
Thanks for the kind words. 🙂

I honestly thought that after almost six weeks on Prozac, I'd be sleeping through the night without waking up, but I guess I'm just hoping it needs a little more time to settle in.

I really wish I didn't have to add Zoloft into this whole mess, but I also know Xanax is bad news and incredibly easy to get addicted to. Unfortunately, I just can't function on three or four hours of sleep. 😢

Are you also dealing with having to pee all the time because of the Prozac?
Now that you mention it, yeah, I have to hit the bathroom more often too, but I'm not really sweating it 😁 as long as it helps us feel better.

And seriously, it took me nearly two months of slowly bumping up my dose before I even hit the full amount, so trust me, we all react differently. Some people just need way more time for everything to click into place...
and honestly, just try not to obsess over the sleep thing. Maybe head to bed a little earlier, chill out, light a scented candle, or grab a good book to read. For me, if I'm not feeling super anxious, a book is a total lifesaver—I'll be reading and then suddenly just drift off mid-page. 🙂

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Jul 1, 2014

My questions are:

1. How often can you take Xanax while still calling it "as needed"? Is doing 0.25mg about 2-3 times a week pushing it?

2. I'm honestly terrified of starting Zoloft because everything I read online says it just turns you into a total zombie—like you're stuck in cement. Has anyone tried a low dose like this (1-3 mg)? What does that "brain fog" actually feel like? I can't afford to be non-functional because of my job.

2. Also, I've read some horror stories about people who stopped taking Zoloft and suddenly couldn't sleep at all without it. I'm scared I'll just make things worse for myself in the long run.

On the bright side, Paxil works pretty well for those intrusive thoughts. I don't constantly worry about whether I'll sleep anymore, my mood is way better, and my appetite is great. Everything is awesome except for the occasional headache and the fact that it hasn't quite given me that solid, unbroken sleep through the night yet.

Thanks for being patient with me, and please, let me know what you guys think!😍

We're on the same dose! I got that same 0.25 mg bottle, but honestly, I haven't even touched them because I was so paranoid about getting hooked or feeling out of it, haha. Looking back, I'm glad I just toughed it out. But seriously, taking it a few times a week isn't going to kill you, trust me. My therapist even told me that in the beginning, 2-3 times a day is totally fine since you're dealing with such intense anxiety.

And regarding the sleep stuff, I went through the exact same struggle. I didn't get more than four hours of sleep at a time for two and a half months. Basically, Paxil has these mild sedative qualities, which is why some people prefer taking it in the evening. For the first four weeks, I had a hard time falling asleep, but now? I sleep like a baby. I really think it’ll help you with that once it settles in, especially if you take it at night.

As for the sleeping pills, I don't have any experience there. Honestly, your best bet is probably asking your therapist or your doctor. They'll know way more about the specifics than we will here on the forum. If I can give any advice, it's just hang in there. Once the meds fully kick in, I bet that sleep issue will resolve itself. Just try not to overthink it too much. 🙂

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Jun 29, 2014

restlesstiger49 said:I have a question for anyone who has used Fevarin in the past or is currently using it. Does anyone experience issues when getting out of bed in the morning—specifically things like dizziness or feeling lightheaded? For context, I take a 50mg dose in the evening.

Look, I'm on 100 mg, which is way higher than what you're taking, and yeah, I totally dealt with the dizziness and that weird, floaty feeling in my head while my body was trying to adjust. It took forever for me to actually get used to it... seriously, ages. But honestly? No more issues now. If anything, I feel super refreshed when I wake up. I sleep like a baby—my alarm barely even touches me. My advice? Crank that volume up way higher and put your phone somewhere across the room so you actually have to stand up to kill the noise. If you just started taking it, those side effects are totally normal. And since you're on such a tiny dose, I wouldn't sweat it too much in the long run.

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Jun 25, 2014

restlesstrucker15 said:Don't worry, this can happen and it's all part of the process. There is no magic pill that will change your fundamental character; we all have to learn to live with the reality that a panic attack might hit us, especially during a terrible situation. Just compare how the panic felt before the antidepressants versus how it feels now. For me, it’s much better. When I stopped taking them on my own and suffered a panic attack, it was a total disaster.
Antidepressants don't ruin your brain. Not every medication is perfect for the body. In the end, we're all going to die of something when we're 70 or 80 anyway, so my choice is to live as high-quality a life as possible until then, whether that means taking antidepressants or pills for kidney issues, epilepsy, or whatever else.

Best regards,

Yeah, I totally feel you on that... I realized it myself recently because I used to think these were like "happy pills" that would just suddenly wipe out every negative thought in my head and make sure they never came back. But nope, it was actually the opposite! It triggered a panic attack or two within a few days, and then I started counting how many days in a row I felt like crap, and the whole cycle of negativity just started spinning again.

I know calming meds help, but before I even started the antidepressants, I popped two Xanax and I honestly felt a hundred times worse. Now I still have this huge aversion to them, especially since my psychiatrist prescribed me Miser, which is basically just a different brand of Xanax.

It feels like you have to fight way harder than just taking the pills. Even with them, there are those stretches where everything feels pointless and I wish they'd just vanish, but like you guys said, I'm not quite that desperate..

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Jun 23, 2014

Hey guys..

I’ve got some things weighing on my mind.. especially for anyone else dealing with OCD or panic attacks. I’ve been on my antidepressants for almost five months now, right? So, a few days ago, some super stressful thing happened and triggered a full-on panic attack. And honestly, I’ve been feeling that pre-panic dread for like three days straight now. It hasn't reached its peak though, mostly because I'm trying to stay chill. I just let it wash over me instead of thrashing around in bed thinking I'm actually losing my mind—I mean, I've already felt like I was going crazy a billion times, so I'm kind of over the drama, haha. Anyway, is it normal to still have a panic attack even while on meds? Like, I hadn't had one in forever and was actually feeling pretty good, so now I'm spiraling into this paranoia that I'm sliding right back to square one, and I really don't want that 😢 so please, if you've been through this, give me some encouragement! I really don't want to bump up my dosage, and I haven't touched any anti-anxiety pills since I started, so I'd rather not go down that road either.

Also, can someone please—for the love of god—post something positive about antidepressants? Seriously. Everywhere I look online, people are claiming they just wreck your brain or cause even more disorders and stuff. For those of us who are extra sensitive, reading all that negativity is so discouraging; it feels like taking ten steps backward

Thanks, sorry if this is a total mess, I hope you guys get what I'm trying to say here 🙂

Psychotropic medication discussion thread in Psychology & Therapy · Mar 24, 2014

Hey, anyone here experienced with antidepressants? I’ve got a quick question 🙂
So, I'm currently on Prozac, but I totally blanked on asking my psychiatrist something during my last checkup... basically, I was thinking about drinking more green tea because my skin has been acting up lately. I already know I have to stay away from alcohol and try to cut back on caffeine, but does that rule apply to all kinds of tea too? Besides St. John's Wort—which I definitely know is a no-go—is there anything else I should watch out for?

Living with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder in Psychology · Dec 6, 2007

George Garcia9 said:and Maca 😢 sorry you're feeling so crappy..

I'm not doing any better either lol. I read the forum but I can't even bring myself to type anything.. I've been crying a lot lately too.. on the phone to friends, even in front of my parents and brother lol. Right now I'm in that "should I stay or should I go" phase, he he, I just want to end it all but they won't let me, they're forcing me into some new therapy and hopefully some psychiatrist who will actually give me MEDS because this depression is unbearable 👎 At college I feel like a total idiot because I can't keep up, I don't want to keep up, I don't want to study statistics, and I sure as hell don't want to write papers.... is there a smiley face here for hysterical crying? lol 😛

But why are you crying, Maca? Is there some specific "reason" you can point to, or do you just start sobbing for no reason at all?

Big kisses!!! 😘

hehe🤣 .....it just hits me when I'm alone.....and then I just cry until I've cried every last tear... please don't kill yourself!!!!! the world still needs you out here... heh.....😢 lool......

hmm....I cry....I don't really have a reason.....I cry because I'm a mess...I cry because I'm crying for no reason.. haha....I'm kinda stupid...but whatever🤷 .....it just hits me the same way......and then I'm just in that mood...😲

Living with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder in Psychology · Dec 3, 2007

Hey George Garcia9!!!!!!

You’ve been totally MIA from the forum lately.... does that mean you’re actually feeling better?? How have things been going these past few days?? I really hope you're staying away because you're finally recovering... haha... because honestly, I am not... I feel absolutely terrible... just sitting here nursing this headache all by myself....

Anyway, just hit me up whenever you catch this post...
Love ya, kiss kiss

Living with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder in Psychology · Nov 10, 2007

Hey... I gotta be honest, reading your posts really helps me out. You actually give me a bit of courage...🙂 It’s honestly great seeing you take on all those problems head-on....