Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Hey there.

My mom was recently diagnosed with depression and started on Prozac. She’s about two weeks into it now, and honestly, the side effects are hitting her pretty hard. We're talking weakness, nausea, shaky legs, loss of appetite... I get that some of this overlaps with her actual depression symptoms, but the Prozac seems to be cranking them up a notch. Her doctor told us to hang in there for three weeks until the meds actually kick in, saying the side effects should taper off after 7 to 10 days, but for her, they just aren't letting up.
Has anyone else dealt with Prozac? Did you run into similar side effects, and if so, how long did you have to suffer through them before things leveled out?
Any advice would be appreciated.

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.👍

So, does anyone know what happened to that thread about Xanax?
Did it just vanish? Was it wiped from the face of the earth?

You know, redranger2, maybe crimsonhound80 does deserve some credit for starting that thread.
But honestly, their grasp on the subject seems pretty limited. We saw that clearly during the discussions about Akathesia and Zeldox.
I just don't think someone can really weigh in on pharmacology until they've put in a bit more study and education...

crimsonhound80 said:Hey everyone, I wanted to pull all our discussions about psychotropic medications into one dedicated thread. I’d really love for this space to be used primarily by folks who actually know their stuff—whether that's through professional training or just years of navigating these meds personally.

I think it would be incredibly helpful if we could pool our experiences, observations, and actual scientific findings here. That way, all this valuable "intel" doesn't get scattered across dozens of different threads where good advice gets buried—you know how it goes, most topics get pushed to page two so fast you can barely find them.

Since I'm kicking this off, I can definitely offer some guidance—I have a background in pharmacology and related fields, so to speak—and I genuinely want to help out. However, I'd really prefer not to get flooded with a mountain of private messages where half the problems can't even be solved through a screen anyway.

Thanks, and please, don't be shy about sharing what you know! 👍

Here is a question: Every psychotropic medication manual states that combining them with alcohol is strictly prohibited. I have a friend who, from the moment I met him until now, drinks at least two to four beers daily, along with hard liquor...
A few years later, I discovered he is taking certain medications, specifically antipsychotics like haloperidol alongside some anxiolytics. What interests me is this: why does the interaction between antipsychotics and alcohol not seem to alter his behavior, nor cause any noticeable somatic side effects? It appears to be a specific tolerance to alcohol; observing him from the outside, he looks the same whether he is drunk or sober. He doesn't complain about anything, and frankly, many people envy how quickly he recovers the next day. He always seems much fresher than most. Is there a scientific explanation for this? Thanks...

brightpanther21 said:I’m actually on Faverin instead of Lexapro rather than
. For about three weeks straight, I felt like absolute garbage—dizzy spells, constant nausea, heart palpitations, sweating buckets, and this weird tingling sensation in my hands, feet, tongue, even my teeth... honestly, it felt like I was checking off every single side effect listed in the manual. To make matters worse, my panic attacks and anxiety spiked by like 300 percent during that period.
After those first three weeks, everything finally settled down, except for the night sweats. But if I'm being totally real with you, I couldn't care less about the side effects... I've been battling anxiety since I was sixteen years old, and I would give anything just to feel normal. Honestly, compared to the mental struggle, the physical stuff is nothing.
I’ve been on it for four months now and it’s working great. Every once in a while, when things get super stressful, I still get that feeling where I can't quite catch my breath, but overall, it's been a lifesaver.

Finally, someone else on Faverin! I actually got lucky—aside from feeling a bit sleepy, I didn't deal with any major side effects. On the other hand, Lexapro kept me in this constant, half-drunk, gloomy fog—it was awful. My doctor mentioned that if the medication is a good genetic fit for you, you'll see that the side effects vanish after just two weeks. Apparently, newer research shows you shouldn't have to suffer through months of misery waiting to see if it works or not. Interesting, isn't it?👍

Is Tramal or Lumidol-nisam actually considered a narcotic, or is it just hovering on the edge? I got my first dose in the hospital, prescribed by a surgeon to deal with some brutal pain... It comes in blisters or as drops—a bottle with 400 drops. The thing is, the tolerance builds up insanely fast and it absolutely wrecks your stomach. For example, during the first few days, 15-20 drops would kill the pain and make me feel a bit lightheaded... then after about ten days, I needed three times that amount just to feel the same effect. I ended up getting hooked. There were times I’d polish off an entire bottle in a day, and yeah, I spent plenty of time throwing up.🤣
Then I find out this so-called "medicine" is mostly handed out to people dealing with cancer pain or those nearing the end.☕

Chloe Garcia10 said:Hey there.

My mom was recently diagnosed with depression and started on Prozac. She’s about two weeks into it now, and honestly, the side effects are hitting her pretty hard. We're talking weakness, nausea, shaky legs, loss of appetite... I get that some of this overlaps with her actual depression symptoms, but the Prozac seems to be cranking them up a notch. Her doctor told us to hang in there for three weeks until the meds actually kick in, saying the side effects should taper off after 7 to 10 days, but for her, they just aren't letting up.
Has anyone else dealt with Prozac? Did you run into similar side effects, and if so, how long did you have to suffer through them before things leveled out?
Any advice would be appreciated.

Prozac doesn't work the same way for everyone—it’s a hit or miss. You’re supposed to take it every single day without fail, and you usually won't feel much of anything for about 20 days. (It was huge in America for a while). If things don't improve after a bit, you really need to tell the therapist. They might have to switch up the treatment until they find the right balance for you.

Tramal is a synthetic narcotic analgesic, and honestly, it’s notorious for how quickly it can trigger physical dependency since it hits those same opioid receptors. What makes it unique—if you can call it that—is that while it’s quite effective at targeting pain receptors, it doesn't really provide that euphoric high you get from something like morphine or heroin. It’s usually reserved for extreme, acute situations, like recovering from major surgery, dealing with severe trauma, burns, or serious fractures. For most chronic issues, though—think migraines, intense menstrual cramps, or rheumatoid arthritis—it isn't really recommended. Between the risk of addiction and the way it can depress vital functions when people start cranking up the dosage just to feel something, it's a slippery slope. Typically, it's used for moderate-to-severe terminal pain, like in cancer cases or advanced malignancies, until the patient eventually needs to transition to something stronger, like methadone or morphine.
People struggling with addiction often try to manipulate the timing of their doses to mimic the depressive phase of typical opioids... and they frequently mix it with other psychotropic drugs or other substances to chase that feeling.

hollowtinker18 said:Is Tramal or Lumidol-nisam actually considered a narcotic, or is it just hovering on the edge? I got my first dose in the hospital, prescribed by a surgeon to deal with some brutal pain... It comes in blisters or as drops—a bottle with 400 drops. The thing is, the tolerance builds up insanely fast and it absolutely wrecks your stomach. For example, during the first few days, 15-20 drops would kill the pain and make me feel a bit lightheaded... then after about ten days, I needed three times that amount just to feel the same effect. I ended up getting hooked. There were times I’d polish off an entire bottle in a day, and yeah, I spent plenty of time throwing up.🤣
Then I find out this so-called "medicine" is mostly handed out to people dealing with cancer pain or those nearing the end.☕

Tramal has been my old, reliable friend when it comes to meds.
It’s definitely my go-to painkiller.

Regarding Prozac, I’d say hang in there just a little longer. It doesn't hit everyone at the exact same pace. If three weeks go by and you aren't feeling any shift, especially if the side effects become totally unbearable—you know, the restlessness, tremors, sleep issues, digestive stuff, mood swings, emotional volatility, libido changes, that weird constant fatigue, brain fog, or just feeling jittery and anxious... and if you're certain these aren't just your usual symptoms—then yeah, tell your doctor you need to switch things up because the side effects are hitting too hard. We don't all have the same neurological makeup, after all. Some psychiatrists might suggest pivoting sooner, but most tend to stick to the standard protocol based on years of clinical experience with this specific med.

Eric Jackson11 said:You know, redranger2, maybe crimsonhound80 does deserve some credit for starting that thread.
But honestly, their grasp on the subject seems pretty limited. We saw that clearly during the discussions about Akathesia and Zeldox.
I just don't think someone can really weigh in on pharmacology until they've put in a bit more study and education...

Listen, honey, it’s people like you that make me want to stop showing up to this psychology sub altogether.

I mean, what am I even supposed to talk to you about regarding antipsychotics, or how heavy-duty SSRIs impact extrapyramidal symptoms? What's the point? It reminds me of what that philosophy genius Nietzsche once said: this book is for everyone and for no one

It’s frankly exhausting trying to have a coherent debate with you about anything involving psychoneurological disorders.

I genuinely want to help people—I mean, I happened to get a degree in behavioral disorders, so I know my stuff—but apparently, everyone here is too wrapped up in their own little worlds, which I suppose is psychologically predictable... so fine, I won't bother you anymore with my presence during your "expert" debates on pharmacology and patient behavior.

(Though, seriously, kudos to the exceptions—just so you know, your constant acting out has driven away three licensed psychotherapists and one therapist from this board entirely.)

Believe me, I could be a huge help, but I simply don't have the bandwidth to fight with emotional orphans like you. So, I'm out. And just a tip—while you're at it—don't go around calling things Alzheimer's when you clearly haven't even learned the basics; maybe try a little self-education first? As for my impact on the psychology board, I've received at least fifty thanks for my input, yet somehow you managed to get under my skin—so, bravo, you really made your mark on this thread. 🙄

redranger2, stay strong, sweetie, and don't let them get to you. You're a great person. Bye! 👍

It seems like you’re letting a single little comment get under your skin.
I know how it is... it’s never easy to just step back and say, "Okay, my bad, let's move on."
Good luck to you, though...👋

From what I can see, you haven't actually shared any advice here. For someone talking so much about contributing, there isn't much substance...
Honestly, this conversation could probably keep moving along just fine without your input.
I'm sure there are plenty of other people here who actually know a thing or two about these medications...

Is Eglonyl the same thing as Sulpiride? How does it work for depression—anyone actually used this before?

Exactly.
It's actually possible for women to experience lactation while taking it.
But honestly, you’d be better off waiting for crimsonhound80 to weigh in; they really know their stuff.
Primarily, it's categorized as an antipsychotic, but when used in higher doses, that's its main role. In smaller amounts, it tends to act more like an antidepressant and helps with calming things down.
Then again, that's just my own limited perspective...
I haven't taken it in quite a while...

gentletiger20 said:Look, there’s really no point in dragging that stuff out into the open. What someone chooses to spend their money on is their own damn business. Honestly, most of those high-society types—you know the kind—probably don't even realize people know they use certain... substances. Or maybe they do, but only within their own little bubble of equally questionable characters, so it just feels normal to them. It's all just part of the club, I guess.
Back here in the States, though, if that kind of thing ever actually hits the headlines, people still treat it like some massive, unforgivable scandal.

I truly wonder, what kind of sleeping pills are our "top-tier" politicians actually popping? Is a cocktail consisting of two or three Sanvals, some Dormicum, Lexapro, and a tiny little zero-point-three enough to finally grant them even a few hours of rest?

Give me a break! They’re out there sleeping like saints, acting all righteous when they lost their moral compass a long time ago.🤷☕

So, I was on Prozac for about four months—started slow, gradually bumped up the dose, then tapered back down because I was dealing with a whole mess of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression... just a big cocktail of everything, really. But here’s the thing: once I finally stopped taking it, I suddenly packed on about 20 pounds out of nowhere. Do you guys think that weight gain is actually a direct result of coming off the medication, or is it something else? And more importantly, how much does life just... hit you? Like, in certain situations, do you ever feel totally numb or find it incredibly hard to focus? Because sometimes I feel like my brain is just a bit dulled, and my concentration isn't what it used to be. I'm trying to figure out if this is some lingering effect from the Prozac, or if it's just the sheer amount of stress and shock I went through during that entire period. Or maybe—and I'm guessing it's probably both—it's a combination of things. Any tips on how to jumpstart my focus would be amazing, too... It's been, what, almost two years now? I haven't had those specific issues flare up again, though I know they could come back, and honestly, they weren't even this intense before all this started. As for the weight, I eventually got back to where I was originally, though it took quite a bit of effort 😁

Most of it is true. Your body and brain just need time to adjust, and we’re talking a solid two weeks before you actually start feeling any improvement. Personally, Xanax never really did it for me when I was on it for a few months back in the day; I felt much better on Paxil. We aren't all wired the same way. I had this one instance where I was taking Prozac and it wasn't working for me—it completely killed my libido. So, I went to my psychiatrist and told him, "Look, I have zero interest in sex, can we do something about this?" He said sure, switched me over to Prozac for a few months, and after that, everything was 👍

Walter Stewart54 said:So, I was on Prozac for about four months—started slow, gradually bumped up the dose, then tapered back down because I was dealing with a whole mess of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression... just a big cocktail of everything, really. But here’s the thing: once I finally stopped taking it, I suddenly packed on about 20 pounds out of nowhere. Do you guys think that weight gain is actually a direct result of coming off the medication, or is it something else? And more importantly, how much does life just... hit you? Like, in certain situations, do you ever feel totally numb or find it incredibly hard to focus? Because sometimes I feel like my brain is just a bit dulled, and my concentration isn't what it used to be. I'm trying to figure out if this is some lingering effect from the Prozac, or if it's just the sheer amount of stress and shock I went through during that entire period. Or maybe—and I'm guessing it's probably both—it's a combination of things. Any tips on how to jumpstart my focus would be amazing, too... It's been, what, almost two years now? I haven't had those specific issues flare up again, though I know they could come back, and honestly, they weren't even this intense before all this started. As for the weight, I eventually got back to where I was originally, though it took quite a bit of effort 😁

I dealt with that exact same concentration issue. My psychologist actually referred me for testing, but fortunately, I managed to pull myself together because I have studying to do. You just have to put in the effort; keep telling yourself that you want this and that you can do it. If you can't, go talk to someone. I also feel foggy sometimes, especially in the mornings. I take 0.25mg of Mars, but I don't think it's from the pills since I have good days and bad days...