I suppose I finally mustered the courage to take my dose yesterday and again today, though they gave me a quarter of Prozac instead of the Flunil I was expecting... since it was from a different manufacturer... and I find myself spiraling again over the potential side effects. If I were actually allergic to it, would I have noticed some sort of reaction by now? Yesterday seemed relatively fine, though I did experience some nausea about five hours in—not entirely sure if that was the medication or something else—and a brief bout of dizziness last night...
redranger2 said:Prozac is a classic for a reason. As for all the criticism leveled against these kinds of medications, there will always be skeptics and critics; it's an old story that never changes. Ultimately, everything comes down to individual chemistry and how a specific antidepressant sits with your system. For me, Lexapro worked right away, whereas someone else might feel terrible on it. There really aren't any universal rules when it comes to this stuff.
Kevin Nguyen3 said:Lexapro is escitalopram, whereas Prozac... that's fluoxetine.
Is one more potent than the other? Honestly, how can anyone say for sure? They are distinct medications with unique chemical profiles, even if they’re all aiming for the exact same goal. The issue often boils down to the dosage.
Look at it this way... any antidepressant should work effectively, provided you're following a psychiatrist's recommendation. It shouldn't matter what the brand name is or how much buzz it gets in commercials; most of that "reputation"—whether it's being praised or maligned—is just clever marketing anyway.
Usually, an anxiolytic is prescribed alongside an antidepressant for a short period, mostly just to bridge the gap until the antidepressant actually kicks in properly. But here is the real danger: we often end up with the "wrong" antidepressant for our specific chemistry. What happens then? We keep taking those anxiolytics indefinitely, spiraling until we're essentially addicted.
In my view, if you don't see any improvement after a month, maybe six weeks, or two months at the absolute maximum... well, it's time to taper off that antidepressant while simultaneously tapering the anxiolytic. In the meantime, you absolutely must contact your psychiatrist to find a suitable alternative. Once you switch to that new medication, you go back to the same process with the anxiolytics, applying those same cautious rules as before.
It isn't as simple as just getting "hooked" on a pill, regardless of the type, because the standard doses are typically quite low, which minimizes extreme risk. The far greater problem is when we take matters into our own hands and start bumping up our own dosages whenever we feel like it.
I appreciate the input. I think I'll take it... and promptly ignore the instructions 🙂
Me? I wonder what everyone else’s take is on this particular medication... I recall stumbling upon some rather scathing articles once, criticizing Prozac, Zoloft, and a handful of other antidepressants quite mercilessly... Is it actually more potent than, say, Lexapro?
So, I had my follow-up appointment with my neuropsychiatrist yesterday, and he decided to adjust my regimen... he prescribed Fluoxetine, suggesting I take half a dose for the first seven days before moving up to a full pill, all while keeping me on > at 2x0.5mg. I’ve actually been taking the > for about 25 days now based on his previous recommendation of 2x0.25mg, but honestly, the fear of becoming dependent on it is absolutely paralyzing... I feel this overwhelming sense of guilt every single time I swallow one. Has anyone here ever tried >? I’m curious about what your experiences have been like, specifically regarding side effects... And what are your thoughts on the whole dependency issue with >? My next check-up isn't for another month, but the anxiety of taking anything at all is already starting to weigh on me. 🙂
On top of all that, he swapped my medication for vertigo from Ural to Dramamine Forte, and after reading through the list of potential side effects, I’m thinking I might just be better off staying dizzy... 🤷
Michael Hill2 said:I was scared of antidepressants too. I remember staring at that first pill like it was a live grenade; it took me ten minutes just to swallow it. Then I sat there like a total idiot for half an hour waiting to see what would happen. I don't even know what I expected—maybe a unicorn horn to sprout from my forehead or something. 😁
Side effects aren't a guarantee. Even if you do get them, you can pretty much count on them being temporary. Once they pass, life is actually great.
If I didn't have to take my antidepressant every night, I probably wouldn't even realize I was on it. No side effects, just a calm, happy head. 🙂
That is quite a comforting thing to read... 🙂 It isn't necessarily all the minor side effects that give me pause, but rather things like depersonalization, derealization, hallucinations, or seizures... oh dear... Honestly, if I could just be rid of these dizzy spells... 😢
I find myself once again contemplating the sheer absurdity of our current discourse... It seems we have drifted quite far from the initial point of inquiry, though perhaps that was inevitable given the chaotic nature of this forum. I suppose one could argue that clarity is a luxury we can no longer afford in such an environment...
Michael Hill2 said:You can switch immediately. Just keep in mind that both of these fall under the benzodiazepine category, which means they have a real potential for dependency if you use them long-term. Honestly, it's smarter to treat anxiety with a targeted antidepressant that has anti-anxiety effects.
Since you’ve already been on Xanax twice a day for 20 days, try not to stay on the Lexapro for more than three weeks. My therapist mentioned that by the six-week mark, you start developing a dependency that triggers withdrawal symptoms once you stop.
I was on Xanax for roughly that long myself, and I didn't have any issues when I stopped. 😉
Before I was ever prescribed Xanax, I used to manage by just taking a little bit of Apaurin—maybe 2mg here and there, strictly on an as-needed basis... one day I'd take it, then skip two days, just keeping things steady. But then my psychiatrist decided to overhaul everything, prescribing me both Eglonyl and Xanax to tackle these panic attacks, only to immediately head off on vacation... which is just lovely, isn't it? To be left with this new regimen while he's away. Since starting the Eglonyl, I've actually experienced some lactation, which was quite unexpected, and he told me over the phone—of course, via telephone, because why meet in person?—that I should stop taking that one immediately, though I am supposed to continue with the Xanax. Honestly, I'm looking at the Xanax and seeing very little actual relief, so it makes me wonder why I'm even bothering with the side effects... but what can you do when your doctor is halfway across the country on holiday... 🙂 I find myself gripped by a certain dread regarding the AD... it haunts me like a phantom, particularly when it comes to the side effects, though I am under no illusions that my doctor will simply hand over a prescription once I show up for my follow-up appointment...
If only these dizzy spells would finally subside... then perhaps, just perhaps, the anxiety might follow suit. It feels as though they are inextricably linked, two sides of the same restless coin, constantly feeding into one another...
A quick question 🙂 First, I should mention that I’ve already consulted with two different doctors who gave me the green light, but I still wanted to see if anyone here has some actual lived experience...
Basically, I’ve been taking Xanax 2x0.25 for about 20 days now, and since it just isn't sitting right with me, I’m looking to switch over to Lexapro. My doctors suggested the transition could be immediate because I haven't developed a dependency yet, and they even said it was fine to take Xanax in the morning and Lexapro in the evening. I actually tried that yesterday—taking my Xanax in the AM and then just half of a 1.5mg Lexapro dose around 7:00 PM—and I felt perfectly fine... so I figured I would just make the full switch to Lexapro today. However, despite feeling mentally steady yesterday and the day before, I woke up this morning feeling absolutely terrible... dizzy, heart racing, and just shaking all over. It made me wonder if this might be withdrawal from the Xanax? I ended up taking it amidst all that chaos, and now I'm debating whether I should stick to the Lexapro tonight and perhaps taper off more gradually over a few days, or if it truly is safe to just make the jump all at once?
redranger2 said:Rashes don't just vanish instantly. I dealt with an allergic reaction from Zoloft myself, and it lingered for several days before it finally cleared up.
It isn't even the rash itself that has me spiraling... what truly haunts me is the fear that this whole thing might escalate into some kind of respiratory distress or choking sensation, though I suppose by then it would likely be far too late for any intervention... I can only hope. I wonder if there is any chance this could be a reaction to the Xanax... I’m on day eleven now, and surely a side effect like that would have manifested much sooner than this, wouldn't it? It seems unlikely... unless I am mistaken... When you experienced that breakout from the Zoloft, did it happen instantly, or did it take its time to surface like this?
I find myself once again contemplating the sheer, exhausting weight of these discussions... It seems we often circle the same drain, much like a slow leak in an old basement in Chicago that you simply cannot quite get around to fixing... One wonders if any real progress is ever made, or if we are all just spinning our wheels in the mud...
restlesstrucker15 said:I couldn't say for certain, though redranger2 mentioned it could be a possibility. When you speak of trembling, do you mean you are fearful of undergoing a new therapy, or is it more of an apprehension about simply leaving the house?
I felt so incredibly unwell that I was actually terrified to step foot outside... it was truly dreadful...
restlesstrucker15 said:Phew... Honestly, you should just stop taking it; your doctor already gave you the green light to discontinue. It seems to me that you are experiencing the exact side effects that warrant stopping the regimen. Eglonyl isn't some miraculous panacea with magical properties, so there is no reason to feel guilty. Your physician will likely prescribe an alternative. If my memory serves me correctly, you mentioned being prescribed Xanax as well. You should rely on that until your next appointment, at which point they will probably transition you to an antidepressant. Please, do not suffer any longer. 🙂You made a sincere effort and endured the course quite stoically for a significant period; you certainly haven't failed by choosing to stop now.
I stopped; I didn't take it yesterday, and I haven't taken it today either, but this rash hasn't cleared up one bit 🙄 Then maybe it wasn't caused by the medication?
I'm planning on heading to see a different neuropsychiatrist later to get a second opinion, though I'm already starting to feel that familiar tremor of anxiety just thinking about the appointment...
Here I am again, wrestling with my Eglonyl... It’s honestly going to be the death of me. So, since that milk issue cropped up, my doctor instructed me to finish out the course by taking one more dose daily for another 4.5 days before tapering off completely. I took my dose yesterday morning around 9:00 AM, which marked the eleventh day of the regimen. Later that afternoon, around 2:00 PM, I spent a little time out in the sun, only to find myself covered in this tiny, widespread rash... Since I had read somewhere that Eglonyl can trigger a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, I started spiraling, terrified that this was it—that I might experience something catastrophic like airway constriction or worse. Then again, it could just be a sun allergy, though I’ve never really dealt with anything like that before. I simply don't know, and frankly, I'm frightened.
If I ended up throwing up from the medication yesterday, is it possible for something like respiratory distress to suddenly kick in today?
I woke up this morning feeling like I could barely catch my breath, struggling with this cough... then again, I've been smoking quite a bit lately, so it could easily be the cigarettes, but the anxiety is still there. I haven't taken the dose today, and I don't intend to take it ever again.
Roger Bennett62 said:Using low doses of antipsychotics can really take the edge off that intense tension and anxiety when the standard anti-anxiety meds just aren't cutting it. Honestly, doctors these days seem way more likely to prescribe an antipsychotic than something like Clonazepam—which is such a solid broad-spectrum stabilizer, an anticonvulsant at high doses, and a killer anxiolytic at low ones. I think docs are just terrified of the dependency issues, which kind of means they pass up on a super fast, effective way to help people. Since antipsychotics tend to level you out without that heavy addiction risk, it’s easier for them to sleep at night knowing they aren't hooking someone, even if it might not be the most efficient way to help. With antidepressants, you've gotta give it time. One morning you just wake up and suddenly everything feels... quiet. Normal. No more morning nausea, no more constant dread, just everything feeling a bit lighter. As far as antidepressants go, Paxil and Lexapro are top-tier. I’ve tried both, and I actually stopped taking them after about a week because they helped so much. But, man, I still use Clonazepam from time to time—without it, the whole treatment plan wouldn't even make sense. Taking small doses of an antidepressant combined with Clonazepam is basically the gold standard for that heavy tension that doesn't respond to Xanax or NYC-style stuff. Plus, since it has a long half-life, you still feel the effects the next day. I wouldn't touch antipsychotics, though. Seriously, I wouldn't recommend them to anyone who isn't dealing with psychosis or similar disorders. There's just too many side effects, and honestly, it doesn't do much for patients who are already struggling with depression and anxiety. Especially when every time they swallow a pill, they start obsessing over those pamphlets and worrying about what might happen to them. A combo of an antidepressant and an anxiolytic is usually enough to pull anyone out of that lethargy, but that’s only like 20% of the battle. The rest? That’s always been on you, and it always will be. On the flip side, if someone is looking to just get totally sedated on antipsychotics or other stuff... well, that's the wrong way to go about it and it comes with consequences. Always pick the lesser of two evils and talk to your doctor. Don't just let them scribble a prescription and spend five minutes with you and call it a day. If you aren't fighting for yourself, there isn't a pill in the world that's gonna save you.
I have read similar things regarding Clonazepam, and similarly regarding antidepressants... naturally, one finds a litany of side effects listed everywhere, though it seems Eglonyl has perhaps the fewest, from what I can gather. But regardless, this particular side effect manifested in me, and I am thankful it wasn't anything more severe... I suppose I am simply sensitive, and one can only wonder what side effects other medications might provoke. If I had someone constantly by my side, perhaps it wouldn't matter, but being alone with two children... one must struggle through these side effects while remaining one hundred percent composed...
redranger2 said:The difference is substantial. Antipsychotics block dopamine based on the medical assumption that a dopamine surplus is responsible for hallucinations, much like what occurs in schizophrenia. Doctors don't fully grasp the exact mechanism of how antipsychotics function; they know it inhibits dopamine production, but the precise pathway remains a mystery—it simply works. That is why antipsychotics are prescribed for psychosis, and certain ones (like Vera or others) are exceptionally effective at treating stubborn insomnia, which is my particular struggle. When I lie down at night, my brain starts racing uncontrollably, completely wired, and only an antipsychotic can force it to settle down.😁 Some antipsychotics act on histamine receptors to induce sleepiness and facilitate falling asleep, much like Nozinan.
Antidepressants prevent the reuptake of serotonin, meaning the serotonin stays in the synapses rather than being reabsorbed, which creates a sense of relief and calm, heightens satisfaction, and mitigates panic attacks, depression, fear, and anxiety.
Aha, thanks, dear. I honestly haven't the slightest clue why he chose an antipsychotic as the first line of defense. Insomnia isn't actually an issue for me; I simply mentioned to him that the somatic symptoms are absolutely killing me—that constant, nagging fear that I might just collapse because I feel so weak... perhaps that’s why he went that route. And, truth be told, I was having a panic attack right there in his office, though it felt slightly more manageable than usual... but still... 🤷
Kevin Nguyen3 said:Those are all potential side effects that—if they even happen at all—tend to pass quite quickly. Most of the time, people don't even realize it's happening. So, we're talking one case out of a thousand, or maybe one in ten million. And it isn't a guarantee; it’s just something recorded as a possible side effect.
Basically, there's nothing to worry about.
Well, I suppose there are plenty of ways I might miss them... 😢 I'm just not entirely sure yet; I'll have to wait and see what my doctor tells me. Until then, I'll ask my Xanax provider—just as they suggested—and try to remain hopeful that I won't end up becoming dependent on it... God, this anxiety is relentless... it truly just drains the life out of a person.
Do you see a private doctor, and if so, where? I mean, when you mentioned you were waiting for them to get back from vacation? How much do you usually pay per session? Are you actually happy with the care you're getting? I know this isn't strictly on-topic, but honestly, typing out long private messages on my iPhone is such a pain.
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I have no intention of moving this to private messages... He is a neuropsychiatrist and he’s perfectly fine, really; he has this dry sense of humor that actually manages to make me laugh, which provides a certain level of encouragement when I need it most... It is just that his consultations are somewhat brief, and I find myself wishing he would elaborate more, as I would truly love to delve deeper into everything... 😛
redranger2 said:
I suppose one might attempt to discuss the nuances of Rejoylft, though I find myself wondering if anyone truly understands the complexities involved... It is a rather curious thing, isn't it? One moment you are navigating the mundane realities of daily life, and the next, you are contemplating the chemical inclinations of the mind... such a heavy thought for a Tuesday afternoon. says: Unfortunately, there have been quite a few negative accounts regarding that particular advertisement... you’re certainly not wrong there. But I suppose the most harrowing part was when people actually had to taper off of it; honestly, that is the prospect that fills me with the most dread...
You’re absolutely right; I’ve done my fair share of reading up on this too, and it seems like getting off it is an uphill battle no matter how you slice it... But honestly, whether you look at one study or another, the side effects always seem to follow the exact same pattern. And frankly, I'm a total coward when it comes to this kind of thing... God help me.
Kevin Nguyen3 said:Well, look, if someone is taking high doses of these medications, there is definitely an increased risk of having a seizure. It isn't a guarantee, but... you know how it goes. That’s why after being on them for a long time, doctors often prescribe anti-epileptic drugs as well. But again, this really only applies if you're on much higher doses than what is considered standard. For example... fadedbear92 is on 25 mg of Q-pina (I think?), which is objectively a tiny dose. Meanwhile, I'm taking 200 mg, which is actually a significant amount! That's why my doctor put me on a low dose of Lamictal—just 25 mg—to prevent any major issues from happening...
In your case, James Fowler3... you probably don't need to worry about seizures at all. It’s nothing personal against your biology...
Well... then we have to consider the other possibilities... convulsions, hallucinations, depersonalization... 😕
redranger2 said:You really ought to trust your doctor's recommendation. When it comes to antidepressants, there isn't a universal rule; for instance, Lexapro worked perfectly for me on the first try, even though mistyjackal842 apparently had a hard time with it. Aside from some nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness, I didn't experience anything else, and I've been on it for six years now. It is definitely time for you to transition to an antidepressant, but the key is how you start: regardless of which medication you are prescribed, you should take just a quarter of a pill for the first three days rather than jumping straight to a half or a full dose. After that, move to a half tablet for three days, then a half plus a quarter, and only then proceed to the full dose. Following this method keeps the side effects manageable and allows you to see if the drug actually suits you. I've seen people on here who just popped a whole pill at once; honestly, man, of course you're going to end up with side effects that drive you insane. 😁 And don't let the fear of seizures get to you—you're reading too much into everything right now and you're just going to scare yourself senseless. Just relax; it isn't nearly as catastrophic as it sounds.😉
Aha, I see. Well, I suppose I have to wait until the 25th since he's out on vacation... though, even if he weren't, I was already planning on seeking out a second neuropsychiatrist anyway, provided I can actually snag an appointment... You probably missed my question regarding the actual difference in how antipsychotics versus antidepressants function when dealing with anxiety disorders—specifically panic attacks... I am aware that APs block dopamine while ADs manage serotonin levels, but why on earth would I need an AD specifically for this? What is the distinction... fine, I certainly wouldn't touch an AP again, but still...
fadedbear92 said:Eventually, you’ll stop obsessively reading up on side effects—it's because that initial wave of anxiety starts to fade. Trust me, we've all been through that same scary phase. I'm hearing about Epi for the first time—never actually come across it before.
Well, since I assume they’re going to try to switch me over to Adderall, and I’ve heard some decent things about Paxil, I decided to do a little digging into the side effects just now... and honestly, I'm a bit spooked. Between the hallucinations, seizures, and depersonalization—which is the part that really gets under my skin—it makes one wonder if it's even worth the risk...
mistyjackal842 said:I ended up stopping my Lexapro right away because the side effects were just too much, and I’d only been on it for about three weeks. I was taking one 10 mg pill every morning. For me, the issue was frequent urination—it felt like the medication was messing with my ADH levels or something. It actually took me a few days for my bladder to get back to normal after I quit. I did ask my doctor if I should taper off gradually, maybe by dropping down to 5 mg for a bit, but she told me it was better to just stop cold turkey. So, I'm not on any antidepressants at the moment, though I suspect I might actually need one. From what I've read, though, almost any other antidepressant could trigger those same bathroom issues, which is probably why my doctor didn't suggest anything else.
I honestly think you made the right call by stopping that medication immediately, especially since the side effects were that intense.
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Well, considering the other things people list, this doesn't even seem like a major side effect... It happens quite often, really. I was prepared for it, although perhaps not quite so early in the process... but there it is.
What I am truly wondering about is whether every single antidepressant poses a threat to someone prone to seizures... or if it's just certain specific ones... I recall reading something about it once, but the details escape me now...
Well, here we go... day nine on Eglonyl and I’m already dealing with side effects; my milk came in, and my period arrived nine days early. I called my doctor, and they just told me to stop taking it entirely. When I asked if it was safe to quit cold turkey, they suggested I take one more dose for the next four and a half days before stopping for good. As for the Xanax, I'm supposed to continue that until the 25th, since my physician is going on vacation then. First of all, I find it hard to believe that I actually have to be the one prompting him about whether or not it's safe to stop abruptly... and secondly, I've been on Xanax for such a long stretch now that I can't help but wonder if I'm going to end up addicted... I haven't been on Eglonyl for very long, so I wonder if I should be bracing myself for any kind of withdrawal crises once I finally quit...🙂
Honestly, I feel like I need some kind of exposure therapy right now, but the courage just isn't there... not today. Tomorrow is the big day, just me and the kids all day long. For the past month, I’ve been constantly reaching out to someone, anyone, just to be with me while I try to face this fear, but now that I’ve actually hit a wall, I feel like I'm just crumbling... It is true that things have felt a bit more manageable since I started the medication, though not entirely... When I asked him that very first day, right after my first dose, how long it would take to kick in, he just said it’s a slow process because I’ve only just begun. I really don't know... redranger2, why the sudden urge for an explanation? From what I've gathered, Eglonyl blocks dopamine while the antidepressant works on serotonin, but could you perhaps explain it to me in much simpler, layman's terms?
Kevin Nguyen3 said:You really ought to take your morning dose earlier, which means you won't be taking it at 9 PM... instead, just move it up again. It doesn't strictly have to be a perfect twelve-hour gap, does it? Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is incredibly rare, and while it can occasionally—though briefly—show up when someone is on maximum dosages, it's hardly seen in allergy cases. You can honestly put that fear to rest. The same goes for convulsions; even if you were dealing with something like that, the anticonvulsants we have today handle it with ease... barely breaking a sweat.🙂 Please, try to look at this objectively. Sudden death is a complete fantasy in this context; we're talking about a one-in-a-million fluke, and even then, there's always a clear clinical picture or an underlying cause behind it.
Everything is going to be just fine.😉
I certainly hope so. This isn't exactly a massive dosage to trigger side effects like these, but I suppose... the important thing is that I have finally started. I took it at 8:00 PM and began experiencing tremors, so I am thinking perhaps I should start a bit earlier... after all, some people take it in the morning and again in the afternoon without issue. Thanks
Kevin Nguyen3 said:Well, they should have just prescribed you Sulpiride at 50 mg, but fine, Elgonyl is made of sulpiride anyway. Yes, Sulpiride is used for things like anxiety-depressive disorders, among other things. By the way, it can—though it doesn't always—cause amenorrhea, which is when your period stops. So don't go panicking over nothing... goodness.
For what you're going through, 50 mg twice a day would probably be best...
Milk production in non-nursing women is an endocrine issue and it is a completely common side effect; it will stop once the treatment is lowered or discontinued.
Just watch out for weight gain. Sulpiride can occasionally cause your blood pressure to drop, so be careful not to stand up too fast or you'll get dizzy... and that's a major trigger for panic attacks. Seriously, it's such a simple way to prevent certain things. It's the same story with standing for long periods... try to avoid that.
You can take B complex; there shouldn't be any issues there.
Dehydration can actually cause a potassium deficiency, and you definitely don't need that. Drink water...
Regarding magnesium, people often mistake the actual underlying condition for a magnesium deficiency—fatigue, exhaustion, muscle cramps, blah blah blah—it could be the illness itself or just side effects from the meds. There is absolutely no shame in making sure you have enough magnesium. Just take an effervescent tablet and find some peace.
By the way, you have a good psychiatrist.
I honestly believe this combination will help you.
Well, you see, when you mention that fatigue, the exhaustion, the muscle spasms... after taking the pills yesterday, I felt exactly like that; I was alright in the evening, though I noticed my muscles had relaxed slightly, because I catch myself realizing how tense I am and how much they cramp... Today is almost the same. Surely it isn't a side effect... I am still waiting to take my second dose (I took one yesterday), around 9:00 AM this morning, so I expect to take it tonight around 9:00 PM; hopefully, I won't suffer from insomnia. The talk about blood pressure has me a bit spooked. My pressure is always low anyway. That is precisely why I drink so much water. Although, yesterday and today it has been normal, which is a minor miracle. Everything feels backwards with me. As for the amenorrhea and prolactin levels, I am not overly concerned about those. What truly unsettled me was the mention of sudden death, malignant neuroleptic syndrome, spasms, convulsions, and things of that nature. Surely that won't happen, given everything has been fine so far? 😁 And yes, he is a good doctor, it just irritates me that he won't write the referrals for an EEG, a CT scan, or similar tests. 😛 And thank you.