Posts by redranger2

Jason Vaughn482 said:And which antidepressant are you pairing with that, and are you still using Xanax? Honestly, I can't bring myself to touch those antipsychotics. I end up leaning most heavily on Xanax, and for sleep, I rely on Salvatore. Every time I read some horror story about having a stroke, I lose the nerve to take anything, and then I get caught in this vicious cycle where the fear of the pills themselves triggers a massive panic attack.😢 🙂

I'm currently on Lexapro.
I used to rely on Xanax, but since I started taking an antipsychotic during the
daytime, I don't really need it anymore because this medication keeps me steady.
I take the antipsychotic to deal with this damn insomnia, along with intense anxiety and restlessness.

Steven Martin13 said:Thanks for the insight! I think I might give them a shot if that's how they work. 😍

Quick follow-up question, though—how long have you been on them, and what was it like when you finally decided to stop?

I started out on the antipsychotic Vera for about two years, but then it suddenly, almost
overnight, just stopped working, and my insomnia came roaring back. I managed to get
off it within a week without any major fallout or side effects. I stayed off the
AP for about a month and a half, but then everything spiraled again—chronic insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks—so last November, my psychiatrist prescribed
the Q-pill (Seroquel). I started low at just 25 mg, moved up to 50, then 100, and eventually settled at 200 mg, where I remain. If I ever stop taking them, it would likely
only be because they’ve lost their efficacy, at which point I’d just switch to a different AP. I simply can't function without an AP; antidepressants alone don't cut it for me.

Steven Martin13 said:Do you mean feeling weirder than you already do? 😁

What's your experience been like with this "little pink pill"? 🙂

Quite positive, actually. They allow me to sleep soundly and my anxiety has finally receded, provided
that I manage the dosage myself. I take 200 mg in total—50 mg in the afternoon
and 150 mg at night to help me drift off.
They don't alter my personality; I don't feel sluggish, intoxicated, or otherwise changed.

Steven Martin13 said:Yeah, I’m pretty convinced it’s going to change me so much that I won't even recognize myself anymore.😁

Whatever, we'll give it a shot. 😍

Anyway, I’m totally on the same page as you here—if you don't mind me asking (and if it's not too private), what exactly is your diagnosis? I don't want to go scrolling through half the forum trying to find out.

It’s the same as yours, F41. Though, honestly, I suspect I might need an additional label added to my file, since
beyond the anxiety and panic, I dealt with several depressive episodes about two years back.

No, these pills aren't going to rewrite your entire personality; they're simply going to quiet the noise, which might make you feel somewhat disconnected from your usual self. You can always give them a shot, and if the experience doesn't sit right with you, you can just stop taking them without making a scene. They won't leave you permanently altered in the sense that you become a stranger to yourself or the people around you.

😁

Steven Martin13 said:Thanks for the reply—I think I might just be overthinking this whole thing.

Look, there is nothing unusual about feeling this way, considering it is practically baked into the diagnosis.
Personally, I find myself paralyzed by anxiety every single time I start a new medication.
And that applies to more than just psychiatric drugs; it's a pattern that holds true for just about anything else I take. 🤣

Steven Martin13 said:I was really hoping someone might be able to chime in here—maybe share some of your own experiences or just offer a bit of guidance.

My doctor suggested that while I’m taking my 50mg Zoloft in the morning, I should also take 25mg of Seroquel at night to help with the anxiety, along with Xanax PR (though I only take that one very rarely).

As for what's going on, my diagnosis is currently listed as F41—though nothing is set in stone just yet. I've been on the Zoloft for about four months now.

The real struggle right now is this overwhelming, nagging obsession that I’m actually losing my mind—it’s hard to even put into words how intense that feeling is—but other than that specific fear, I don't really deal with any intrusive thoughts.

Is it actually standard practice to prescribe an antipsychotic to manage anxiety? 😕

And what kind of effects should I expect from a dose like that, and how long am I looking at having to stay on it?

I picked up the prescription about two weeks ago, but I haven't actually started taking them yet.😢

Over the last few years, I've noticed psychiatrists prescribing antipsychotics for both anxiety and depression quite frequently. It isn't unusual at all.
That Seroquel you were given is a solid AP; it works wonders when taken at night to handle insomnia, but it also addresses various intrusive thoughts and obsessions—it isn't strictly reserved for schizophrenia.
You've been prescribed a minimal dose of 25 mg, considering they make versions in 25, 100, and 200 mg increments. Since people can be on much higher doses, like 400 or 500 mg, you can see just how low your dosage actually is. For instance, I'm personally on 200 mg.
If you take it during the day—acting as a substitute for Xanax or other anxiolytics—it will cause drowsiness initially, but that usually tapers off after a while.

Matthew Clark3 said:Hey everyone, quick question here......
With my antidepressant, I usually take one tablet in the morning.
Since my sleep schedule is all over the place, I don't really have a set wake-up time. Some days it’s 9, other days it’s 10 or 11...
Does it matter with this kind of medication if I don't take it at the exact same time every day, like you would with antibiotics?!

It doesn't matter what exact hour you take it in the morning, as long as it is during the morning hours. 😉
Even if you happen to sleep in until noon or 1:00 PM, it isn't going to cause any real issues.

shadowbear9 said:Hi, I was prescribed 10mg of Valium today along with 0.5mg of Xanax, even though I really should have been given two doses of the Xanax. I honestly don't know what to ask for because I feel absolutely terrible, and this just isn't going to cut it since I take Xanax for both my stress and my insomnia. I’m heading in for my follow-up appointment tomorrow morning, so what should I bring up regarding this sleeplessness? Maybe Mirataz? Or perhaps some antipsychotics? Please, give me some advice... and please don't just ignore me; I'm dealing with my own struggles just like everyone else here... thanks.

In my experience, a low-dose antipsychotic like Seroquel was the only thing that actually worked for my severe, chronic insomnia.

hiddenfox51 said:Hey everyone. Quick question for the group. I’m currently taking Zoloft + Ativan. Lately, I’ve been feeling... strange. It’s honestly pretty hard to put my finger on exactly what it feels like, but it’s almost like my brain is stuck in overdrive—just constantly racing and overthinking everything, like I'm perpetually waiting for something big to happen. I get these occasional tremors too, and this weird tingling sensation that just washes over me. Is it possible that this is all just a side effect from the meds? And if I decide to stop taking them, do you think this feeling will eventually fade away? Thanks so much.

If you decide to quit antidepressants cold turkey, you’re just asking for unnecessary trouble, specifically
the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal. Honestly, what you're describing is something you need to run by your
psychiatrist rather than asking us here on the forum. It’s entirely possible your dosage simply needs an adjustment.😉

Jason Vaughn482 said:Yes, I am aware of that, but I haven't cycled through many different antidepressants yet. I intend to bring it up during my next appointment, though last time she was quite hesitant to prescribe Prozac... and while I have no desire to deal with Valium either, reading about the side effects of antipsychotics sends me into a complete tailspin of panic. Specifically, that mention of stroke is terrifying, especially since I already struggle with high blood pressure. My only thought is to take the absolute minimum dose possible, though I honestly don't even know which one to ask for.

Q—you can take it in minimal doses starting at 25 mg, though it usually comes in 100 or 200 mg increments. Honestly, I’ve reached a point where I no longer care about the side effects; once you hit the stage where nothing matters anymore, you realize just how desperate your situation truly is.

Jason Vaughn482 said:Of course they aren't the same thing, but my point was that if you're popping an antidepressant every single day just to maintain basic functionality—much like someone taking daily blood pressure medication—it shouldn't be labeled as "addiction" by your logic. So, I’m genuinely curious about where you draw the line. What is the meaningful distinction between taking 1 mg of Xanax daily to stay level, or perhaps taking 20 mg of Prozac to feel normal? In both scenarios, you are dependent on a chemical to function. If you're on an antidepressant, does that somehow negate the need for Xanax? Because in my experience, even when I was on Mirtazapine, I still found myself reaching for Xanax. I suppose I eventually stopped the antidepressant, but the overlap was real. To me, the true red flag would be a creeping tolerance where the dosage keeps climbing; for instance, I have a real issue with Valium. I absolutely despise it, yet I find myself unable to drift off without it. It started with a single pill, and now I'm struggling to even get through 10 mg, all while dealing with side effects that I find utterly loathsome...

The reality of the situation is that Xanax shouldn't be the primary tool in any treatment plan. It’s meant to be a temporary bridge until the antidepressant actually kicks in and starts doing its job, though unfortunately, we often see patients who remain anxious despite the antidepressant, leaving Xanax as their only means of relief.
Benzodiazepines and similar drugs ought to be treated as short-term fixes, much like taking ibuprofen for a toothache; you use it while the pain persists, but once the dentist fixes the underlying issue, the medication becomes unnecessary. That is how all anxiolytics should ideally be managed.
My psychiatrist is staunchly opposed to using Xanax, Mirtazapine, or other anxiolytics because he argues they depress the central nervous system and ultimately damage the nerves themselves. Similarly, he refuses to prescribe hypnotics like Valium, Zan, or Ambien for insomnia, citing the inevitable development of tolerance and the risk of exacerbating an existing depression. Consequently, I take antipsychotics to manage my sleep issues instead.

Timothy Wood38 said:Could someone please share their experiences with Klonopin? If you’ve tried other anxiolytics as well, I’d love a comparison—specifically regarding how fast they kick in, how effectively they knock out anxiety, if they act as a sedative, and so on.
Thanks

Rejoflajt would probably be your best bet for information on this, as she takes it herself. You should ask her.😉

Anthony Lopez8 said:Fair enough. In my own experience, getting off benzos was seamless, stepping down from antipsychotics was a bit of a struggle, but quitting antidepressants? That was an absolute nightmare—easily the most prolonged and exhausting process I've faced. In fact, I would go so far as to say the withdrawal from antidepressants was almost entirely physical; my mental state barely even played a role in the discomfort.
However, it wouldn't be intellectually honest of me to take my personal history and draw a sweeping generalization that you can get addicted to antidepressants but not to benzos. 🤷

There really is no universal rule here; it clearly varies from one individual to the next.
My therapist was quite clear with me, suggesting that addiction isn't the issue with antidepressants,
rather, the tapering process has to be handled with extreme patience because the brain simply needs
sufficient time to recalibrate its own chemistry, and those symptoms are just the fallout of that adjustment.
Since you cruised through your benzo withdrawal and I struggled through mine, it proves there's no
standardized pattern at play.🤷

Gerald Torres2 said:My therapist actually told me to stick with the Xanax, claiming that only a third of people end up getting hooked on it. That's not good enough for me. I spent eighteen months trying to get off Misar, and I have absolutely zero desire to go through that cycle all over again—it's the exact same trap. Honestly, I'd much rather they just add Zoloft to my treatment. Even though it's in the same class as Seroxat, which I couldn't stand, there's no guarantee it'll affect me the same way. My regular doctor is too busy right now, so I'm stuck dealing with the social worker for the time being...🙂

For me, Cipralex cleared up the panic attacks and anxiety, even if I still deal with occasional relapses. Usually, my doctor bumps up the dosage, things improve for a while, and then we end up sliding back down to the previous dose until the next flare-up occurs.🙂

You really need to talk to your doctor; it doesn't matter if they work at a community health center, you can still find some truly excellent professionals there.
They will understand once you explain that despite this current treatment, you
are still struggling. They might even suggest a combination that works better than what you're currently doing
with the Zoloft.

Gerald Torres2 said:But from what I've seen, it’s entirely different for everyone. Some people find it impossible to get off Zoloft even with a slow taper, while others just cut their dose in half every week until they're done... I guess... who knows which category I fall into.

That's certainly true. Everyone reacts to medication differently, so the symptoms of
withdrawal tend to vary wildly.
Beyond the physical, there's a significant psychological component at play. When you're on a prescription, there's a certain sense of security, but the moment you stop, you're left fearing that every old demon is going to come rushing back.
Even now, I still carry a Xanax in my wallet—it serves as a sort of psychological safety net
that gives me peace of mind; knowing that if things start to spiral, the pill is right there next to me.

Anthony Lopez8 As I have previously noted:
What exactly is the distinction between experiencing a shift in your brain chemistry that triggers withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, versus simply being physically addicted to a substance? 😕

There is a fundamental distinction.
Once you find yourself spiraling into a dependency on benzodiazepines, the symptoms of withdrawal begin to manifest with a rather relentless, heavy persistence.
It functions quite differently than standard antidepressants or antipsychotics. For instance, my own experience with antipsychotics was a completely different ordeal altogether.
I managed to taper off without much trouble in just a week, though doing it while on benzodiazepines made the entire process significantly more drawn out and grueling.
That is precisely why tapering off any kind of medication becomes such a grueling ordeal. It isn’t just about the physical dependency; it’s the psychological warfare that follows when you try to reclaim your own chemistry from a pill. Once you've relied on something to steady your nerves or balance your mood, stepping away feels less like a recovery and more like walking a tightrope without a net. You realize far too late how much of your perceived stability was actually just a chemical illusion, and trying to find your footing again is an exhausting, uphill battle.
One shouldn't attempt to rush such a transition abruptly, lest you trigger a systemic shock that ripples through the entire body—and the brain along with it.

Scott Alvarez22 said:Gerald Torres2
please, don't let yourself get worked up over this!
Zoloft is exactly that, but it’s a slow burn; it takes time to kick in. If you were looking to step things up from Zoloft, you might look toward Pfizer or Eli Lilly, though I haven't personally ventured down those paths yet.
Regarding Effexor, the documentation states something like this:

Effexor tablets are indicated for the treatment of depression, including cases where depression is accompanied by anxiety.
Effexor is utilized in the treatment of:

All types of anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social phobia…
Mixed forms, specifically anxious-depressive disorder.
Various neurotic depressive disorders (I say neurotic because in bipolar disorder, or what used to be called manic-depressive psychosis, the depression and anxiety are entirely different in terms of psychodynamics and everything else).
Hypochondriasis—which is a notoriously difficult disorder to treat and a heavy burden for the patient to live with. I really ought to write a more detailed post about that in a separate thread. These are individuals who constantly feel they are suffering from various ailments—one day it's this, the next it's that—they go for medical checkups far too often, yet there's no organic evidence of illness. Still, they persistently experience symptoms like stinging pains, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
Recent studies also suggest the medication might be useful for severe forms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (I'll touch on that topic more deeply some other time).
Certain conditions manifesting within categories of various "personality disorders," such as Borderline Personality Disorder or similar emotional instability profiles.

Furthermore, with Zoloft and similar drugs (after about six months), you definitely develop a dependency, which is why you need to taper off very gradually over several months. Apparently, with Effexor, you can transition immediately if you stop Zoloft on the same day, meaning you don't necessarily face that agonizing withdrawal period.

So, HOW do you keep depression and anxiety under control? That's precisely why I posted here in the first place—because I honestly don't know!

The issue isn't that you get addicted to antidepressants; it's the benzodiazepines that cause addiction. You never abruptly quit an antidepressant because doing so completely wreaks havoc on your brain chemistry. The reason we taper off gradually is simply to allow the
brain to adjust to a new equilibrium, not because the patient is "addicted" to the medication itself.

Gerald Torres2 said:No, that’s actually the whole problem. I’m only taking Wellbutrin and Xanax, and my goal is to get off the Xanax entirely and just stick to an antidepressant. The thing is, Wellbutrin doesn't touch my anxiety or my panic attacks at all.

Whenever these setbacks occur, we are looking at a relapse.
You need to be just as blunt with your psychiatrist as you are with us: tell them clearly that the Wellbutrin isn't touching your anxiety.
At that point, they will either introduce a new AD to supplement what you're already on, or they might even prescribe
an antipsychotic just to settle that anxiety down.

wiredmason56 said:So, I just got back from my follow-up appointment. As soon as I walked into the office, the doctor immediately lit up a cigarette😁 and asked how things were going. I told him honestly, "not great," and then he actually suggested I check into the ward for a little while to rest up.🤣 I told him no thanks—I’ve got work to do, and stepping away wouldn't really help my situation. He asked why, but didn't push it too hard. Anyway, I walked him through everything that happened with the Wellbutrin—the paranoia, the insomnia, and those other major issues. His immediate reaction was basically to tell me to toss the stuff in the trash. Then he asked if I’d ever been on anything a bit stronger, like Prozac, Haldol, Risperdal, or Stelazine. I told him no, I haven't really gone down that road. He mentioned he could put me on 1mg of Risperdal since it isn't anything too intense. That reminded me of Seroquel, so I brought it up, and he ended up prescribing Seroquel 25 mg to take before bed; apparently, it’ll help dial down the paranoia. He also added Effexor 75 mg and either Lustral or Klonopin 3 x1 to the mix. On top of my usual diagnosis, he’s adding a second one to the chart because of the Seroquel. I’m heading to my primary care doctor tomorrow morning to get the actual prescriptions sent over. My next check-in is in a month, which is sooner than my usual every two or three months. He did say if things start feeling heavy again, I should reach out about being admitted to the hospital for a bit.☕

I also turned down hospitalization because of my job—I can't afford to lose it, honestly.
You’ve actually been given a solid regimen. The Seroquel will knock you out nicely at night, and depending
on your psychiatrist's discretion, you can always bump that up to 50, 100 mg, or even higher if
the 25 mg dose ends up being insufficient for sleep.
Klonopin is incredibly calming, especially when you feel completely wired and overstimulated, like you're😁 plugged into a live socket.
Don't worry; you've been given the necessary tools, which means things will steadily start looking up.😉

wiredmason56 said:It’s been over six months for me. I started out on the XL version—you know, the extended release—doing that slow titration at 75 mg. But after just a few weeks, I actually asked to switch to the regular kind because the XL was totally wrecking my sleep. Since it stays in your system all day, I just couldn't drift off at night, so I made the jump to the standard dose. Things seemed to improve pretty quickly after that, so then my doctor suggested trying Wellbutrin. He explained it works better for that heavy, drained feeling—that constant exhaustion and those weird physical symptoms you get. Anyway, about two weeks ago, I went back to my primary care doctor. I actually handed back the whole unopened pack of Wellbutrin and begged her to put me back on Effexor until I could finally make it to my appointment with the psychiatrist. She wrote the script, but I’m holding off on taking anything until I see what the specialist thinks. Honestly, as soon as I took the first dose, I felt a tiny bit better, but the insomnia and those racing, intrusive thoughts have been absolutely brutal these last two weeks. I’m barely hanging on. I’ve been taking two doses of Lorazepam or Clonazepam just to take the edge off, but even then, it’s barely helping...😢I’m basically counting down the seconds until my check-up tomorrow, but at the same time, I’m terrified. I’m scared that once I lay it all out, they’ll just throw an antipsychotic at me, and I really, really don't want to go down that road. I don't know, I feel like I'm losing my mind here. What should I even do?🤷

I understand where you're coming from; you've only been back on Effexor for two weeks. I went through the exact same cycle. It took me nearly two months before my previous antidepressant was reinstated.

So, try to settle your nerves; this isn't a catastrophe, nor is it unsolvable. You simply have to endure the waiting period while the Effexor kicks back in. Hang in there, because once it stabilizes, you'll feel as steady as I do now.

Your psychiatrist might suggest an antipsychotic, but if you refuse to take it, nobody can
force your hand. Just tell them you aren't interested and that it makes you uneasy, though I honestly don't grasp why there is such intense apprehension regarding them. For what it's worth, I take an antipsychotic myself and sleep like a baby, despite previously struggling with insomnia until 6:00 AM.
Ultimately, alongside the Effexor, your doctor might choose to add a second antidepressant to create a synergistic effect. There is no reason to live in fear; you will sit down with them tomorrow and work out a plan. Whatever you do, do not withhold information from your psychiatrist; if you hide your concerns about antipsychotics, they won't be able to provide the actual help you need. Be honest and stop worrying. Everything will eventually level out, you'll see. Make sure to check back in tomorrow and let us know how the appointment went.