Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Brian Wells said:Back during the war, I dealt with some minor stressors, but I've always been a hyper-sensitive person. Everything eventually culminated in anxiety and depression, which I managed for 15 years using Lrosilan. I lived relatively well—finished two degrees, got married, have two kids, and run my own business. However, my tolerance grew along with my dependency, so for the past year, I've been in a process of total lifestyle overhaul and self-healing. At one point, I was taking over 10 mg of Lrosilan. Through a complete life change (private CBT therapy, advanced yoga, a vegetarian diet, studying psychology, increasing my spirituality through reading and meditation, more exercise, taking Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, and Omega-3s, plus autosuggestion, self-control, and some acupuncture), I managed to drop my dosage back down to an initial level of 1.5+1.5+1 mg of Lrosilan.

I definitely feel withdrawal symptoms, but I also still feel the unhealed root causes of my anxiety and depression. That's why I researched antidepressants extensively and reached the conclusion that I might supplement my treatment with Coaxil. I've never taken an antidepressant before.

I'm not expecting miracles. I'm playing the long game. I guess I'm looking for advice, experts, or anyone who has had similar experiences or dilemmas.

P.P.

Goodness, I wouldn't go jumping to any conclusions quite yet—I almost feel like I should caution you against deciding on your own that you might need Coaxil. 🙂 I suppose it might be prudent to consult with a psychiatrist before making any sudden moves. It’s just my thought, though—perhaps it isn't strictly necessary, but I feel like getting a professional opinion could provide some much-needed clarity.

To be perfectly honest, I don't really have any firsthand experience with anything else, aside from the Coaxil I'm currently taking in the specific combination I mentioned earlier.
Everything seems to be going quite well on my end at the moment, I suppose.🙂 Of course, I suppose that's how much it might be.
I have been dealing with quite a severe trauma lately, and my psychiatrist’s notes regarding my situation are... well, they are rather intense to read. As for my treatment, I suppose I have been taking Coaxil for about a month now.
I feel significantly more composed lately. I am actually sleeping through the night, which is a relief. Those intrusive, terrifying thoughts have subsided, and I don't find myself gripped by the same intense fears that used to haunt me. I suppose things are finally stabilizing.
My current plan is to stay on Coaxil for about six months, and then I'll look into tapering off.
I feel it is important to mention that one should probably avoid seeking professional medical advice through online forums. While I suppose you can certainly find a sense of community here, and perhaps even some emotional support or shared experiences to help you endure difficult times, those things are quite different from clinical guidance. In my opinion, it would be much more prudent to seek advice directly from a qualified specialist in a private, one-on-one setting.
I must say, I am quite pleased with my psychiatrist. 🙂 It seems there are actually people here you can truly talk to. It’s not quite at the point where you feel forced to conclude that this is the only thing you need.
Best of luck.
🙂

Jason Hughes51 said:Goodness, I wouldn't go jumping to any conclusions quite yet—I almost feel like I should caution you against deciding on your own that you might need Coaxil. 🙂 I suppose it might be prudent to consult with a psychiatrist before making any sudden moves. It’s just my thought, though—perhaps it isn't strictly necessary, but I feel like getting a professional opinion could provide some much-needed clarity.

To be perfectly honest, I don't really have any firsthand experience with anything else, aside from the Coaxil I'm currently taking in the specific combination I mentioned earlier.
Everything seems to be going quite well on my end at the moment, I suppose.🙂 Of course, I suppose that's how much it might be.
I have been dealing with quite a severe trauma lately, and my psychiatrist’s notes regarding my situation are... well, they are rather intense to read. As for my treatment, I suppose I have been taking Coaxil for about a month now.
I feel significantly more composed lately. I am actually sleeping through the night, which is a relief. Those intrusive, terrifying thoughts have subsided, and I don't find myself gripped by the same intense fears that used to haunt me. I suppose things are finally stabilizing.
My current plan is to stay on Coaxil for about six months, and then I'll look into tapering off.
I feel it is important to mention that one should probably avoid seeking professional medical advice through online forums. While I suppose you can certainly find a sense of community here, and perhaps even some emotional support or shared experiences to help you endure difficult times, those things are quite different from clinical guidance. In my opinion, it would be much more prudent to seek advice directly from a qualified specialist in a private, one-on-one setting.
I must say, I am quite pleased with my psychiatrist. 🙂 It seems there are actually people here you can truly talk to. It’s not quite at the point where you feel forced to conclude that this is the only thing you need.
Best of luck.
🙂

Brian Wells said:

stormymaker24 said:My doctor prescribed me more Xanax, fully expecting my anxiety to flare up, though I’ve been trying my best to avoid taking them. In truth, I didn't touch them at all until my shoulder started acting up again—because, as luck would have it, my anxiety always manifests physically—but even then, they provided absolutely no relief. I think I’ve taken maybe five pills total.

I spent years attempting to tackle my depression entirely on my own; it’s been a nearly five-year struggle defined by constant peaks and valleys, but I finally hit a wall of absolute lethargy, escalating panic attacks, and relentless nightmares. I simply couldn't endure it anymore, so I sought out a physician to get a prescription for anti-anxiety medication.
Now I am looking into starting therapy, though finding the right fit is a challenge. Since I am currently studying psychology, it feels particularly complicated because everywhere I turn, Professor 😁

As for the regimen, I am taking three a day now, though it was just two during the first week. That seems to be the standard dosage; I suspect the dose for something like Lexapro remains relatively consistent regardless of the individual.

Oh, and I should mention that during those first two days after starting the medication, I dealt with bouts of dizziness, which also occurred when I increased my dosage. Fortunately, that sensation didn't last long.

feralranger22 said:I started taking it three times a day right away. For those first couple of days, I dealt with some dizziness, but after that, there weren't any other side effects—though I didn't feel much of anything besides a slight reduction in anxiety. As far as the depression goes, things actually felt a bit worse. I don't want to discourage you, though; I see others here who found relief, so I really hope it works for you too. Let me know how you get on...
Greetings!

feralranger22 said:I started taking it three times a day right away. For those first couple of days, I dealt with some dizziness, but after that, there weren't any other side effects—though I didn't feel much of anything besides a slight reduction in anxiety. As far as the depression goes, things actually felt a bit worse. I don't want to discourage you, though; I see others here who found relief, so I really hope it works for you too. Let me know how you get on...
Greetings!

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.

Alex Patel96 said:You're spot on. I know plenty of those "respectable" types who act like they're untouchable, only for the truth to come out when they overdose. It's a joke. So many people are using these things, yet everyone acts like it's some huge secret. Honestly, look at my own life: I once had to hit three different pharmacies just to track down some Xanax because every single one was sold out. That tells you everything you need to know about the reality of the situation.

feralharbor362 said:Just one theoretical question here:
how would someone who is already on a regimen of antidepressants and anxiolytics react if they were to take 200mg of Seroquel?

velvetsailor26 said:What’s the actual deal with the difference between Normaban and Helex? I mean, why does it feel like doctors are constantly reaching for the Helex prescription instead of anything else?

cosmictinker21 said:Normabyl (diazepam) tends to relax the muscles more, dulls sensory input and sensitivity, raises the emotional threshold, and hits those neurovegetative centers in the medulla oblongata—basically, it goes deeper... It helps you fall asleep, though the sleep quality isn't exactly top-tier, and it stays in your system much longer. On the other hand, Xanax, Helex, or Misar (alprazolam) act more on the higher segments rather than the vital centers. They don't relax the muscles as much and won't necessarily knock you out into a deep sleep, but by lowering that emotional tension, they give your brain some breathing room to focus on better things... Both are depressants, GABA agonists at the benzodiazepine receptors, and structurally similar. In massive doses—we're talking huge amounts, not therapeutic ones—they can suppress the respiratory center, but trying to use them for suicide is pretty pointless... Both lead to dependency, though it’s not quite as intense as, say, opioids. Both function as both anxiolytics and antidepressants, helping to curb mental and physical tension, facilitating relaxation, and making space for more positive thoughts. Though, those thoughts aren't going to magically appear unless you create them yourself... they just clear the floor for them. Generally, it's not recommended to take them continuously for mild issues; they're better suited for acute stress periods. For heavier stuff, they might be used over a longer duration. When you take a pill, the effects kick in as soon as it's absorbed into the bloodstream, unlike something like Lexapro or other SSRIs where you have to wait for the neurotransmitters to build up in your system first...

cosmictinker21 said:Normabyl (diazepam) tends to relax the muscles more, dulls sensory input and sensitivity, raises the emotional threshold, and hits those neurovegetative centers in the medulla oblongata—basically, it goes deeper... It helps you fall asleep, though the sleep quality isn't exactly top-tier, and it stays in your system much longer. On the other hand, Xanax, Helex, or Misar (alprazolam) act more on the higher segments rather than the vital centers. They don't relax the muscles as much and won't necessarily knock you out into a deep sleep, but by lowering that emotional tension, they give your brain some breathing room to focus on better things... Both are depressants, GABA agonists at the benzodiazepine receptors, and structurally similar. In massive doses—we're talking huge amounts, not therapeutic ones—they can suppress the respiratory center, but trying to use them for suicide is pretty pointless... Both lead to dependency, though it’s not quite as intense as, say, opioids. Both function as both anxiolytics and antidepressants, helping to curb mental and physical tension, facilitating relaxation, and making space for more positive thoughts. Though, those thoughts aren't going to magically appear unless you create them yourself... they just clear the floor for them. Generally, it's not recommended to take them continuously for mild issues; they're better suited for acute stress periods. For heavier stuff, they might be used over a longer duration. When you take a pill, the effects kick in as soon as it's absorbed into the bloodstream, unlike something like Lexapro or other SSRIs where you have to wait for the neurotransmitters to build up in your system first...

Robert Reyes34 said:cosmictinker21,
could you elaborate a bit on what you mean by raising the emotional threshold (do you mean we become less sensitive?) and why the sleep it induces is considered poor quality? Also, regarding it staying in the body longer and being bioavailable for a greater duration—does that mean we continue to feel its effects even after we stop taking it?

I’ve never personally used Xanax or Ativan, so I’m mostly curious about the Valium or Klonopin types, since those are the ones I have experience with. I take them occasionally, nothing frequent and certainly not for long stretches. If I find myself caught in a moment of acute, intense stress, I might take them for a few days straight, and then I can stop without any trouble (it truly feels like they've leveled me out and calmed my nerves, so the urge to take them vanishes). Otherwise, it's just very sporadic. For me, Valium or Klonopin works well; it settles me down nicely, and if I'm struggling to sleep, it helps me drift off... though, I should emphasize, I don't use them often enough to know anything about potential side effects from long-term usage.

It is quite a revelation to hear you say that Valium and Klonopin function as antidepressants as well as anxiolytics—I honestly had no idea! I always assumed they were strictly for anxiety. And I really resonate with your point about how positive thoughts won't magically arrive unless a person puts in that little spark of effort themselves...