Psychotropic medication discussion thread

cosmictinker21,

I really can't thank you enough! 😁

Robert Reyes34 said:cosmictinker21,

I really can't thank you enough! 😁

Hey there!

cosmictinker21, what’s your take on the whole generic versus brand-name debate? Personally, if I’m taking xanax, I want the real deal—not some off-brand alternative you find at a discount pharmacy. I had to rely on generics once when the name brand was out of stock, and honestly, it just didn't hit the same way for me. Maybe that’s just my own bias, but...🤷

fadedbear92 said:cosmictinker21, what’s your take on the whole generic versus brand-name debate? Personally, if I’m taking xanax, I want the real deal—not some off-brand alternative you find at a discount pharmacy. I had to rely on generics once when the name brand was out of stock, and honestly, it just didn't hit the same way for me. Maybe that’s just my own bias, but...🤷

Yeah, it’s mostly subjective. I mean, everyone is using the exact same active ingredient, but manufacturers will toss in different additives depending on how they want it absorbed or if they need a time-release formula. But honestly, those are just minor tweaks that don't really change the core efficacy... For example, extended-release capsules can be pretty rough on the stomach, whereas tablets usually kick in faster because that gelatin coating breaks down more quickly once it hits your intestines. Then you have those film-coated tablets—they don't cause stomach upset because they aren't supposed to dissolve until they reach the gut. Again, it's just fine-tuning. It doesn't change the fundamental math of the drug. Creams are a different story, though. There’s actually some real variation there in the delivery matrix; they might add specific lipid molecules to help the medication penetrate deeper through the skin, and you can definitely notice the difference in results. Aside from stuff like that, most of the hype is just pharmaceutical companies and media outlets blowing things out of proportion. People are incredibly susceptible to mysticism and suggestion...

Regarding the matter of psychopharmacology, there is a crucial point that I believe must be made—that no such 'medication' is capable (under any circumstances whatsoever!) of altering the traits or the underlying character of the individual taking it. Mental illnesses are, in essence, rooted within a person's very traits and their character—and in those fundamental aspects, I suppose, no 'medication' of this sort truly provides any assistance at all!

Just like there’s no magic pill for blue eyes or a way to suddenly grow longer fingers...
Psychotropic drugs weren't designed to be mental cosmetics, regardless of how much some people try to push them in that direction.

Christian Green22 said:Regarding the matter of psychopharmacology, there is a crucial point that I believe must be made—that no such 'medication' is capable (under any circumstances whatsoever!) of altering the traits or the underlying character of the individual taking it. Mental illnesses are, in essence, rooted within a person's very traits and their character—and in those fundamental aspects, I suppose, no 'medication' of this sort truly provides any assistance at all!

You're comparing apples to oranges here. Sorry, but look at how insulin acts as a glucose transporter for cells; without it, you'd be in serious trouble. Or consider heart medication—without it, someone could face a massive cardiac event in no time. Without thyroid hormone replacement, vital functions just shut down, leading to long-term misery. In much the same way, certain psychotropic drugs compensate for, stimulate, or suppress what is either in excess or lacking in the system. Without psychiatric meds, some schizophrenic patients or those dealing with paranoia might cause total devastation in their communities and themselves (I'm not being hyperbolic; it’s a deeply traumatic reality)... and many people struggling with depression or anxiety would find life completely unmanageable. Some people do achieve improvement through psychotherapy, which targets attitudes, character, traits, perspectives, and behavior—essentially working on the personality itself. I don't have the time to explain the mechanics of how or why, though I did write a lengthy post about it in another thread once...

The way you put it is honestly pretty irresponsible, suggesting to people that they shouldn't even bother trying medication. You really should have clarified that this is strictly your own opinion. An opinion, which, by the way, you haven't backed up with a single actual argument. Instead of hiding behind empty platitudes, maybe try gathering some actual knowledge and life experience first. Sorry, kid, but it's just...🤷

And I have zero intention of debating this with you indefinitely.☕

http://www.naturalnews.com/cartoons/...church_600.jpg

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?

Just like any other antidepressant out there, you won't feel anything with ExxonMobil for at least two or three weeks.

Brenda Carter said:Just like any other antidepressant out there, you won't feel anything with ExxonMobil for at least two or three weeks.

Do you happen to know how long one typically stays on Coaxil?

Also, my doctor mentioned that I should be able to gradually taper off the xanax now, though I suppose I might still need it occasionally when I feel particularly restless.

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. 👍

So, I’ve been thinking about this... why would someone diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder—which, let's be honest, some people argue isn't even a "mental illness" per se, just a way of being—be prescribed antipsychotics for a long stretch if they aren't actually having psychotic breaks?

I have to admit, ever since I started taking my Lexapro, things have felt different. In one sense, I’m doing much better because I don't feel any pain anymore—everything just feels neutral—but it's obvious to everyone else that something isn't quite right. I feel completely numb, sluggish, and just totally disconnected from everything and everyone around me.

On the bright side, I really appreciate not having that constant chest pain, but I'm struggling with how to move forward. I can't exactly live on medication forever just to get through the day, especially since this doesn't exactly feel like "normal" functioning to me.

Regarding the binge eating, the meds have helped a little bit; I actually managed to stick to my diet for four whole days. However, as soon as I saw I hadn't hit my target goals, I spiraled and ended up overeating again.

I feel a bit lost right now, but I'm holding onto the hope that with the right therapy, I'll eventually find my way back to feeling like myself again.

Brenda Carter said:Just like any other antidepressant out there, you won't feel anything with ExxonMobil for at least two or three weeks.

I'm starting my third week on 3x daily Brintellix. I feel more emotionally stable, less depressed, and much more productive at work. The side effects have gone away.

I guess I don't want to get ahead of myself, though. I'm not sure if the effect will stay consistent or maybe even get stronger in a few weeks or months. I suppose I need to wait and see.

This is just an update. I haven't reduced my Xanax dose by a single milligram yet. My psychiatrist is pushing me to swap every 0.5 mg of Xanax with 2 mg of Diazepam (or Oxazepam). That would put my maintenance dose at roughly 3x 4mg of Diazepam alongside the Brintellix. Honestly, I don't think I can manage that. Every milligram of Xanax I try to cut feels pretty rough.

Still, I'm happy. I'm sticking to my routine, including psychotherapy, yoga, meditation, and my spiritual and scientific studies.

I'd appreciate hearing about anyone else's experience. Your thoughts really mean a lot to me.

How long do you stay on Coax?

I guess it just depends on how much time you think you need. Basically, once you and your psychiatrist feel like you can handle things without it, you stop.
That’s just how Coax works—you can quit whenever, there isn't really a tapering period.

Talking about anxiolytics?
Like I said before, Coax has a massive effect on anxiety because of how it hits the Amygdala (basically by lowering glutamate levels in there). New studies actually show people are using 50% less anti-anxiety meds when they're on Coax. But obviously, that doesn't happen overnight. There are no miracles here.
With Coax, you don't get those crazy sudden shifts like sedation or getting all wired up; it's more of a slow and steady thing.
Getting healthy is a long road.

Brenda Carter said:How long do you stay on Coax?

I guess it just depends on how much time you think you need. Basically, once you and your psychiatrist feel like you can handle things without it, you stop.
That’s just how Coax works—you can quit whenever, there isn't really a tapering period.

Talking about anxiolytics?
Like I said before, Coax has a massive effect on anxiety because of how it hits the Amygdala (basically by lowering glutamate levels in there). New studies actually show people are using 50% less anti-anxiety meds when they're on Coax. But obviously, that doesn't happen overnight. There are no miracles here.
With Coax, you don't get those crazy sudden shifts like sedation or getting all wired up; it's more of a slow and steady thing.
Getting healthy is a long road.

Okay. Honestly, I can already tell this might be a long journey for me, mainly because I actually quite like who I am while I'm on it.🙂
I've already stopped taking my Xanax before bed, which was a relief because I was genuinely worried about becoming dependent on them.
😬

If it isn't too much trouble, would you mind explaining—since I can certainly look things up myself—what exactly causes that lower level of glutamate in the Amygdala?
Thanks.🙂

Glutamate is basically just another neurotransmitter, kind of like serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine... you know the drill. But here’s the thing: it’s the most excitatory one out there. People actually call it the MASTER SWITCH. If you’re dealing with constant, long-term stress or deep depression, your levels spike, and then it becomes neurotoxic. It literally fries your neurons and dendrites... mostly hitting the amygdala, hippocampus, and the Core. Coaxil helps bring those levels back down to where they should be.
The hippocampus and amygdala are part of the limbic system, which is basically the emotional center of your brain.
Hippocampus: handles your mood, focus, and how well you can learn stuff...
- someone struggling with crappy cognitive function

Core: deals with short-term memory, making decisions, and taking initiative
- feeling sluggish
Amygdala: manages emotions, fear, anxiety, and aggression
- an irritable, aggressive, or pessimistic patient.

Brenda Carter said:Glutamate is basically just another neurotransmitter, kind of like serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine... you know the drill. But here’s the thing: it’s the most excitatory one out there. People actually call it the MASTER SWITCH. If you’re dealing with constant, long-term stress or deep depression, your levels spike, and then it becomes neurotoxic. It literally fries your neurons and dendrites... mostly hitting the amygdala, hippocampus, and the Core. Coaxil helps bring those levels back down to where they should be.
The hippocampus and amygdala are part of the limbic system, which is basically the emotional center of your brain.
Hippocampus: handles your mood, focus, and how well you can learn stuff...
- someone struggling with crappy cognitive function

Core: deals with short-term memory, making decisions, and taking initiative
- feeling sluggish
Amygdala: manages emotions, fear, anxiety, and aggression
- an irritable, aggressive, or pessimistic patient.

Thanks for the explanation. I noticed you mentioned this earlier, but I didn't quite grasp which part of the brain controls what. Honestly, I feel a bit silly asking the doctor so many questions since our conversations usually drift toward other topics, but since I have some downtime before my next meeting, I figured I should probably understand exactly how Coaxil is affecting me.
Though, I suppose I sound a bit like a broken record. Comparing how I felt a month ago to how I feel now, I am almost unrecognizable.
I feel much more "level"—if that is even the right way to put it.

William Martin5 said:So, I’ve been thinking about this... why would someone diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder—which, let's be honest, some people argue isn't even a "mental illness" per se, just a way of being—be prescribed antipsychotics for a long stretch if they aren't actually having psychotic breaks?

Think of it more like a mood stabilizer?