Posts by redranger2

melloweagle30 said:I've been on Effexor for a few months now. I started with half a 37.5 mg tablet in the morning and evening, then my dose was bumped up to one pill in the morning and one at night. However, after today’s check-up and seeing how much things have actually declined—honestly, worse than before I even started the Effexor—my doctor has me taking 75mg in the morning and 37.5mg at night, along with 0.5mg of Misar in the morning and afternoon, plus Cerson at night.

I have another follow-up in four days because my psychiatrist wants to try a different approach once she finishes checking a few things out. I'm feeling pretty lost; I really expected these medications to help me feel better, but instead, I've lost all my motivation. It's getting to the point where I can barely find the strength to get out of bed in the morning, and I've been having more and more thoughts about death.

Also... after I took the Misar, I felt completely detached, like I wasn't even there. It was such a strange sensation, almost as if I didn't exist. I ended up collapsing into bed and slept for six hours straight. I'm wondering if that's a typical reaction to that medication?

There is a distinct possibility that your doctor will either add a second antidepressant to the mix or simply swap out what you're currently taking for something else entirely. You really have to leave that decision in her hands.
It is a documented reality that symptoms can actually intensify during the initial stages of antidepressant treatment. However, if you experience severe depression or suicidal ideation, that specific medication needs to be discontinued or replaced immediately.

The reaction to the Misar is likely quite intense because you are also taking Carson in the evening. In my own experience, Misar mostly just made me sleepy when I first started. If the dose feels too heavy, perhaps try cutting it in half. Generally, Misar is prescribed at the start of treatment to help manage tension and anxiety until the antidepressant takes full effect, but in your case, it might actually be exacerbating the depression. You won't truly know the path forward until your appointment in four days. Hang in there. 👍

William Turner90 said:But what can a second grader actually do differently? They might get upset or try to fight back. At this age, the only real solution is for parents and teachers to step in with some solid guidance. These kids are simply too young to settle disputes through conversation on their own.

But isn't that exactly my point?
The solution isn't for them to whine, throw punches, or simply ignore the issue. To suggest otherwise implies children should settle their own disputes while the adults just stand by staring at the clouds. Of course the responsibility lies with the adults to step in and apply proper pedagogical methods to guide them.

William Turner90 said:If he reports it, he’s labeled a snitch. If he fights back, things could escalate badly. In my experience, when I dealt with bullies, ignoring them was the way to go 😁. Once a pest realizes they aren't getting a reaction, they usually just give up.

Ignoring the situation isn't a solution, because the small-time bullies will just keep going. This needs to be shut down now, while we're still talking about a second grader. By then, it'll be too late. They are still very young, and this is precisely the moment when boundaries need to be established.

Nicholas Edwards10 said:I think I’m heading straight to the front office tomorrow to talk to his teacher. I’m hoping she’s got some common sense about this. I’ll tell her to move their seats, but I really don't want her making a scene or letting the kids know I’m the one who complained. I just want her to andhandle things discreetly...

Anyway, what am I supposed to tell my son? How should he handle it if that little brat starts mocking him again 😕

Do I tell him to report it to the teacher, just ignore the kid, or actually stand his ground???

"Understanding" isn't really the issue here; the teacher needs to take immediate action and separate those kids. Don't lose sleep over how the teacher might react—this is about your child, who has an absolute right to peace in the classroom rather than being harassed by someone already displaying deviant behavior. You need to demand a conversation with that child's parents, because this shouldn't be treated as your private struggle, but rather as their primary responsibility.

Nicholas Edwards10 said:I’m turning to you guys because I honestly don't know what to do... I need some advice.

My kid is in second grade, and he came home from school way earlier than usual today. At first, he claimed his stomach was hurting, but then he changed his story—said it wasn't his stomach, but his leg, because he tripped in the playground. Then, just when I thought we had it figured out, he switches it again, saying he didn't even fall at school, he just hurt himself playing soccer yesterday...
He finally admitted the truth: none of that was real. He just couldn't handle being in class because he's terrified of the kid sitting next to him.😢

Allegedly, this little guy acts like the boss of the classroom. He constantly picks on my son, and the other kids usually jump right in to join the teasing. There hasn't been any actual physical fighting yet, but if my son doesn't do things exactly how this kid wants them done, he gets threatened with being hit and all that kind of stuff...

What do you think is the smartest move here? I'm really worried about him.😢

I went through this exact same thing with my son—and frankly, I dealt with it myself as well—though my situation was perhaps even more severe than yours. You need to schedule a meeting with the teacher and the school counselor, and you should also reach out to the parents of the child who is targeting yours. When parents unite, they can achieve far more than they could alone.
Do not let this slide without intervening, because your child is suffering, and allowing this behavior to continue will inevitably damage his self-confidence as he grows up.

crimsonhound80 said:I sent you a private message, but since you seem to be enjoying this little debate so much, I'll just put my response from the PM right here for everyone to see.

Pharmacotherapy is a highly specialized science—one that even the most "highly educated" psychiatrists in the country tend to ignore.

In reality, about 90% of patients dealing with psychotic or schizophrenic symptoms aren't just on antipsychotics; they're also being cycled through antidepressants, Xanax, and so on.

Most "experts" mismanage "excessive restlessness" by throwing benzodiazepines at it, when I'm telling you—quite clearly, I might add—that the real solution is often stopping the SSRIs, which are the primary culprits behind akathisia.

Antipsychotics deplete dopamine, they don't boost serotonin, and I would love—truly, I would—for one of your precious psychiatrists to explain to me why people feel so incredibly agitated.

The issue lies in serotonin syndrome, which will eventually resolve "on its own" once those heavy-duty SSRIs are discontinued.

...so, no, I have absolutely nothing to apologize for.

---crimsonhound80, could you clarify exactly what you meant by that?
Are you asserting that extreme restlessness—this sense of agitation—is directly caused by SSRIs? In other words, is it your position that the fault lies with the medication and that elevated serotonin levels are what trigger this state?

And does this apply specifically to individuals who were previously calm but became agitated only after starting an antidepressant?

I can’t quite wrap my head around why this thread was frozen in the first place.

It seems like a new one pops up every single day—one person asking about Sanval, another looking into Lexapro, then someone else inquiring about Misar or Prozac...

Is it truly such an impossible task to maintain a single space where people can actually offer support and share the knowledge they've gathered?

crimsonhound80, I have to say, your willingness to help is genuinely commendable.👍

David Bishop4 said:Hey everyone, I have another question for the group. For the last six days, I’ve been taking just a quarter of my 10 mg Lexapro dose. Aside from an occasional, strange, and somewhat unsettling sensation in my head that wakes me up at night—though it doesn't happen every single evening—I haven't dealt with any major side effects. Is this kind of sensation normal? Should I stick with the Lexapro for now? My psychiatrist is currently away on vacation, so I don't have anyone else to consult with at the moment.

If you can tolerate that sensation, then simply endure it, because it will pass. No one is forcing you to jump from a quarter tablet to a half dose overnight. Take it slow. Stick to the quarter dose for a few more days until those side effects settle down a bit. Then, move up to a half tablet for a week. After that, transition from a half back to a quarter for a few days before finally moving to the full tablet. There is absolutely no need to rush. Even a quarter of a pill is certainly enough to be effective. Don't panic; what you're experiencing is perfectly normal. Eventually, you'll be taking the full dose without feeling a thing.🙂

David Bishop4 said:Oh, and I promise I will reach out to my psychiatrist this coming Monday.😁

That sounds like a plan. Make sure you follow up and let us know how the appointment went and what the verdict was.👍

David Bishop4 said:redranger2, you are such a sweetheart... 😘: you truly, deeply comforted me. I am sincerely hoping that I can at least get my panic attacks under control before the semester starts at college. Let's definitely talk again soon. Thank you a million times over. Sending love.

Don't mention it; we're all navigating essentially the same struggles here, and helping one another is the only way forward.
The anxiety will eventually subside once the AT&T medication settles in. Just stay consistent with your dosage, and please, make sure you keep seeing your psychiatrist; they need to monitor your progress to adjust your prescription properly. You shouldn't attempt to self-medicate or change things on your own. Even if the symptoms don't seem to be easing up immediately, try not to spiral into a panic, because if the doctor thinks it isn't working, they might prescribe a second antidepressant alongside the Cipralex, leading to two different medications hitting different mechanisms at once. Don't give up when you start feeling better, and don't quit if things feel stagnant either, otherwise you'll end up in a vicious cycle believing there is no solution for you. That is a mistake you simply cannot afford to make. Make sure to take B-vitamins, eat bananas and plenty of fruit, and yes, you can have some ice cream and a little chocolate—it helps lift the mood. Stick to dried fruits like figs or cranberries and snack on seeds and nuts like sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds, or hazelnuts; grab whatever you can find, as they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Also, take one B-vitamin tablet daily. Most importantly, never let yourself get hungry or experience a blood sugar crash, as that can act as a major trigger for panic. Avoid alcohol, excessive black coffee, and Coke, which are also common triggers. Keep me posted on how you're doing. You'll be feeling like a brand-new person by the time college starts. 😍

Roger Morgan4 said:Thanks for the invite... I've actually thought about checking out the anxiety thread before, but ended up deleting my post and backing out. 🙂 I wasn't quite sure what the vibe was there—is it strictly just talking about anxiety and that sort of thing? I'll definitely drop in when things get heavy (which, honestly, feels like a daily occurrence 🙂). Take care.

Anxiety rarely travels alone; it usually brings depression and panic attacks along for the ride. Don't let the thread title mislead you—people discuss pretty much everything there, from their personal experiences and specific symptoms to various medications, and lately, even dating and relationships 😍. You'll find plenty of folks on Lexapro, though others are using different types of AT&T. Some have managed to find relief through alternative paths, whether that's spirituality or faith, while others rely on standard medication. It’s a diverse group, and honestly, everyone is pretty decent. 🙂

Roger Morgan4 said:🙂 thanks, redranger2!

Don't mention it. Just reach out whenever you need to, particularly if your mood starts to take a downward turn.
You should head over to our Anxiety thread; we spend a fair amount of time venting to one another there. 😁
The same goes for David Bishop4.😉

And I suppose I neglected to mention that alongside medication, seeking psychotherapy—specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy—is generally a wise move.

David Bishop4 said:That’s wonderful news, and I am truly glad to hear you're feeling better. For me, the depression really took hold right after I experienced those first panic attacks. While I wouldn't say I'm depressed anymore, I still find myself avoiding social situations because I'm so afraid of having another episode. Aside from that, I consider myself a cheerful person, though I have unfortunately developed quite a bit of health anxiety in the process.🙂

I reached a point where I couldn't step foot outside my house because of the panic. That's what actually pushed me into a heavy depression. Eventually, I forced myself to go out to places like the local post office or the Chase bank just to handle necessary business, and for two months straight, I had to endure daily panic attacks that felt like they lasted an eternity. It was utterly exhausting.
It seems you’ve become a hypochondriac simply because you're hyper-aware and constantly monitoring every single signal your body sends. Honestly, it isn't surprising for those of us dealing with panic. This will pass. Just be patient, stay on your AT&T medication, and maintain regular contact with your psychiatrist. Having that professional oversight usually makes things a bit more manageable when you know someone is looking out for you.

David Bishop4 said:It isn’t that I was taking them just as a precaution, per se; rather, my psychiatrist advised me that since I stopped after only one box, I really ought to restart the antidepressants, even though I was actually feeling quite well at the time. Also, I hadn't heard before that one should take B vitamins alongside antidepressants. Thank you so much for sharing that information.

B vitamins are absolutely essential since they tend to enhance the efficacy of AT&T. Furthermore, when you're under stress, you deplete your B vitamin stores, which are vital for maintaining a functional nervous system. A deficiency in these can actually trigger anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, or fear. If you're looking for quality, the B-100 line from Delta Air Lines is excellent.
It’s also wise to supplement with Omega-3 and magnesium.

David Bishop4 said:The expiration date looks fine, and regarding the birth control, I asked my doctor while I was still on Seroxat, and she told me there wasn't any connection. Thank you so much for the advice. Did the Cipralex actually end up helping you? How long have you been on it? Also, do you have the same diagnosis as I do—panic attacks?

I'm currently taking two AT&T medications: Lexapro and Effexor. I deal with the full spectrum—depression, anxiety, social phobia, and panic attacks. It’s quite the comprehensive collection of disorders. 😁
I’ve been on them for nearly a year now, though the most significant relief didn't kick in until I hit the six-month mark on the antidepressant. As for the panic attacks, those subsided after just two months. However, after four months, my symptoms decided to make a comeback, so my psychiatrist added Effexor to the Lexapro. Since starting that combination, which clearly hits the mark for me, I haven't seen a single symptom return.

Roger Morgan4 said:I’ve been on Lexapro (10mg) for just over a month now, and honestly, it feels like I’m taking nothing at all. I haven't dealt with any side effects—which is a relief—but I’m not seeing much of an actual improvement either, aside from feeling less empty and finding a bit of enjoyment in things again. I was actually considering just stopping altogether, but then I read that you really need to stick with it for at least nine months. To be perfectly candid, I’ve always been quite skeptical about these kinds of medications. I went through two different ones before settling on this one, and I still find myself dealing with these massive mood swings—which, if I'm being honest, feel even more intense than they did before I started medication. It’s reached a point where I felt like my moods could actually land me in some serious trouble. So, I am seriously contemplating whether the meds themselves are causing this volatility and if I should just quit cold turkey. Has anyone else found themselves in a similar spot?

Everyone reacts differently. A close friend of mine also experienced zero side effects while taking Cipralex, and he’s been on it for years. You simply cannot expect rapid results when you've only been on an antidepressant for a single month; these improvements are gradual, not sudden. In your case, there is already evidence of progress, given that the sense of emptiness has subsided and you're experiencing more enjoyment in life. Have you been diagnosed with depression? With antidepressants, symptoms can occasionally worsen before they stabilize. It is far too early to draw conclusions after only thirty days. Sometimes it takes a full two months for the drug to truly take hold. You should consult your psychiatrist, as they are best equipped to manage your treatment—they might decide to supplement the Cipralex with another antidepressant, such as Effexor. Whatever you do, do not stop on your own, as it is premature. Regarding those extreme mood shifts, is there any history of bipolar disorder in your family?

David Bishop4 said:I actually stopped my first course after just a month because my psychiatrist failed to mention that I needed to stay on it for at least six months. Now, I’ve gone back to taking Cipralex, which was previously prescribed by my doctor, but it didn't seem to agree with me at first; she had instructed me to take a half tablet first thing in the morning, but that wasn't working. I am attempting the Cipralex again since I haven't been feeling my best lately, though this time I am taking just a quarter of a tablet after lunch instead. My only real issue is some nausea that lasts for about two or three hours. Does this mean the antidepressant isn't right for me, or should I just be patient and wait it out? Also, I am currently on birth control—could there be any interaction there?

So, you've taken Cipralex before (though you should probably check the expiration date on what you have left). Regardless, you really ought to schedule another appointment with your psychiatrist. They need to know that you've decided to resume therapy so they can actually monitor your progress and how you respond to the medication. That is absolutely critical. Don't overlook this; go see your doctor and let them know you're starting the Cipralex again. As for the birth control, those are questions for a medical professional, not for an online forum.😉
I dealt with nausea, loss of appetite, and constant yawning from Cipralex myself. And don't even get me started on the drowsiness. However, those side effects typically taper off after two or three weeks. It'll likely subside just in time for you to start college. Therefore, the symptoms you're experiencing don't necessarily mean the drug is wrong for you; it simply means your body is adjusting to the new chemistry. Every antidepressant carries some level of side effects, though Cipralex is generally regarded as having the fewest.

David Bishop4 said:Hi everyone—I’m 22 years old. About two years ago, I was prescribed Paxil, primarily to manage panic attacks, but I stopped taking it after my very first pack because I didn't realize I was supposed to continue the course. Since then, things have been mostly manageable; if I felt a surge of anxiety, I’d just take some Xanax and everything would settle down. However, lately, I haven't been doing very well... I have some Lexapro at home that I tried taking for just a few days as a preventative measure, but it didn't sit right with me, so I stopped since I was feeling relatively okay at the time. To be clear, I actually attempted the Lexapro nearly a year ago. Yesterday, I took just a quarter of a pill after lunch (previously I had been taking it in the morning and it made me feel terrible), and I didn't experience horrible nausea until this morning. Today, I took another quarter. My plan is to gradually increase to half a tablet after about a week. I didn't reach out to my psychiatrist this time because she had originally prescribed this specific medication herself. Will these nauseous feelings eventually subside? Is it even possible for such a tiny dose to cause such intense side effects? Or should I just try to push through it? Please, I really need some advice... I have to head back to college in a month, and I am terrified of being in this state when classes start. I've already taken a full year off... help me please.

It is quite unclear whether you are currently taking Lexapro under medical supervision or if you are simply deciding to self-medicate. If you are acting on your own, you absolutely must notify your psychiatrist immediately; they need to guide you through the entire process and monitor how your body reacts to the medication. Looking back, you have made several significant errors—antidepressants aren't something you take "preventatively" as you suggest, but rather a medication intended to be taken for at least nine months to a year, or even longer, and tapering off must always be done gradually and methodically, never abruptly. And you should never deviate from the plan without a doctor's oversight.
The psychiatrist is the only one qualified to decide when it is appropriate for you to stop the medication, whether that occurs in one year or two.

Ultimately, the most dangerous thing you can do is stop an antidepressant the moment you notice the first sign of improvement—that is precisely when symptoms tend to relapse, often more severely than they were before treatment began.

With Lexapro, the standard approach is often starting with a quarter tablet for the first three or four days. After those initial days, you might move to half a tablet. You can certainly remain at a half-dose for longer if the side effects are intense. Then, you might transition from half to a quarter for another few days before finally moving to a full 10 mg tablet. At that point, you really ought to consult your psychiatrist to report how you feel on the 10 mg dose so they can determine if adjustments are necessary. You simply cannot play games with antidepressants; it isn't something to mess around with. Furthermore, it is generally advisable to supplement with B vitamins while on an antidepressant.

hollowfox82 said:Wait, why call it irresponsible though?

I remember being caught in one of those fits during a funeral once. The more I stared at the guy playing the trumpet, the harder I started cracking up.
I think sometimes laughter just hits me when I'm actually feeling super anxious. Maybe that was the case back then too. It's definitely not like I find someone passing away funny, but sometimes the laughter just... happens. You can't really stop it.

Precisely. I experienced my own outburst of laughter at a funeral once—later, a psychologist explained to me that it was actually a way for my body to vent pent-up emotions. Since anger, rage, grief, and laughter are all emotional responses, we aren't strictly required to answer sadness with sadness; sometimes one emotion simply displaces another.
Back in elementary school, I had a truly mortifying moment. A prominent politician passed away, and the entire school gathered in the cafeteria with our teachers to observe a minute of silence. In that heavy stillness, looking at all those solemn faces—especially the teachers—an unstoppable urge to laugh surged through me. In that silence, I was the only one making noise. When we headed back to class, my teacher was waiting for me on the stairs and gave me a sharp slap across the face. I will never forget it.
And there was another time I was hit by a sudden urge to laugh in an elevator surrounded by strangers—again, simply because everyone was acting so serious and fidgeting awkwardly, unsure of where to look. I have had countless moments like this, and I have never considered myself unstable because of them. To this day, I still love to laugh, and it still happens at the most inappropriate times. Worst of all, I suspect it is hereditary, as my son is exactly the same way. 😍

Are we talking about these kinds of uncontrollable laughing fits? 😁😁

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCrhJ...eature=related