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Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Started by Robin Myers91 · · 👁 57 views · 10K replies

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Participants Robin Myers91Eric Wood7Maria Gomez6crimsonhound80Tyler Ortiz6dustyscout41Andrew Stewart2George Ramos64Morgan Long49Jason Sanchez3briskgull27Charles Edwards8Brenda Allen2hollowtinker8bluecyclist28electricorca13David Kern14Ashley Morganwanderingscout13Sam Hall15coppergardenerCarl Thompson4Mark Stewartanalognomad762 …
Patrick Thomas29 Patrick Thomas29 Member
42 messages
joined May 2008
#501 ·
Kenneth Scott41 said:My psychiatrist ended up prescribing me the Hale version (generic sertraline, which is essentially just Zoloft).
I have to admit, I was a bit caught off guard when she mentioned I’d likely need to stay on it for at least a year... as if that's just the baseline. If that's the case, I suppose I might end up taking it for three years or more😕. At that point, I'll probably be hooked, right? It all feels a little unsettling to me, I guess.😢
Is anyone else here on a 100mg daily dose? My plan is to start with 50mg in the morning for the first week, then transition to one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I’m only on my second day of treatment, and I've already noticed some side effects: a slight sense of lightheadedness, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, some trouble finding my words, and this persistent feeling of tension in my jaw—like my lower mandible is constantly clenched🤷. Has anyone else dealt with any of these specific issues?
N

I've been on Zoloft for a year and a half, but only 50mg a day.
I remember starting out by just taking half a pill for about a week to keep the side effects chill.
Starting straight at 50mg seems like a huge dose right away, hmm, I don't know.
Look, regarding how long you'll need the AD, that depends on you. You really should feel awesome for at least 6 months before you can even think about stopping.
I'm on therapy for another 6 months, and after that, I'm hoping I won't need it anymore, but that's just a hope. We'll see.🤷
Kenneth Scott41 Kenneth Scott41 Regular
457 messages
joined May 2009
#502 ·
quietfalcon2 said:I’ve been on it for maybe two or three months now. I had some digestive issues for about a couple of weeks—though, honestly, I’ve struggled with insomnia practically my whole life, so I’m really not sure if that was actually a side effect or just... me. I suppose I feel a bit better in the sense that those massive, month-long crises don't seem to hit quite as hard anymore. But most of the time, I just feel sort of numb—you know? Like I'm just going through the motions. I’m functional, I can get things done, I'm surviving, I guess.


I never really had trouble sleeping before, but ever since I started taking this, I find it hard to drift off, and I keep having these intense, bizarre dreams that were pretty rare for me in the past.
I completely get what you mean about that numb feeling... I experience the exact same thing... it's almost like being perpetually tipsy, and like you said, I just end up doing things automatically without much of an actual will behind them.
Kenneth Scott41 Kenneth Scott41 Regular
457 messages
joined May 2009
#503 ·
Patrick Thomas29 said:I've been on Zoloft for a year and a half, but only 50mg a day.
I remember starting out by just taking half a pill for about a week to keep the side effects chill.
Starting straight at 50mg seems like a huge dose right away, hmm, I don't know.
Look, regarding how long you'll need the AD, that depends on you. You really should feel awesome for at least 6 months before you can even think about stopping.
I'm on therapy for another 6 months, and after that, I'm hoping I won't need it anymore, but that's just a hope. We'll see.🤷

It’s actually a relief to hear from someone who has more experience with this medication, because there were moments where I seriously considered throwing in the towel just because of how strange everything felt... it was almost like being an astronaut, if you know what I mean—just feeling totally ungrounded.🙄 Regarding the dosage... I'm not entirely sure myself, but I imagine it comes down to body weight, and since you likely have a smaller build, your response might be different. I was wondering how long it took before you noticed that first real shift in your mood? And more importantly, how long did it take for those initial side effects to finally subside so you could start feeling like yourself again? Also, after a year and a half, do you feel like you've become dependent on it?
Kenneth Scott41 Kenneth Scott41 Regular
457 messages
joined May 2009
#504 ·
Keith Jones76 said:The real magic of an antidepressant is actually happening at a morphological level within the brain — it encourages the formation of new neural connections (which tend to wither away during depression, causing certain brain regions to literally "shrink"). That’s why you have to stay on them for the long haul, sometimes for five years or more... If you stop too soon, those symptoms can come crawling back because those depleted areas haven't fully "rebuilt" themselves yet.

It’s also exactly why it takes about 3 to 4 weeks (on average) to actually feel anything — you’re essentially waiting for those first new neural pathways to establish themselves.

Sure, neurotransmitter levels spike almost immediately after you take the dose, but the real question is whether there's actually a functional infrastructure for them to work with. That’s where neuroplasticity and staying consistent with the treatment come into play.


Does that mean once those new neurons are established after years of treatment, you can just stop taking the medication? Like, the depression won't come back? My psychiatrist told me that if I don't stick to the regimen, I'll likely end up being chronically depressed for the rest of my life—but what does "chronically depressed" actually entail in practice? Also, I notice nobody here is bringing up alcohol... I was told I absolutely cannot drink while on Zoloft.
It seems a bit extreme to say I can't even have a single beer??? Not one beer for an entire year.😲
fadedbear92 fadedbear92 Veteran
1.1K messages
joined Dec 2008
#505 ·
Kenneth Scott41 said:Does that mean once those new neurons are established after years of treatment, you can just stop taking the medication? Like, the depression won't come back? My psychiatrist told me that if I don't stick to the regimen, I'll likely end up being chronically depressed for the rest of my life—but what does "chronically depressed" actually entail in practice? Also, I notice nobody here is bringing up alcohol... I was told I absolutely cannot drink while on Zoloft.
It seems a bit extreme to say I can't even have a single beer??? Not one beer for an entire year.😲

I’ve managed twelve years without any alcohol. Honestly, I've only had a few of those "cool" non-alcoholic ones that still carry a tiny bit of ABV.
I took Zoloft for about five years, and let me tell you—DO NOT take it at night because that antidepressant is stimulating; it gives you energy and a real wind in your sails.
It helped me immensely. My symptoms dropped by at least 80%, and I finally felt like I had some willpower—which just kept growing. But listen, people, you REALLY need to be doing psychotherapy for at least 45 minutes once a week. As for dosage, I stuck to 100 mg in the morning, and that did the trick.
fadedbear92 fadedbear92 Veteran
1.1K messages
joined Dec 2008
#506 ·
Patrick Thomas29 said:I've been on Zoloft for a year and a half, but only 50mg a day.
I remember starting out by just taking half a pill for about a week to keep the side effects chill.
Starting straight at 50mg seems like a huge dose right away, hmm, I don't know.
Look, regarding how long you'll need the AD, that depends on you. You really should feel awesome for at least 6 months before you can even think about stopping.
I'm on therapy for another 6 months, and after that, I'm hoping I won't need it anymore, but that's just a hope. We'll see.🤷

dukić, you really have to ease into it—start with a quarter pill for two days, then move to half a pill for another two days, and only then go to the full dose.
Donna Wood52 Donna Wood52 Active Member
145 messages
joined Dec 2008
#507 ·
I was taking Zoloft before, but then I had to go in for some blood work and they flagged some liver issues, so I had to stop altogether.
Kenneth Scott41 Kenneth Scott41 Regular
457 messages
joined May 2009
#508 ·
I was reading some things online about this whole concept of a "chemical imbalance" being a real possibility? I wonder if anyone here has actually looked into it or knows much about the theory??
restlessstag5 restlessstag5 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Jun 2009
#509 ·
Hello,
I struggle with both anxiety and depression. For a few years now, I’ve been managing this with Paxil and Lexapro. I’ve actually started and stopped treatment three different times throughout this journey. My doctor says Paxil is essentially tailor-made for me because I tolerate it so well, and I only use Lexapro 0.25 on an as-needed basis, usually just during the initial stages of treatment. It seems like once the Paxil really kicks in, I don't need the Lexapro nearly as much. The absolute worst part for me is dealing with a relapse. It’s incredibly frustrating because just when things are going great—when my doctor and I are finally discussing tapering off the meds because I feel almost cured—I’ll hit a wall. A tiny, insignificant trigger, like worrying about catching a common cold, can spiral me straight back into an anxiety loop that I can't break out of. It likely takes about a month of consistent medication before the stability actually holds, but until then, it's a mess. It's especially tough because the physical signs are impossible to hide. When the anxiety hits, my appetite vanishes and I drop weight, and the dark circles under my eyes become obvious. I end up avoiding hanging out with friends because I'm terrified they'll notice I'm struggling. During these times, I have to fight tooth and nail just to eat properly despite my throat feeling tight, and I try my hardest to maintain a professional appearance at work just to survive the day.
Right now, I'm on a regimen of half a dose of Paxil three times a week, but since I've slipped into a relapse, my doctor has instructed me to go back to a half dose every single day, plus Lexapro as needed. This past week and last week have been brutal because the transition is just starting, and that period is honestly miserable. I'm just hoping to stabilize soon so I can function normally and feel like myself again—someone who is curious, relatively positive, and able to dream about traveling or whatever else. Currently, none of that is even on my radar. My only goals right now are basic survival: eating enough, maintaining my weight, being able to hold a conversation without people sensing something is wrong, and getting decent sleep.🙂
P.S. If there is any silver lining to all this, it’s that today feels much easier than when I first experienced anxiety. Back then, I had no idea what I was dealing with—I didn't understand how I would react, how to navigate a crisis, or how long recovery would take. Now, I know my own struggles inside and out; I just haven't mastered them yet. Clearly, I'm still working on building the strength to handle this on my own. 🤷
restlessstag5 restlessstag5 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Jun 2009
#510 ·
castor8 said:So, I've been taking half of a 20mg Paxil tablet every morning for about a week now. I'm supposed to transition to the full dose soon, but honestly, I don't feel any better yet. If anything, it feels worse—I'm dealing with some side effects like increased brain fog, occasional eyelid twitching, and diarrhea. I was wondering, once I bump up to the full tablet, is it going to get even worse? 🙄

I had the exact same experience when I first started Paxil. It’s rough at the start. You usually have to wait about three full weeks before things actually start to "click." But once it finally kicks in and starts working properly, it feels like you've been brought back to life—like you can finally breathe deeply again.
Kenneth Scott41 Kenneth Scott41 Regular
457 messages
joined May 2009
#511 ·
Has anyone here actually dealt with Zyprexa before? I'm also wondering—if you could even compare them that way—which one carries more weight, Zoloft or Zyprexa?
Ashley Morgan Ashley Morgan Member
13 messages
joined Aug 2007
#512 ·
Kenneth Scott41 said:Has anyone here actually dealt with Zyprexa before? I'm also wondering—if you could even compare them that way—which one carries more weight, Zoloft or Zyprexa?

First off, just so we're clear, Zyprexa isn't even an antidepressant; it's an antipsychotic. And if I had to guess—don't call me out on this if I'm wrong—I'd say it definitely packs more of a punch than Zoloft.
fadedbear92 fadedbear92 Veteran
1.1K messages
joined Dec 2008
#513 ·
Kenneth Scott41 said:Has anyone here actually dealt with Zyprexa before? I'm also wondering—if you could even compare them that way—which one carries more weight, Zoloft or Zyprexa?

"...Olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis, Zelapar, Zoloft, Zyprexa, Rexulti or in combination with fluoxetine Symbyax) is an atypical antipsychotic, approved by the FDA for the treatment of: schizophrenia on September 6, 1996;[1] depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder, as part of the Symbyax formulation, on December 24, 2003;[2] acute manic episodes and maintenance treatment in bipolar disorder on January 14, 2004.[3] As part of Symbax for treatment resistant depression March 23, 2009.[4] Off-label uses are listed below.
The olanzapine formulations are manufactured and marketed by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company, whose patent for olanzapine proper expires in 2011...." (Wikipedia)

As for Zoloft—I actually took it for five years myself—it’s an antidepressant, so you really can't compare the "strength" of these two; they belong to completely different classes, since the first is an antipsychotic and the second is an AD.http://imagesforum.doctissimo.fr/ima.../1/kek1276.gif
Steven Morris14 Steven Morris14 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Jun 2009
#514 ·
I’ve been struggling quite a bit with these sudden panic attacks lately... my doctor ended up putting me on Faverin, though I find myself wondering if it might lead to any significant weight gain, which is a genuine concern for me. About three years ago, I managed to lose 14 pounds through sheer willpower, and frankly, I have absolutely no intention of seeing those pounds crawl back onto my frame. I'm just worried about whether this medication will undo all that hard work.🙂 Best regards,
crimsonhound80 crimsonhound80 Active Member
175 messages
joined Mar 2008
#515 ·
So, apparently, Faverin "doesn't cause weight gain"—it’s the food that does it. 😁

Look, just make sure you aren't eating more than you already are, and then you won't put on any weight.
Steven Morris14 Steven Morris14 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Jun 2009
#516 ·
Do they even actually do anything when it comes to preventing panic attacks?
redranger2 redranger2 Active Member
248 messages
joined Aug 2008
#517 ·
Steven Morris14 said:Do they even actually do anything when it comes to preventing panic attacks?

Well, Paxil, much like most other antidepressants on the market, is quite effective at managing panic attacks. However, you have to exercise some patience, because an antidepressant doesn't just kick in the moment you swallow the pill. It generally takes about three weeks before they start making any real impact on your brain's neurotransmitters. In those initial stages, you might deal with side effects like drowsiness, excessive yawning, nausea, loss of appetite, or dizziness. Once your body adjusts, those symptoms eventually fade away.
For me personally, Lexapro was what finally ended my cycle of panic attacks.
Kenneth Scott41 Kenneth Scott41 Regular
457 messages
joined May 2009
#518 ·
A lot of you seem to be suggesting that antidepressants typically "kick in" after maybe two or three weeks... but I've been on Zoloft for a full month now and I honestly don't feel any better. If anything, things feel a bit worse. I actually noticed this most clearly when I accidentally missed my morning dose one day; I didn't get around to taking it until about 2:00 PM, and strangely enough, I felt much sharper that morning—without the usual anxiety, fear, hand tremors, dry mouth, or that constant tension in my jaw that usually hits once I take the pill. So, I guess the question is, what's actually going on here?😕I'm starting to have serious doubts about whether I should even bother continuing this regimen, though at the same time, I'm terrified of just stopping cold turkey because I've read about the withdrawal symptoms... things like dizziness, tremors, and the like. Has anyone else gone through something similar?
fadedbear92 fadedbear92 Veteran
1.1K messages
joined Dec 2008
#519 ·
Kenneth Scott41 said:A lot of you seem to be suggesting that antidepressants typically "kick in" after maybe two or three weeks... but I've been on Zoloft for a full month now and I honestly don't feel any better. If anything, things feel a bit worse. I actually noticed this most clearly when I accidentally missed my morning dose one day; I didn't get around to taking it until about 2:00 PM, and strangely enough, I felt much sharper that morning—without the usual anxiety, fear, hand tremors, dry mouth, or that constant tension in my jaw that usually hits once I take the pill. So, I guess the question is, what's actually going on here?😕I'm starting to have serious doubts about whether I should even bother continuing this regimen, though at the same time, I'm terrified of just stopping cold turkey because I've read about the withdrawal symptoms... things like dizziness, tremors, and the like. Has anyone else gone through something similar?

Look, you really need to talk to your psychiatrist about this. Don't try to manage it on your own. Usually, when people taper off, they drop down to a quarter dose, then maybe a third for a few days, then skip a day before starting a new med—but honestly, you have to do everything under a doctor's supervision.http://www.nekretnine365.com/nekretn...listingID=5971
velvetsailor26 velvetsailor26 Active Member
144 messages
joined Feb 2009
#520 ·
I honestly didn't get anything out of Prozac; I spent three months swallowing it and felt absolutely zero change, but I've been on Zoloft for about a month now and, for once, things are actually starting to look up.

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