Psychotropic medication discussion thread

I’m honestly sorry to hear about the bad experiences some of you have had with private practices—it really feels like profit margins have started driving things more than the Hippocratic Oath these days (though, granted, I’m not trying to paint everyone with the same brush).

Now, I can't say the doctor at the public hospital was actually bad—not by a long shot—but the sheer volume of patients there is just overwhelming. She was clearly doing her absolute best, but unfortunately, "doing her best" isn't always enough when you need focused attention, so I decided to splurge on a private physician instead. And, I have to say, I’m quite happy with the decision.

As for me, neither Zoloft nor Rivotril really hit the mark, but I found myself pushing through regardless—even if the whole ordeal ended up causing me more grief than any actual relief.

Matthew White4 said:Seriously, over those 25 years in the industry, they’ve pumped out like a hundred new ads. Give me a break.

Look, I'm no expert, and sure, Luxottica isn't for everyone—just like any other big eyewear brand—but private companies aren't automatically better than government ones. Honestly, I've been feeling terrible since Friday. Just pure, constant anxiety. This morning, I actually thought about walking into the nearest ER just begging them to take me in.🤣I don't think this stuff from Misar is going to cut it much longer; I’ll probably need to find some actual help and more serious medication... Anyway, Happy Easter to anyone celebrating. To those who aren't, I hope you all stay healthy and well.😍

Jason Vaughn482 said:so, what's your take on Lexapro? I'm taking 7.5 mg before bed—mostly just for the insomnia, since it doesn't really touch my anxiety

I've been on it for about a month and a half now, doing 30 mg at night—it helps me drift off most nights, I guess, but it hasn't done much for my daytime anxiety. Honestly, I feel a bit more low than when I was on Prozac, which I stopped taking. I mostly quit Prozac because of the side effects, though even that didn't really help the anxiety much. No weight gain so far, though.

It really just goes back to how everything is so different for everyone 🤷

Steven Martin13 said:Jay-Z is spot on here—no employer out there has the right to demand your full medical history. All they can legally ask for is a doctor's note confirming you're fit to work; they don't get a backstage pass to your actual diagnosis or private health details.

It honestly feels like those of us dealing with mental health struggles are the only ones getting the short end of the stick, doesn't it? 🙂

Hey DireDown, let me guess—was your entire "diagnosis" process just five quick ten-minute check-ins where they barely looked up from their clipboards? 😁

Yeah, and let's be real—a doctor isn't going to sign off on a clean bill of health if you're dealing with something like schizophrenia.🤷
They can't just gloss over that. It's a serious condition. So, yeah, what's written in those files definitely matters.

Nancy Morris5 said:Yeah, and let's be real—a doctor isn't going to sign off on a clean bill of health if you're dealing with something like schizophrenia.🤷
They can't just gloss over that. It's a serious condition. So, yeah, what's written in those files definitely matters.

That’s exactly what I was getting at—though, honestly, I think it’s probably wiser to keep things under wraps. Given how our society tends to look at anyone dealing with mental health struggles or psychological issues, there’s still such a heavy stigma hanging around... it's like people immediately jump to judgment instead of offering a hand, you know? It’s better to just protect your privacy.

Steven Martin13 said:That’s exactly what I was getting at—though, honestly, I think it’s probably wiser to keep things under wraps. Given how our society tends to look at anyone dealing with mental health struggles or psychological issues, there’s still such a heavy stigma hanging around... it's like people immediately jump to judgment instead of offering a hand, you know? It’s better to just protect your privacy.

Yeah, unfortunately, you're spot on. It's like every other illness is fine, but we just make ours up. If you're working on a drug for blood pressure, diabetes, or chemo, everyone thinks it's legitimate. But as soon as you mention an antidepressant or an AD, people judge you. I'm going through it myself. I stay silent at work and hide everything—just take a slightly higher dose of Misar if I have to, just so nobody notices. I'm lucky my husband is actually understanding... though even he lets things slip sometimes, telling me to "snap out of it" or "just fight through it." I try, really, but when you're stuck, you're stuck. We're treated like pariahs.

Melissa Sanchez59 said:I've been on it for about a month and a half now, doing 30 mg at night—it helps me drift off most nights, I guess, but it hasn't done much for my daytime anxiety. Honestly, I feel a bit more low than when I was on Prozac, which I stopped taking. I mostly quit Prozac because of the side effects, though even that didn't really help the anxiety much. No weight gain so far, though.

It really just goes back to how everything is so different for everyone 🤷

What does that "wired" feeling actually feel like for you? Because I get it. I constantly feel like I'm about to snap and end up in the ER. Lexapro works best for me, but then I just want to sleep all day. How do you deal with that constant buzz? That's exactly how it feels.

Does Mirzaten kill your sex drive? Mine's basically non-existent right now—about as much drive as a hungover fly.☕

So, here’s my take on Rivotril—it’s been a total win for me because it doesn't leave me feeling totally zonked out the way Helex does, and honestly, I barely even notice it's there, though I definitely don't have to deal with that nasty dependency issue I had with Helex, so I can actually just drift off to sleep. I wouldn't say all the pieces of my brain have finally clicked into place like some people claim they have—because if that were true, it would be an absolute miracle for me. 😁The pieces are always scattered all over the place, and I'm constantly having to take a break from the meds just to cope.

I was wondering, could taking AP help with that feeling of unreality? 😠
Honestly, I’ve been stuck in this weird headspace for days now—just constant, mild depersonalization. It’s driving me nuts. It just ends up fueling my phobias, too. It basically keeps me housebound because, even though I feel just as out of it at home, being in a familiar space feels way more manageable than stepping out onto a busy street in Chicago.

Paul Newman5 said:What does that "wired" feeling actually feel like for you? Because I get it. I constantly feel like I'm about to snap and end up in the ER. Lexapro works best for me, but then I just want to sleep all day. How do you deal with that constant buzz? That's exactly how it feels.

With Misar. I mean, I'm taking a borderline dose right now just to function, but I'm definitely not feeling calm.

Justin Rogers5 said:Does Mirzaten kill your sex drive? Mine's basically non-existent right now—about as much drive as a hungover fly.☕

Nope.

Justin Rogers5 said:Does Mirzaten kill your sex drive? Mine's basically non-existent right now—about as much drive as a hungover fly.☕

That’s entirely down to the individual. It’s just like how certain medications make some people gain weight while others actually lose it. You should probably have a chat with your doctor; maybe they’ll throw some Wellbutrin into the mix. It can boost your libido and help curb the urge to smoke at the same time—killing two birds with one stone. Personally, I didn't quit smoking outright, but I managed to cut back significantly without even trying. Besides, depression itself can be a massive libido killer.

Brandon Lopez6 said:I was wondering, could taking AP help with that feeling of unreality? 😠
Honestly, I’ve been stuck in this weird headspace for days now—just constant, mild depersonalization. It’s driving me nuts. It just ends up fueling my phobias, too. It basically keeps me housebound because, even though I feel just as out of it at home, being in a familiar space feels way more manageable than stepping out onto a busy street in Chicago.

Yeah... at lower doses, an anti-anxiety med acts similarly to an antidepressant; it can dial down the anxiety and help with intrusive thoughts and derealization. At least, that's what my doctor told me. Personally, I don't mind them because they make me drowsy and a bit foggy, but if you scroll back a few pages to the discussion about Seroquel, you'll see people here are actually pretty happy with it. That sleepiness usually wears off after a while. I actually took a few extra doses to help me sleep after I broke up with my boyfriend, and I noticed that after a couple of days, I wasn't nearly as tired or "out of it" anymore. You just have to give your body time to adjust. While I was on it, I didn't take any other anxiety meds... but I won't go back to that because it doesn't make sense for me to take them every day when I usually only need one every three days or so. So, I can only manage with those. For you, an anti-anxiety med might actually be able to replace Helex entirely. If I were in your shoes, I'd definitely consider giving it a shot. Good luck!

Brandon Lopez6 said:I was wondering, could taking AP help with that feeling of unreality? 😠
Honestly, I’ve been stuck in this weird headspace for days now—just constant, mild depersonalization. It’s driving me nuts. It just ends up fueling my phobias, too. It basically keeps me housebound because, even though I feel just as out of it at home, being in a familiar space feels way more manageable than stepping out onto a busy street in Chicago.

Nervousness has had me housebound for a few days... pure anxiety and tension. Heading to my doctor this afternoon because even Misar isn't calming me down anymore, and if I take too much, I just sleep the day away. Not sure if my GP will prescribe something stronger or maybe an antipsychotic, but this agitation is wearing me down... feels like I'm going to snap any second. Been like this since Friday.

Gerald Torres2 said:That’s entirely down to the individual. It’s just like how certain medications make some people gain weight while others actually lose it. You should probably have a chat with your doctor; maybe they’ll throw some Wellbutrin into the mix. It can boost your libido and help curb the urge to smoke at the same time—killing two birds with one stone. Personally, I didn't quit smoking outright, but I managed to cut back significantly without even trying. Besides, depression itself can be a massive libido killer.

Not really. It’s more of an individual thing with SSRIs, since that's a known side effect, but it doesn't hit everyone the same way. Mirzaten isn't even in that class of antidepressants, and as far as I know, it doesn't cause any libido issues at all.

Gerald Torres2 said:Yeah... at lower doses, an anti-anxiety med acts similarly to an antidepressant; it can dial down the anxiety and help with intrusive thoughts and derealization. At least, that's what my doctor told me. Personally, I don't mind them because they make me drowsy and a bit foggy, but if you scroll back a few pages to the discussion about Seroquel, you'll see people here are actually pretty happy with it. That sleepiness usually wears off after a while. I actually took a few extra doses to help me sleep after I broke up with my boyfriend, and I noticed that after a couple of days, I wasn't nearly as tired or "out of it" anymore. You just have to give your body time to adjust. While I was on it, I didn't take any other anxiety meds... but I won't go back to that because it doesn't make sense for me to take them every day when I usually only need one every three days or so. So, I can only manage with those. For you, an anti-anxiety med might actually be able to replace Helex entirely. If I were in your shoes, I'd definitely consider giving it a shot. Good luck!

I'm thinking about seeing my therapist earlier than planned. Who can wait five months? I could book an appointment for April 23rd. I'll be in Chicago anyway that day, so it's right on my way. 🤷

I'm lowkey worried she'll be annoyed that I'm showing up before I've finished all my lab work. 😢

Paul Newman5 said:Nervousness has had me housebound for a few days... pure anxiety and tension. Heading to my doctor this afternoon because even Misar isn't calming me down anymore, and if I take too much, I just sleep the day away. Not sure if my GP will prescribe something stronger or maybe an antipsychotic, but this agitation is wearing me down... feels like I'm going to snap any second. Been like this since Friday.

I'm doing okay, aside from that feeling of unreality and the phobias. As long as I don't have to go anywhere, I'm fine. 😬

Anyone here used Coaxil before? Would love to hear some feedback if you have any experience with it. I know everyone reacts differently, but I'd still like to know what's been the consensus.

I’m doing alright, except for this constant sense of unreality and the phobias. As long as I don't have to go anywhere, I'm fine.😬
I’m high as a kite... fine at home, but once I have to head into work? Total chaos. I end up hitting the restroom five times; honestly, I feel like I won't make it back in one piece, like I'll be rushed straight to the ER. Just acting crazy, confused—trying to act normal, but without actually feeling normal.🤣

Paul Newman5 said:Anyone here used Coaxil before? Would love to hear some feedback if you have any experience with it. I know everyone reacts differently, but I'd still like to know what's been the consensus.

So, I was on it for a few months. Honestly, it’s one of those weaker antidepressants—for me, my symptoms were basically cutting right through it, so I ended up needing something a bit more heavy-duty. I was taking it three times a day. Didn't deal with any side effects, though. That's about it...

Matthew White4 said:So, I was on it for a few months. Honestly, it’s one of those weaker antidepressants—for me, my symptoms were basically cutting right through it, so I ended up needing something a bit more heavy-duty. I was taking it three times a day. Didn't deal with any side effects, though. That's about it...

Do you deal with anxiety too? Did it help at all?