Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Thanks, you're quick :-)

I'm feeling a bit stressed because I'm heading to the coast in less than two weeks, and I really don't want to lug a bunch of side effects around with me, so I'm torn on whether to start now or just wait until I get back from vacation.
I know my way around most of these meds, but I've never even heard of Mirzaten Q Tab before, so I'm a little thrown by this...
I deal with anxiety and depression, though the depression is mostly reactive—if I actually get enough sleep, things are pretty much fine, but when insomnia wipes me out, I end up exhausted, drained, my immune system tanks, and all that...
The best way to describe what I'm going through is a fear of insomnia :-( By the time morning rolls around, I'm already dreading whether I'll be able to drift off tonight.

I just read somewhere that Mirzaten Q Tab is different from Mirzaten because it's extended-release and might not be as effective at knocking you out, plus it could leave you feeling groggy during the day. I have no idea how accurate that is...

Does it work well for your sleep? Did you struggle with insomnia before this? And is there any chance this one could let me ditch everything else, like the Clonazepam 1 mg, Sanval, and stuff, since I've been relying on those for heavy sedation?

P.S. My psychiatrist is out on vacation right now, so I can't run all these questions by her—though she did leave me a private prescription just in case I end up switching my AD... I don't usually hang out on forums like this, so thanks to everyone for the help! :-)

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Yes, Mirzaten Q Tab and Calixta are just different names for the same thing. 15 mg is the lowest dose available.

1. Usually between 2 to 4 weeks.
2. Those are quite common side effects. When transitioning to a new AD, you're supposed to taper down the first one while gradually introducing the second. You shouldn't do it abruptly! If you do, you experience exactly what you described. Even with a gradual introduction, sometimes those same side effects pop up. But, they pass relatively quickly.
3. Side effects typically disappear within 4 weeks at most. It varies from person to person, though. Some people don't experience any side effects at all.
4. No. Weight gain is tied to your lifestyle and eating habits. It is true that certain ADs increase appetite, but if you control your diet, there shouldn't be an issue. Often, it is the depression itself that causes fluctuations in appetite—either making you crave food or losing interest entirely.
Valdoxan has its own specific side effects, such as insomnia, headaches (even migraines), fatigue...
You must definitely mention every single side effect to your doctor.
Valdoxan helps, and the body cannot build a tolerance to this AD; meaning, there isn't a need to increase the dose just to achieve the same effect.
People often take it for as long as 6 months just to ensure the depression doesn't return.
Clonazepam 1 mg is essentially an anticonvulsant, but it also acts as an anxiolytic.
Are you taking 2 tablets a day?
Increasing your dosage of Sanval only provides a short-term effect, and sometimes it doesn't work at all.
It falls under the category of so-called hypnotics, and treatment with it shouldn't last longer than a month maximum (even shorter, maybe just 2 weeks)
After that, there is no further benefit.
Sanval does have some side effects, which are more common in women.
The things you mentioned in parentheses are completely different medications, and they require time to work.
Calixta generally enhances the effect of certain anxiolytics, so in relation to that, sleep might be longer and "more peaceful."
But, ultimately, the doctor is the one who advises on what the smartest course of action is.

No, just one before bed (1 mg). Honestly, I'm not even sure how much it's actually helping anymore... been on it for about 3 or 4 years now.

Jason Vaughn482 said:Portal is just another way of saying Prozac 🙂. And what do you mean by restarting Sanval? It's hardly a "gateway" to sleep. Personally, I spend ages tossing and turning, which is why I end up taking half a dose of Calixta, but it feels foolish to take it if it isn't even indicated for anxiety. If that's not the case, then what exactly is its purpose? And what on earth is my doctor thinking, pushing this on me?

🙂
I had no idea it was called Portal-Prozac. Where did that name even come from?
Calixta can actually ramp up the sedative effects of an anxiolytic. And Sanval too.
The issue is that you shouldn't be on Sanval long-term; eventually, there's just no point.
Calixta is an AD. A good one, at that. If we compare it to the other options out there—and believe me, there are plenty of them.
It would be best if you just went to see your doctor and told her exactly what you're writing here. She has the power to switch things up (for instance, swapping Sanval for something else, maybe Zonadin or something similar).
Prozac is an AD that carries quite a few nasty side effects; it can even trigger serotonin syndrome. However, if you're taking it in small doses—meaning, strictly following your doctor's orders—there shouldn't be any issues.
Hmm... Prozac.☕
It's usually recommended to pair it with some form of psychotherapy. You know, group therapy, individual sessions, and all those other varieties.
Essentially, it's about facing your problems head-on and getting the education needed to overcome communication hurdles in the real world.
As far as that goes, unfortunately, we are still in the early stages here in America. In a place like New York City, you can find plenty, but in other cities? It's difficult. The reason is already well known—a lack of qualified staff and funding.

Chris Kim7 said:P.S. My psychiatrist is out on vacation right now, so I can't run all these questions by her—though she did leave me a private prescription just in case I end up switching my AD... I don't usually hang out on forums like this, so thanks to everyone for the help! :-)

In practice, you won't even feel the Rivotril. It acts more like a shield for your system against those seizure-like episodes. It’s doing its job regardless of whether you feel it or not, so please, do not stop taking it. You would likely—well, maybe—have much bigger problems if you suddenly quit. These are just assumptions, of course, but it really could happen.
It is probably best to just wait until you get back from your trip to the coast. Just be careful out in the sun; so many medications increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays.
Regarding the Mirzaten Q Tab—it's true. It has an extended-release effect, which is one reason why you might be feeling that grogginess, but it is difficult to say for certain since I don't know how it interacts with your other specific meds.
Look, I take quite a lot of medication myself, so I can't tell you which specific one is responsible for helping me sleep well. Personally, I don't have any issues with insomnia.
You aren't going to drop the Rivotril from your regimen; I already explained why.
Your doctor will likely phase out the Sanval because there isn't much point in keeping it. Whether they'll give you something else to replace it depends entirely on their clinical judgment, so I wouldn't know.
A certain amount of time needs to pass before we can see how the Mirzaten actually works; once that happens, your doctor will have a much clearer picture of everything.

Morning. My fiancé has been taking 30mg of citalopram every morning for about six weeks now, but honestly, I’m not seeing much of an improvement yet. How long does it actually take for these things to kick in? This is our first time dealing with this kind of thing. He was also prescribed 25mg of promethazine if needed. Thanks in advance.

Bluzara said:
Regarding that Mirzaten Q tab, it’s true... it has a long-lasting effect, which might be why you feel so groggy, though it's hard to say for sure without knowing how it interacts with everything else you're taking.

I honestly can't tell if this brain fog is just the initial adjustment period or if it sticks around even after you get used to it...

That's why I'm stuck... should I start this before or after my trip? Because right now, the insomnia is driving me insane, leaving me totally exhausted, depressed, and just wiped out.

I have no clue why she put me on the extended-release version, but I assume there was a reason, especially since I've been seeing her for psychotherapy for a year now.
She actually told me not to Google anything... 😂

For a while, I was actually loving the Valdoxan, but lately, I'm starting to think it was just a placebo effect, considering things were pretty chill back then. I failed my first exam, and then more later once life started getting stressful again.
Klonopin hit me the day after I ran out of Xanax, which I'd already built up a tolerance to. Even in tiny doses, it knocks me out... but I think I've built a tolerance to that too, and trying to quit is just brutal. I tried, but it didn't really work.
Ativan isn't doing much for me either.

Man, I'm really torn. 🙂

Jason Vaughn482 said:I honestly find myself questioning whether these physical ailments ever truly get resolved. You mentioned treating yourself for twenty years, riding the waves of better and worse phases while remaining tethered to a pill regimen... let's be honest, these medications aren't exactly "health food" for the liver, the heart, or any other vital organ. I recently read that Sanval could potentially lead to cancer or even a stroke. My doctor tried to put me on Valdoxan, but I shut that idea down immediately when she mentioned I’d need to monitor my liver enzymes every three weeks; frankly, the fear regarding my liver health is exactly what triggered this current bout of anxiety in the first place. I took Mirzaten for a year and it did absolutely nothing for me, until I realized it contained aspartame—so I started looking for Calixta instead. Not because it fixes my anxiety, mind you, but because it helps me sleep; I take half of a 15 mg dose alongside 10 mg of Sanval and I'm out. At the end of the day, we are all essentially addicts here, varying only in our dosage, if we accept the premise that these drugs function like narcotics, as someone pointed out the other day. I've been relying on Xanax and Sanval for years now because my doctor is constantly presenting me with a revolving door of new, experimental options—first it was Lyrica, then Mirzaten, then Solian. I haven't touched any of those except for Mirzaten, which at least allowed me to sleep well without side effects, though I did put on a little weight. So, I continue my routine with Xanax—never exceeding 1.5 mg, usually hovering around 1.25 mg—and 10 mg of Sanval; that has been my steady therapy for the last four years. My diagnosis is Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but in reality, my entire existence is fueled by health anxiety and the paralyzing fear of falling ill.

How long did it take for Mirzaten to actually kick in for your sleep? And did you deal with any side effects, and if so, how long did they hang around...

Chris Kim7 said:How long did it take for Mirzaten to actually kick in for your sleep? And did you deal with any side effects, and if so, how long did they hang around...

I spent an entire year on that 15 mg version, and frankly, it did absolutely nothing for my anxiety; however, when it comes to sleep, it’s quite effective. My only real issue was that heavy, hungover feeling in the morning. Once I realized it contained aspartame, I started hunting for the standard Calixta that doesn't have it, and now I’ve cut my dose in half—just 7.5 mg—which I take at night alongside Lamictal. It kicks in almost immediately to help me drift off. I haven't dealt with many side effects, though I did put on about six pounds; I can't tell if that's from the Lamictal or the Calixta, but I find myself waking up in the middle of the night craving food, which is incredibly frustrating. As I mentioned, it’s useless for anxiety. My doctor suggested Serzone a few days ago, but I turned it down instantly because she mentioned I’d need to monitor my liver enzymes. Did you have to go through those tests? Honestly, I’m relieved to hear you say it isn't working for anxiety either. I am still on a desperate search for an antidepressant that actually does its job; for the time being, I'm just relying on Xanax.

Thanks so much for getting back to me! I’m probably going to pick up some Prozac Q today and give it a shot... though I’m still second-guessing myself, but these insomnia issues are just getting worse and worse...
Was aspartame an issue for you because it's unhealthy as an artificial sweetener, or was it something else? I mean, does it actually interfere with how that antidepressant works for sleep?

Maybe Serzone really is good, but right now it isn't doing anything for ME, which doesn't mean it won't work for you or anyone else, so don't rule it out just yet! Yeah, I had my liver tests done and everything came back fine, so there's no reason to worry about that, since if any liver issues do pop up, they clear right up once you stop taking Serzone. And Serzone can be taken alongside $33, otherwise it's 300.

For me, the anxiety is mostly tied to the insomnia, just that constant fear that I won't be able to fall asleep, and then I end up wide awake and reaching for the Lamictal and stuff...

Sorry for nitpicking, but did you deal with insomnia before starting Prozac? How long did it take for it to subside? Does the hangover effect wear off during the day?

And you didn't deal with any nausea, diarrhea, or anything like that?

Thanks!

Jason Vaughn482 said:I honestly find myself questioning whether these physical ailments ever truly get resolved. You mentioned treating yourself for twenty years, riding the waves of better and worse phases while remaining tethered to a pill regimen... let's be honest, these medications aren't exactly "health food" for the liver, the heart, or any other vital organ. I recently read that Sanval could potentially lead to cancer or even a stroke. My doctor tried to put me on Valdoxan, but I shut that idea down immediately when she mentioned I’d need to monitor my liver enzymes every three weeks; frankly, the fear regarding my liver health is exactly what triggered this current bout of anxiety in the first place. I took Mirzaten for a year and it did absolutely nothing for me, until I realized it contained aspartame—so I started looking for Calixta instead. Not because it fixes my anxiety, mind you, but because it helps me sleep; I take half of a 15 mg dose alongside 10 mg of Sanval and I'm out. At the end of the day, we are all essentially addicts here, varying only in our dosage, if we accept the premise that these drugs function like narcotics, as someone pointed out the other day. I've been relying on Xanax and Sanval for years now because my doctor is constantly presenting me with a revolving door of new, experimental options—first it was Lyrica, then Mirzaten, then Solian. I haven't touched any of those except for Mirzaten, which at least allowed me to sleep well without side effects, though I did put on a little weight. So, I continue my routine with Xanax—never exceeding 1.5 mg, usually hovering around 1.25 mg—and 10 mg of Sanval; that has been my steady therapy for the last four years. My diagnosis is Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but in reality, my entire existence is fueled by health anxiety and the paralyzing fear of falling ill.

"They aren't healthy for anything"... Who says that? "I was just reading about it"... In some medical journal? Or maybe some random health blog? Total nonsense... What even counts as "healthy" anymore? We're talking genetically modified produce grown using petroleum-based fertilizers in soil that's been completely stripped of its nutrients over decades... or even worse, soil that's basically dead on its own. Then you've got hydroponics where stuff grows in nutrient solutions without any actual dirt at all. Or those fruits and veggies soaked in pesticides to keep bugs away, or loaded with fungicides just so they don't rot during shipping across the country... Is that "healthy"? And what about milk or meat that's pumping out aflatoxins, growth hormones, and antibiotics? Everyone’s got their own definition of "health," obviously. It's totally individual. Take two identical twins... they could react to the exact same chemical substance in totally different ways. One twin has a lethal allergy to shellfish, while the other can't touch peanuts. Shellfish is packed with Omega-3s, minerals like selenium and zinc, and a ton of B vitamins... and peanuts are loaded with Vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium too. All those "benefits" people talk about in studies? For one twin, they're life-saving; for the other, they're potentially fatal... and vice versa...

So you’re popping this specific pill and thinking that because you aren't feeling any side effects right now, you're somehow safe... like you won't end up with some massive, undocumented medical disaster down the road just from taking it... all while dodging another med because some big pharma company ran a scary ad campaign to freak everyone out... ridiculous...

We’re all just junkies here... everywhere... always hunting for that perfect "fix." Looking for that "pure health" hit that puts you in that zen, nirvana, total high feeling... trying to balance the soul, mind, and body. Or maybe we're just obsessing over something imaginary? This whole idea of "health from petroleum products"... honestly, we should just kick the word "health" out of our vocabulary entirely. Just call it what it is, like those warnings on a pack of Marlboros: absolutely toxic... regardless of how bad they are; they’re still legal, permitted, and easy to get your hands on.. "unhealthy" vs. maybe "possible/relatively healthy".......

"Man is a wolf to man."

Joshua Vaughn9 said:Morning. My fiancé has been taking 30mg of citalopram every morning for about six weeks now, but honestly, I’m not seeing much of an improvement yet. How long does it actually take for these things to kick in? This is our first time dealing with this kind of thing. He was also prescribed 25mg of promethazine if needed. Thanks in advance.

Citalopram is just the name for a class of antidepressants that specifically target the serotonin system.
What is the actual brand name of the medication? (Like Celexa or something similar...)
Usually, unless the doctor specifies otherwise, people stay on it for about 8 months.
It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder.
Six weeks is sort of that invisible threshold where the drug truly starts to work in every sense of the word. You have to be patient.
And Promethazine? Where did that come from? 😕
It's an antihistamine.
Some versions are still being studied.
What is the reason for it? An allergy? A stomach ulcer? Travel?
Maybe they meant Phenergan?
Hmm... it can also function as an anxiolytic—you know, to help soothe anxiety, stress... perhaps even depression.
What does the official diagnosis say?☕

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Citalopram is just the name for a class of antidepressants that specifically target the serotonin system.
What is the actual brand name of the medication? (Like Celexa or something similar...)
Usually, unless the doctor specifies otherwise, people stay on it for about 8 months.
It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder.
Six weeks is sort of that invisible threshold where the drug truly starts to work in every sense of the word. You have to be patient.
And Promethazine? Where did that come from? 😕
It's an antihistamine.
Some versions are still being studied.
What is the reason for it? An allergy? A stomach ulcer? Travel?
Maybe they meant Phenergan?
Hmm... it can also function as an anxiolytic—you know, to help soothe anxiety, stress... perhaps even depression.
What does the official diagnosis say?☕

Thanks for the reply. Honestly, from reading your posts, I got the impression you really know your stuff, so I was hoping for some clarity here. I’ve been dealing with major depressive disorder that's now spiraling into anxiety. Since we aren't in America, this medication was prescribed specifically to help manage the agitation and anxiety—exactly like you mentioned. Even after digging through Google, I just ended up more confused than when I started. I'm not even sure what to believe anymore.🤷 Work starts tomorrow, and today is just pure, unadulterated panic. The dread is real. Is it just me, or does everyone get this sick to their stomach right before they have to head back in?🙄 Looks like we're both a little lost.🙂 Thanks for putting in the effort to explain everything. I appreciate the clarity, and honestly, the bit of comfort helps too.

Chris Kim7 said:Thanks so much for getting back to me! I’m probably going to pick up some Prozac Q today and give it a shot... though I’m still second-guessing myself, but these insomnia issues are just getting worse and worse...
Was aspartame an issue for you because it's unhealthy as an artificial sweetener, or was it something else? I mean, does it actually interfere with how that antidepressant works for sleep?

Maybe Serzone really is good, but right now it isn't doing anything for ME, which doesn't mean it won't work for you or anyone else, so don't rule it out just yet! Yeah, I had my liver tests done and everything came back fine, so there's no reason to worry about that, since if any liver issues do pop up, they clear right up once you stop taking Serzone. And Serzone can be taken alongside $33, otherwise it's 300.

For me, the anxiety is mostly tied to the insomnia, just that constant fear that I won't be able to fall asleep, and then I end up wide awake and reaching for the Lamictal and stuff...

Sorry for nitpicking, but did you deal with insomnia before starting Prozac? How long did it take for it to subside? Does the hangover effect wear off during the day?

And you didn't deal with any nausea, diarrhea, or anything like that?

Thanks!

What do you mean by "I'll go pick up some"?
You're just going to try it?
Mirzaten Q absolutely requires a recommendation and guidance from a specialist psychiatrist.
Taking medication on your own without consulting a doctor is exactly what we've been warning against for decades—no, no, and no.
Have you even looked at the basic characteristics of this drug (which is new and hasn't been sufficiently studied) and its side effects?
The pharmaceutical companies pumping out drugs like these are practically praying there are people like you out there—and not just you.
As for aspartame, it's only dangerous in large quantities and through long-term use. What kind of fool would put it in everything if it were strictly forbidden?
When Valdoxan is taken under a doctor's supervision in moderate doses, it is actually very effective.
Consider this warm advice... please don't just take medications on a whim.
You could end up doing far more damage to yourself with the medication than the underlying condition ever could.

Chris Kim7 said:Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a rush so I'm looking for some info regarding Mirzaten Q Tab (I assume that's the same as Calixta).

Basically, I've been dealing with insomnia for years now, and I've cycled through several ADs like Prozac and Amyzol... right now I'm on Valdoxan, but honestly, it doesn't feel like it's doing much anymore :-( Along with that, I take Clonazepam 1 mg, and I often find myself needing Sanvale (sometimes even twice a night), because things have just gotten so much worse lately... I've tried everything from Dormicum and Normabell to Xanax—basically the whole pharmacy cabinet—but I still end up waking up after just a few hours.

My psychiatrist suggested that if things don't improve, I should try Mirzaten Q Tab 15 mg (Calixta). What I really need to know about this AD is:

1. how soon can I expect it to actually help with the insomnia

2. what kind of side effects am I looking at (switching between ADs has always been rough for me: insomnia, restlessness, nausea, irritability, all that stuff)

3. how long do those side effects usually last

4. does it cause weight gain if I keep my diet the same?

I know everyone reacts differently, but if anyone has personal experience, I would be soooo grateful for some answers...

My doctor is on vacation right now so I can't ask her these specific questions, though she did give me a private prescription in case I decide to switch my AD...

Amy, you clearly missed what I wrote in my first post... 😉

I actually went to the pharmacy and picked it up. Everything was cleared with my psychiatrist, I just wasn't ready to swap out my AD immediately, so she wrote me a private script so I could grab it while she's away if I change my mind.

Also, just so you know, the difference between Xanax and Xanax 0.5 mg is just the pill itself: one is a standard tablet, but the 0.5 mg ones dissolve in your mouth, which means there's no extended release... at least that's what the pharmacist on duty just told me.

And honestly, you totally condescended to me... 🤣

Kevin Nguyen3 said:What do you mean by "I'll go pick up some"?
You're just going to try it?
Mirzaten Q absolutely requires a recommendation and guidance from a specialist psychiatrist.
Taking medication on your own without consulting a doctor is exactly what we've been warning against for decades—no, no, and no.
Have you even looked at the basic characteristics of this drug (which is new and hasn't been sufficiently studied) and its side effects?
The pharmaceutical companies pumping out drugs like these are practically praying there are people like you out there—and not just you.
As for aspartame, it's only dangerous in large quantities and through long-term use. What kind of fool would put it in everything if it were strictly forbidden?
When Valdoxan is taken under a doctor's supervision in moderate doses, it is actually very effective.
Consider this warm advice... please don't just take medications on a whim.
You could end up doing far more damage to yourself with the medication than the underlying condition ever could.

I've been on it for eight months now, strictly following my doctor's orders... but honestly, it just isn't cutting it for me anymore, so we're switching things up because the insomnia has actually gotten worse...

Chris Kim7 said:Amy, you clearly missed what I wrote in my first post... 😉

I actually went to the pharmacy and picked it up. Everything was cleared with my psychiatrist, I just wasn't ready to swap out my AD immediately, so she wrote me a private script so I could grab it while she's away if I change my mind.

Also, just so you know, the difference between Xanax and Xanax 0.5 mg is just the pill itself: one is a standard tablet, but the 0.5 mg ones dissolve in your mouth, which means there's no extended release... at least that's what the pharmacist on duty just told me.

And honestly, you totally condescended to me... 🤣

🙂
It’s better if I give you a reality check now rather than you rushing blindly into something. At least you asked, so that's fine.
Mirzaten increases the transport of certain hormones in the brain, whereas Q increases the concentration of those same hormones.
But, really, it doesn't matter.
My apologies, I didn't catch your earlier post.😉

Kevin Nguyen3 said:🙂
It’s better if I give you a reality check now rather than you rushing blindly into something. At least you asked, so that's fine.
Mirzaten increases the transport of certain hormones in the brain, whereas Q increases the concentration of those same hormones.
But, really, it doesn't matter.
My apologies, I didn't catch your earlier post.😉

Of course, I forgive you...😁

I guess I'm such a total nerd about this stuff, which is why I keep asking so many questions here... I'm honestly just spiraling because I'm terrified of side effects, and mostly I just need to know if this actually helps people get their sleep back on track.

I'm still stuck in this constant loop of wanting to try it but being too scared, though staying on Valdoxan feels pointless now that my insomnia is getting worse and I'm reaching for Sanval more and more often... even then, I'm barely getting a few hours of sleep.

I was totally confused by that mention of aspartame, I thought there was some other catch to it.

Thanks for clearing that up!

🙂

Chris Kim7 said:Of course, I forgive you...😁

I guess I'm such a total nerd about this stuff, which is why I keep asking so many questions here... I'm honestly just spiraling because I'm terrified of side effects, and mostly I just need to know if this actually helps people get their sleep back on track.

I'm still stuck in this constant loop of wanting to try it but being too scared, though staying on Valdoxan feels pointless now that my insomnia is getting worse and I'm reaching for Sanval more and more often... even then, I'm barely getting a few hours of sleep.

I was totally confused by that mention of aspartame, I thought there was some other catch to it.

Thanks for clearing that up!

🙂

Look, when it comes to aspartame, things are just... complicated. They're contradictory, and honestly, part of it feels shrouded in mystery.
There is an upper limit for intake—specifically 40 mg per kilogram of body weight.
But is that actually "safe" or recommended? Does anyone truly know? No one does!
The real kicker is that a huge majority of medications contain it because it’s roughly 200 times sweeter than standard sugar.
It shows up in about 6,000 different products, and here in the USA, there are massive debates surrounding it—we've even seen multi-million dollar lawsuits (especially after those deaths back in '94).
We are talking about what are known as "excitotoxins." They essentially kill off nerve cells in the brain.
Anyway, the bottom line is this: you should avoid anything containing aspartame whenever you possibly can.☕

Chris Kim7 said:Thanks so much for getting back to me! I’m probably going to pick up some Prozac Q today and give it a shot... though I’m still second-guessing myself, but these insomnia issues are just getting worse and worse...
Was aspartame an issue for you because it's unhealthy as an artificial sweetener, or was it something else? I mean, does it actually interfere with how that antidepressant works for sleep?

Maybe Serzone really is good, but right now it isn't doing anything for ME, which doesn't mean it won't work for you or anyone else, so don't rule it out just yet! Yeah, I had my liver tests done and everything came back fine, so there's no reason to worry about that, since if any liver issues do pop up, they clear right up once you stop taking Serzone. And Serzone can be taken alongside $33, otherwise it's 300.

For me, the anxiety is mostly tied to the insomnia, just that constant fear that I won't be able to fall asleep, and then I end up wide awake and reaching for the Lamictal and stuff...

Sorry for nitpicking, but did you deal with insomnia before starting Prozac? How long did it take for it to subside? Does the hangover effect wear off during the day?

And you didn't deal with any nausea, diarrhea, or anything like that?

Thanks!

Yes, I've been dealing with insomnia and I'm constantly relying on Sanval to get through it. As for the aspartame, it’s simply not good for you under any circumstances—given its supposed links to cancer, I decided to switch to Calixta instead, though I only made that move after a year (once it finally clicked for me), and frankly, both drugs have the exact same sedative effect. My insomnia hasn't actually vanished; if I don't take one of these medications, sleep becomes an impossibility. As for Valdoxan, there is absolutely no way I'm willing to try it; I am incredibly cautious when it comes to pharmaceuticals. The only thing I'm unsure of is whether Calixta will help with anxiety, because personally, it didn't touch my anxiety at all.