Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Gerald Torres2 said:So, I'm back in school (not a kid, I'm 27), and honestly, I struggle to even follow the lectures sometimes because my valium kills my concentration... but the way Seroquel made me feel so stupid was just terrifying. I couldn't find the right words for things. Like, I'd stare at the fridge and completely blank on what the thing inside was called or even how to say it. It was awful. And then, predictably, once that passed, the low-grade depression and anxiety started creeping in... man, what a mess.🙂🙂🙂🙂

Give me a break. I struggle to remember names or basic things at least three times a day, every single day.😬

Jokes aside, if it’s actually hitting you that hard (and it sounds like it is), why not just stop taking it? Or maybe give the meds more time to settle in? I don't know about your AP, but my doctor told me that AP usually kicks in way faster than AD, so you should be able to tell if it's working within a week or two.🙂

Brandon Lopez6 said:Give me a break. I struggle to remember names or basic things at least three times a day, every single day.😬

Jokes aside, if it’s actually hitting you that hard (and it sounds like it is), why not just stop taking it? Or maybe give the meds more time to settle in? I don't know about your AP, but my doctor told me that AP usually kicks in way faster than AD, so you should be able to tell if it's working within a week or two.🙂

Look, I only took one... I didn't have any last night (and honestly, I knocked out immediately for seven hours straight), so I'm wide awake and feeling fine today. The thing is, I don't actually need a mood stabilizer. My moods don't swing that wildly... I'm not like those people who post here constantly about being aggressive or whatever. I'm not like that. I get angry maybe once a month when I really lose it, which I think is pretty normal for anyone on this planet—and yeah, I might snap occasionally, but generally, I don't. My doctor prescribed it because she gave me a BPD diagnosis... but I don't need it. So now I'm looking at it and thinking... just another pill I don't even need... 🤷 it feels stupid. Brandon Lopez6, I used to deal with that too, but with anxiolytics, and it was nowhere near as intense.

Gerald Torres2 said:Look, I only took one... I didn't have any last night (and honestly, I knocked out immediately for seven hours straight), so I'm wide awake and feeling fine today. The thing is, I don't actually need a mood stabilizer. My moods don't swing that wildly... I'm not like those people who post here constantly about being aggressive or whatever. I'm not like that. I get angry maybe once a month when I really lose it, which I think is pretty normal for anyone on this planet—and yeah, I might snap occasionally, but generally, I don't. My doctor prescribed it because she gave me a BPD diagnosis... but I don't need it. So now I'm looking at it and thinking... just another pill I don't even need... 🤷 it feels stupid. Brandon Lopez6, I used to deal with that too, but with anxiolytics, and it was nowhere near as intense.

Ahaaa. I see where you're coming from now. 🙂
Just be straight with your doctor. Tell her exactly what's up and that you aren't interested in taking them. 🙂

Brandon Lopez6 said:Ahaaa. I see where you're coming from now. 🙂
Just be straight with your doctor. Tell her exactly what's up and that you aren't interested in taking them. 🙂

Yeah, that's exactly what I plan to do. 😍

Justin Rogers5 said:5mg Zodac, plus 25mg Xanax. Sometimes at night. I take a quarter of an Albonil in the morning too, though I'm phasing it out since it doesn't do much. My stomach handles the Mirzaten and Xanax just fine.

Are you referring to that tiny 0.25 mg dose of xanax? Honestly, if such a minuscule amount provides any relief at all, then you're doing better than most; I find myself needing 0.5 mg three times a day just to stay level. And does the Zoninad actually do anything for you? How is your stomach holding up—any improvement there? It just dawned on me that Zoninad is essentially the same thing as Sanval; is 5 mg truly enough to get the job done for you?

Jason Vaughn482 said:Are you referring to that tiny 0.25 mg dose of xanax? Honestly, if such a minuscule amount provides any relief at all, then you're doing better than most; I find myself needing 0.5 mg three times a day just to stay level. And does the Zoninad actually do anything for you? How is your stomach holding up—any improvement there? It just dawned on me that Zoninad is essentially the same thing as Sanval; is 5 mg truly enough to get the job done for you?

How long have you been on 3x0.5 xanax? I've been taking Lexapro at that same dose for about three months now, and honestly, the duration is starting to scare me. Also, a question for the group... I was on antidepressants, but we couldn't find the right fit even after three tries. I gave up, and now I'm debating whether to bother seeing a psychiatrist again. Why do people take antidepressants if they're just anxious and high-strung? Do meds for anxiety even exist? I'm not depressed, and everything I've tried so far just sent my tension through the roof. Has anyone else dealt with this? I could use some encouragement because the fear of going to work—or even just leaving the house—is becoming unbearable.

Donna Torres5 said:I’ve been feeling that mental fog lately too, almost like my brain is running on low battery. It takes me much longer to tap into my creative side, which is tough since my job requires me to stay sharp and ready to react at a moment's notice. I’m dealing with some minor setbacks, but if this is the trade-off for maintaining my stability, I can handle it. There are much bigger struggles out there in the world; I’m facing this, while others are fighting battles like cancer. At the end of the day, life isn't fair—we can't all live long, happy lives and pass away peacefully at ninety.

Finally, a post from someone actually working. What are you taking (didn't really follow) and how do you manage it alongside work? I have a high-stakes job too, and I'm constantly terrified I'll snap or mess up and get fired. That's my biggest fear. Sometimes I head into the office with so much tension I feel like I'm losing it. Honestly, I just load up on Advil and push through the day. I'd love to hear how you handle it.

Paul Newman5 said:How long have you been on 3x0.5 xanax? I've been taking Lexapro at that same dose for about three months now, and honestly, the duration is starting to scare me. Also, a question for the group... I was on antidepressants, but we couldn't find the right fit even after three tries. I gave up, and now I'm debating whether to bother seeing a psychiatrist again. Why do people take antidepressants if they're just anxious and high-strung? Do meds for anxiety even exist? I'm not depressed, and everything I've tried so far just sent my tension through the roof. Has anyone else dealt with this? I could use some encouragement because the fear of going to work—or even just leaving the house—is becoming unbearable.

My doctor prescribed Lexapro for my anxiety, but I never actually took it. Back then, I was constantly terrified I was going to die—my anxiety was basically bordering on hypochondria. I had dizzy spells all the time, barely left the house unless it was a super quick trip, and dealt with panic attacks every now and then. Instead of the pills, I started drinking three cups of chamomile tea a day along with two cups of lemon balm. If things got really bad, I'd just take a little bit of Normabale. That was pretty much my whole routine. Personally, I think doctors hand out antidepressants way too easily. Looking back now, after five months of dealing with all that, I feel like I'm almost totally cured. Honestly, I can drive into New York City without a second thought now, and I even sat through a whole USA-Mexico game without feeling dizzy or hitting a panic attack once... it was nothing.

Paul Newman5 said:How long have you been on 3x0.5 xanax? I've been taking Lexapro at that same dose for about three months now, and honestly, the duration is starting to scare me. Also, a question for the group... I was on antidepressants, but we couldn't find the right fit even after three tries. I gave up, and now I'm debating whether to bother seeing a psychiatrist again. Why do people take antidepressants if they're just anxious and high-strung? Do meds for anxiety even exist? I'm not depressed, and everything I've tried so far just sent my tension through the roof. Has anyone else dealt with this? I could use some encouragement because the fear of going to work—or even just leaving the house—is becoming unbearable.

I’ve been on that exact dose for three years now.
I struggle with anxiety rather than depression myself, and about three years ago when this all kicked off, I was on Prozac. It actually seemed quite effective, despite the side effects that hit me during those first three weeks before I stopped. Lately, I’ve been thinking about giving it another shot.

frozenorca63 said:My doctor prescribed Lexapro for my anxiety, but I never actually took it. Back then, I was constantly terrified I was going to die—my anxiety was basically bordering on hypochondria. I had dizzy spells all the time, barely left the house unless it was a super quick trip, and dealt with panic attacks every now and then. Instead of the pills, I started drinking three cups of chamomile tea a day along with two cups of lemon balm. If things got really bad, I'd just take a little bit of Normabale. That was pretty much my whole routine. Personally, I think doctors hand out antidepressants way too easily. Looking back now, after five months of dealing with all that, I feel like I'm almost totally cured. Honestly, I can drive into New York City without a second thought now, and I even sat through a whole USA-Mexico game without feeling dizzy or hitting a panic attack once... it was nothing.

I struggle with the same core issue—this relentless hypochondria where I’m constantly terrified of illness and death—but I highly doubt chamomile would do much for me. Even then, I don't take any antidepressants; I've been stuck on three grams of Xanax instead.

Jason Vaughn482 said:I struggle with the same core issue—this relentless hypochondria where I’m constantly terrified of illness and death—but I highly doubt chamomile would do much for me. Even then, I don't take any antidepressants; I've been stuck on three grams of Xanax instead.

I remember reading somewhere that valerian root can help with health anxiety... Honestly, thank God I'm past that stage, but man, there were nights where I was absolutely convinced my time was up... it's such a heavy, awful feeling to carry around...

Jason Vaughn482 said:I’ve been on that exact dose for three years now.
I struggle with anxiety rather than depression myself, and about three years ago when this all kicked off, I was on Prozac. It actually seemed quite effective, despite the side effects that hit me during those first three weeks before I stopped. Lately, I’ve been thinking about giving it another shot.

I've been reading a lot about Prozac lately. What kind of side effects did you get? I was on Lexapro and Luvox once, and they just sent me straight into mania... makes no sense. I'm terrified and wired, yet they prescribe stuff that pumps me up even more. No logic there. Anyone have experience with psychiatrists at the Mayo Clinic? Any chance I could get in through some connections? Not my finest moment saying that, but I'm being honest. Three years? Compared to that, my few months on this stuff is nothing.😂Did your doctor ever try to bump up the dose or refuse to write it? I'm lucky enough to just pick mine up without a prescription, but honestly, I'm scared to even see a doctor because I'm worried they'll chew me out for taking it. At least you made me feel better—it'll take me a long time to reach your three-year mark.😍

Paul Newman5 said:I've been reading a lot about Prozac lately. What kind of side effects did you get? I was on Lexapro and Luvox once, and they just sent me straight into mania... makes no sense. I'm terrified and wired, yet they prescribe stuff that pumps me up even more. No logic there. Anyone have experience with psychiatrists at the Mayo Clinic? Any chance I could get in through some connections? Not my finest moment saying that, but I'm being honest. Three years? Compared to that, my few months on this stuff is nothing.😂Did your doctor ever try to bump up the dose or refuse to write it? I'm lucky enough to just pick mine up without a prescription, but honestly, I'm scared to even see a doctor because I'm worried they'll chew me out for taking it. At least you made me feel better—it'll take me a long time to reach your three-year mark.😍

The side effects were just the usual suspects: heightened anxiety, a general sense of unease, and a loss of appetite—which, frankly, wasn't the end of the world. Once that initial phase passed, I felt alright. Though, I’m a bit uncertain; people say it’s similar to Zoloft, which didn't sit well with you, and in my case, it wasn't perfect either—I only stuck with it for about twenty days.
It’s true that three years sounds like an eternity, but since I haven't been taking antipsychotics or even Alphabet products—except for a very brief window—I find myself in a state of total uncertainty regarding which route is less damaging. In fact, I might eventually transition to a different medication myself. To answer your question, no, I’ve never felt the need to increase my dose; it really just depends on whether I'm hitting a crisis point. If things are bad, I'll take 0.5 mg three times a day, but more often it's just twice. Usually, I'll take 0.25 in the morning, then 0.5 when I head out, and another 0.5 in the evening... followed by some sleep aids before bed. From your perspective, three years feels like a lifetime, but when you look at those who have spent decades cycling through various psychotropic drugs, it doesn't seem nearly as extreme. It’s all a matter of how you view it. Ultimately, though, the ideal scenario would be to not have to take anything at all.

Jason Vaughn482 said:The side effects were just the usual suspects: heightened anxiety, a general sense of unease, and a loss of appetite—which, frankly, wasn't the end of the world. Once that initial phase passed, I felt alright. Though, I’m a bit uncertain; people say it’s similar to Zoloft, which didn't sit well with you, and in my case, it wasn't perfect either—I only stuck with it for about twenty days.
It’s true that three years sounds like an eternity, but since I haven't been taking antipsychotics or even Alphabet products—except for a very brief window—I find myself in a state of total uncertainty regarding which route is less damaging. In fact, I might eventually transition to a different medication myself. To answer your question, no, I’ve never felt the need to increase my dose; it really just depends on whether I'm hitting a crisis point. If things are bad, I'll take 0.5 mg three times a day, but more often it's just twice. Usually, I'll take 0.25 in the morning, then 0.5 when I head out, and another 0.5 in the evening... followed by some sleep aids before bed. From your perspective, three years feels like a lifetime, but when you look at those who have spent decades cycling through various psychotropic drugs, it doesn't seem nearly as extreme. It’s all a matter of how you view it. Ultimately, though, the ideal scenario would be to not have to take anything at all.

I didn't think three years was bad. I'd be happy if I could maintain this state indefinitely without antidepressants, but I panicked thinking I was already a hardcore addict after just three months. That actually gave me the courage to keep taking them longer. And yeah, nothing would be best, I agree. But I feel like I can't skip my morning dose before work, otherwise I'll definitely hit a panic attack or something. Mornings are the hardest for me. I wake up jittery and it's rough. In the afternoon, sometimes 0.25mg is enough, and at night I sleep with Xanax; that's what helps me pass out best. Usually, though, it's 3 x 0.5mg a day. Sometimes I think every illness is hard, but when that real anxiety hits... I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

Paul Newman5 said:I didn't think three years was bad. I'd be happy if I could maintain this state indefinitely without antidepressants, but I panicked thinking I was already a hardcore addict after just three months. That actually gave me the courage to keep taking them longer. And yeah, nothing would be best, I agree. But I feel like I can't skip my morning dose before work, otherwise I'll definitely hit a panic attack or something. Mornings are the hardest for me. I wake up jittery and it's rough. In the afternoon, sometimes 0.25mg is enough, and at night I sleep with Xanax; that's what helps me pass out best. Usually, though, it's 3 x 0.5mg a day. Sometimes I think every illness is hard, but when that real anxiety hits... I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

How much Xanax are you taking at night? And wouldn't that serve as a replacement for your other medication? They say doctors occasionally rotate different anxiolytics to prevent stagnation. Personally, I haven't made any changes, but I am constantly preoccupied with the idea that I need to shift something, though I can't quite pinpoint what. It’s because they tell you these things should only be used for a month, yet here I am, three years deep... all while avoiding antidepressants like the plague.

Jason Vaughn482 said:How much Xanax are you taking at night? And wouldn't that serve as a replacement for your other medication? They say doctors occasionally rotate different anxiolytics to prevent stagnation. Personally, I haven't made any changes, but I am constantly preoccupied with the idea that I need to shift something, though I can't quite pinpoint what. It’s because they tell you these things should only be used for a month, yet here I am, three years deep... all while avoiding antidepressants like the plague.

$, 5 mg, one of the three and one of the 1.5. Honestly, it worked for me when I started. Only downside was it made me sleepier than Mirtazapine. Around December, I saw my doctor because I felt terrible that day, and he suggested Mirtazapine since it’s supposedly better for anxiety—acting a bit like an antidepressant too. I figured the doctor knew best, so I switched. He literally told me, "Take the Mirtazapine, fight your fears on your own, and try to get off the Lexapro." No idea why he'd say that. Have you actually talked to your doctor? Or are you like me, just buying Xellex or whatever you're currently on? Three years is a long time, even if the dosage is stable. I don't know what to do; I'm just wandering aimlessly. I'm dodging Apple just like you. Even Mirtazapine doesn't feel like a forever solution. I've tried bioenergy for three months—pointless. Messing around with crystals, seeing a psychologist for five months... nothing really stuck. She even suggested we take a break in March while I figure things out. I'm hardly an expert; I'm just as lost as you are.🤷

Paul Newman5 As stated by:
The dosage variations—0.5 mg, 1 mg, or even 1.5 mg—it’s all such a moving target. To be perfectly honest, I started my journey on Lexapro, and for a while, it felt like a decent fit for me. The only real downside was that it made me far more lethargic than the Paxil ever did. Around the twelve-month mark, I had one of those days where I just felt absolutely terrible, so I sought medical advice. My doctor insisted that Paxil was the superior choice, specifically because it functions somewhat as an antidepressant and tends to handle anxiety more effectively. I suppose I deferred to his expertise, assuming he knew better than I did, so I made the switch to Paxil. He was quite blunt about it, too—essentially telling me to stick with the Paxil, face my anxieties head-on through sheer willpower, and try to phase out the Lexapro entirely. I can't begin to fathom why he took such a hardline stance. Have you actually sat down and had a real conversation with your physician about this? Or are you like me, just grabbing whatever Xellex is available at the pharmacy based on what you're currently prescribed? Three years is a lifetime in this struggle, though there is a small comfort in knowing you've maintained a consistent dosage. As for what to do next, I am completely lost; I feel like I'm just wandering aimlessly through the fog myself. Like you, I find myself trying to distance myself from Alphabet's influence, as I have this nagging suspicion that Paxil isn't a permanent solution either, nor is it the ultimate answer. I’ve even tried holistic approaches, spending three months on bioenergy therapy, but if I’m being candid, the benefits were negligible. I’ve even dabbled slightly in crystal healing. I spent five months seeing a psychologist, but even that didn't yield much fruit; she actually suggested we take a break in March so I could clear my head and decide on a path forward. I don't feel qualified to offer you any real guidance when I am standing right there in the dark with you, unsure of my own next step.🤷

So, if I take 5 mg of Lexapro in the evening, does that effectively stack with those three Xanax pills? It’s all essentially the same category of medication, isn't it? My psychiatrist keeps prescribing me Xanax because I flatly refuse to touch antipsychotics or even standard antidepressants; she just maintains the dosage until we can find a way to scale up. But when I sit back and actually contemplate the reality of it, these other options carry their own heavy burdens of side effects too. You end up tethered to them for years regardless. I fail to grasp the distinction people make—unless a drug truly delivers the peace it promises, why bother putting in the effort to endure it? I was prescribed Mirzaten, but frankly, it does absolutely nothing for me. If I can't drift off even with Ambien, I simply cut the smallest dose in half, though I don't do it every night. What is the point of dragging a useless pill along for years if there's zero improvement? Many people claim they are navigating this entire cocktail of medications and still feel completely unmoored, so they just reach for a Xanax to finally quiet the noise. Take my friend, for example. She’s doing significantly better now—she’s driving again, going out, living life—but look at the cost. She’s on 50 mg of Zoloft and 200 mg of Seroquel every single night, and yet, she still can't function without taking 0.5 Xanax three times a day. When you lay it all out like that, you realize just how many different substances she’s actually relying on to stay afloat.
My therapist was quite adamant about one thing: you simply cannot mix anxiolytics. If he suggested that you should drop the Lexapro, it was likely because he’s looking at the dangerous cocktail you're currently brewing. It's all about avoiding those volatile chemical reactions in the brain.

Does anyone know if Zyprexa messes with your memory? Ever since I bumped my dose up to 20, I’ve been feeling super forgetful—like, total brain fog territory

Jason Vaughn482 said:

Paul Newman5 As stated by:
The dosage variations—0.5 mg, 1 mg, or even 1.5 mg—it’s all such a moving target. To be perfectly honest, I started my journey on Lexapro, and for a while, it felt like a decent fit for me. The only real downside was that it made me far more lethargic than the Paxil ever did. Around the twelve-month mark, I had one of those days where I just felt absolutely terrible, so I sought medical advice. My doctor insisted that Paxil was the superior choice, specifically because it functions somewhat as an antidepressant and tends to handle anxiety more effectively. I suppose I deferred to his expertise, assuming he knew better than I did, so I made the switch to Paxil. He was quite blunt about it, too—essentially telling me to stick with the Paxil, face my anxieties head-on through sheer willpower, and try to phase out the Lexapro entirely. I can't begin to fathom why he took such a hardline stance. Have you actually sat down and had a real conversation with your physician about this? Or are you like me, just grabbing whatever Xellex is available at the pharmacy based on what you're currently prescribed? Three years is a lifetime in this struggle, though there is a small comfort in knowing you've maintained a consistent dosage. As for what to do next, I am completely lost; I feel like I'm just wandering aimlessly through the fog myself. Like you, I find myself trying to distance myself from Alphabet's influence, as I have this nagging suspicion that Paxil isn't a permanent solution either, nor is it the ultimate answer. I’ve even tried holistic approaches, spending three months on bioenergy therapy, but if I’m being candid, the benefits were negligible. I’ve even dabbled slightly in crystal healing. I spent five months seeing a psychologist, but even that didn't yield much fruit; she actually suggested we take a break in March so I could clear my head and decide on a path forward. I don't feel qualified to offer you any real guidance when I am standing right there in the dark with you, unsure of my own next step.🤷

So, if I take 5 mg of Lexapro in the evening, does that effectively stack with those three Xanax pills? It’s all essentially the same category of medication, isn't it? My psychiatrist keeps prescribing me Xanax because I flatly refuse to touch antipsychotics or even standard antidepressants; she just maintains the dosage until we can find a way to scale up. But when I sit back and actually contemplate the reality of it, these other options carry their own heavy burdens of side effects too. You end up tethered to them for years regardless. I fail to grasp the distinction people make—unless a drug truly delivers the peace it promises, why bother putting in the effort to endure it? I was prescribed Mirzaten, but frankly, it does absolutely nothing for me. If I can't drift off even with Ambien, I simply cut the smallest dose in half, though I don't do it every night. What is the point of dragging a useless pill along for years if there's zero improvement? Many people claim they are navigating this entire cocktail of medications and still feel completely unmoored, so they just reach for a Xanax to finally quiet the noise. Take my friend, for example. She’s doing significantly better now—she’s driving again, going out, living life—but look at the cost. She’s on 50 mg of Zoloft and 200 mg of Seroquel every single night, and yet, she still can't function without taking 0.5 Xanax three times a day. When you lay it all out like that, you realize just how many different substances she’s actually relying on to stay afloat.
My therapist was quite adamant about one thing: you simply cannot mix anxiolytics. If he suggested that you should drop the Lexapro, it was likely because he’s looking at the dangerous cocktail you're currently brewing. It's all about avoiding those volatile chemical reactions in the brain.

4.5, not 5, typoed the key on my computer. Of course it counts toward the total, but what can you do. It bugs me too. I see it here on the forum and hear it from others. It's not the Apple I'm afraid of; if someone found the right one, I'd take it for years if needed. It's just that everyone needs extra stuff alongside it—switching meds, then insomnia kicks in, then you're on Apple plus an antipsychotic, and it feels endless. If someone would just show up and say they took Apple for a year or two and recovered, I'd start tomorrow. The Lexapro/Celexa mix wasn't bad for me, actually a decent combo, but I stopped taking it during the day. I take it at night because it feels weaker than Ambien. I live with the hope that once I'm finally off everything, it'll be easier to handle than Ambien. Just thinking... if I ever do... a little dreaming doesn't hurt.

Paul Newman5 said:4.5, not 5, typoed the key on my computer. Of course it counts toward the total, but what can you do. It bugs me too. I see it here on the forum and hear it from others. It's not the Apple I'm afraid of; if someone found the right one, I'd take it for years if needed. It's just that everyone needs extra stuff alongside it—switching meds, then insomnia kicks in, then you're on Apple plus an antipsychotic, and it feels endless. If someone would just show up and say they took Apple for a year or two and recovered, I'd start tomorrow. The Lexapro/Celexa mix wasn't bad for me, actually a decent combo, but I stopped taking it during the day. I take it at night because it feels weaker than Ambien. I live with the hope that once I'm finally off everything, it'll be easier to handle than Ambien. Just thinking... if I ever do... a little dreaming doesn't hurt.

As for everything else, I shop, drive, work, take care of a family of five... My only fear is having an episode while at work and getting hauled off to a psych ward and losing my job. An existential dread, I guess. Last year when it started, I had panic attacks at work all the time. Didn't even realize what was happening at first. I link it to the meds. I'm incredibly jittery in the morning until about 9 or 9:30, then I'm a different person by the afternoon. That's why I still think I can manage without the Apple.