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Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Started by Robin Myers91 · · 👁 630 views · 10K replies

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Participants Robin Myers91Eric Wood7Maria Gomez6crimsonhound80Tyler Ortiz6dustyscout41Andrew Stewart2George Ramos64Morgan Long49Jason Sanchez3briskgull27Charles Edwards8Brenda Allen2hollowtinker8bluecyclist28electricorca13David Kern14Ashley Morganwanderingscout13Sam Hall15coppergardenerCarl Thompson4Mark Stewartanalognomad762 …
Larry Lewis Larry Lewis Regular
819 messages
joined Dec 2010
#6541 ·
Blue Star said:
I wouldn't recommend taking it that way—honestly. Taking Seroquel in the morning is something you only do under strict medical supervision, usually while you're inpatient at a hospital or a clinic.
Why?
Because you’ll end up feeling like a total vegetable all day long.
Outside of a hospital setting, you'll basically be a zombie, and you really can't afford to let that happen to you.
100 mg isn't some tiny dose... go ahead, try it; nothing catastrophic will happen immediately, and then you'll see exactly what I mean.
Since you'll be sleeping through most of the daylight hours anyway... well, you won't have much left to write about.😁

I gave my doctor a call today and explained that I'm sticking to just the 25 mg dose in the morning because I took it earlier today and felt perfectly fine—completely relaxed and normal—so she told me to just keep doing that.
Man, I was worse than a zombie when I was on the 100 mg and 50 mg doses of Seroquel.
The only thing she brought up was switching me off the Xanax and putting me back on that silly Diazepam, but I'm going to try my best to avoid that—I'm being incredibly careful about how, when, and how much Xanax I take, because, frankly, it really helps me.
I don't know what's happening to me; I wasn't always like this, but lately, over the last ten days or so, I've been snapping at the smallest things—I just lose it, though, thank God, I calm down quickly.
Yesterday, I got into this ridiculous argument with my girlfriend over nothing, but we smoothed it all over and I apologized to her a hundred times, so there we are.
And honestly, this tendency to snap started right when I began taking this idiotic Seroquel in the morning per my doctor's instructions. I suspect it numbs me so much that my body starts fighting back—trying to force the brain to produce these volatile reactions just so it doesn't feel completely half-dead... that's just my theory, anyway.
Anyway, folks, just be careful with taking Seroquel in the morning.🙂
Larry Lewis Larry Lewis Regular
819 messages
joined Dec 2010
#6542 ·
Gerald Torres2 said:Maybe give Loquin or Q-pin a shot... they seem a bit easier on the system. When I was on Seroquel, I felt like a literal statue—I couldn't remember anything, let alone get out of bed. It was a nightmare. Now I take Loquin when my anxiety spikes, and instead of wiping me out, it just settles me down. And yeah, okay, they're basically the same med... we're talking about the same dosage... except Loquin isn't the xr version. Maybe that's part of why I handle it better.🤷

I think I might try switching from 100mg of Seroquel at night to 100mg of either Q-pin or Loquen—well, I'll ask my doctor first, and if she gives the green light, then great.

By the way, I wanted to ask—do you find yourself getting hungry after taking Loquen? Because with Seroquel, I felt like I could have eaten a whole steak in the middle of the night. I actually managed to drop 25 pounds through some pretty grueling workouts, and there is absolutely no way I'm gaining those pounds back—not when Seroquel makes it impossible to sleep because I'm too busy raiding the pantry!
Larry Lewis Larry Lewis Regular
819 messages
joined Dec 2010
#6543 ·
Kevin Nguyen3 said:No, actually... based on what I've seen from others, Q-pin is much easier to tolerate. In my own experience, Q-pin is like chamomile tea compared to Seroquel.
So many people have switched from Ser to some other AP and finally found relief.
Does Seroquel even make sense unless you're dealing with schizophrenia? That's the only time. Otherwise, it doesn't knock you out quite as hard, so you can actually function during the day.

You’ve got a point there—Q-pin is definitely much easier to tolerate; I had a firsthand reminder of that today.
fadedbear92 fadedbear92 Veteran
1.1K messages
joined Dec 2008
#6544 ·
Gary Diaz3 said:I've been taking Rivotril for a little while now. From what I understand, it’s categorized as an anti-epileptic, but in my case, my doctor prescribed it specifically to help with anxiety and calming down. I'm currently on a 0.5 mg dose. Does anyone know if that's considered a low dose? I see people mentioning they take 2 mg of other types of anti-anxiety meds, so I'm wondering if that's roughly equivalent to four times my dose, or does it just depend entirely on the specific medication? Pharmacology was never really my thing, so I'm a bit lost here.

Chemically speaking, it acts as an anti-epileptic to stabilize mood swings and serves as an anxiolytic—so, it's a very specific type of anti-epileptic. I take it myself.
Gerald Torres2 Gerald Torres2 Active Member
192 messages
joined Feb 2013
#6545 ·
Larry Lewis said:I think I might try switching from 100mg of Seroquel at night to 100mg of either Q-pin or Loquen—well, I'll ask my doctor first, and if she gives the green light, then great.

By the way, I wanted to ask—do you find yourself getting hungry after taking Loquen? Because with Seroquel, I felt like I could have eaten a whole steak in the middle of the night. I actually managed to drop 25 pounds through some pretty grueling workouts, and there is absolutely no way I'm gaining those pounds back—not when Seroquel makes it impossible to sleep because I'm too busy raiding the pantry!

I was actually feeling hungry while I was on Seroxat... but since starting Lexapro, that hunger just vanished. Honestly, I don't even have a craving for sweets anymore—nothing at all. When it comes to my appetite, there hasn't been any noticeable change. If anything, I felt much hungrier back when I was taking Vitamin B complex.😂😂😂
Gerald Torres2 Gerald Torres2 Active Member
192 messages
joined Feb 2013
#6546 ·
Gary Diaz3 said:I've been taking Rivotril for a little while now. From what I understand, it’s categorized as an anti-epileptic, but in my case, my doctor prescribed it specifically to help with anxiety and calming down. I'm currently on a 0.5 mg dose. Does anyone know if that's considered a low dose? I see people mentioning they take 2 mg of other types of anti-anxiety meds, so I'm wondering if that's roughly equivalent to four times my dose, or does it just depend entirely on the specific medication? Pharmacology was never really my thing, so I'm a bit lost here.

I'm on it too... initially, I used it as a stabilizer during the day... then later as an anxiolytic on an as-needed basis at 1-2 mg... and honestly, it works wonders for me.
fadedbear92 fadedbear92 Veteran
1.1K messages
joined Dec 2008
#6547 ·
Gerald Torres2 said:I'm on it too... initially, I used it as a stabilizer during the day... then later as an anxiolytic on an as-needed basis at 1-2 mg... and honestly, it works wonders for me.

is😉the
Donna Torres5 Donna Torres5 Member
36 messages
joined Oct 2011
#6548 ·
I personally take Clonazepam as needed. I think it's quite effective because it doesn't leave me feeling drugged or foggy; it just helps me settle down.
Kevin Nguyen3 Kevin Nguyen3 Regular
425 messages
joined May 2013
#6549 ·
Gary Diaz3 said:I've been taking Rivotril for a little while now. From what I understand, it’s categorized as an anti-epileptic, but in my case, my doctor prescribed it specifically to help with anxiety and calming down. I'm currently on a 0.5 mg dose. Does anyone know if that's considered a low dose? I see people mentioning they take 2 mg of other types of anti-anxiety meds, so I'm wondering if that's roughly equivalent to four times my dose, or does it just depend entirely on the specific medication? Pharmacology was never really my thing, so I'm a bit lost here.

No, there is absolutely no such thing as a universal equivalence between different medications. The actual chemical composition and how the drug interacts with your body determines what your doctor prescribes; what everyone else is popping is completely irrelevant to your situation.
Clonazepam isn't a bad option, so just stick to exactly what your physician ordered. You shouldn't attempt to increase the dose on your own, but neither should you try to taper off by yourself, because then the entire course of treatment becomes pointless! If changes are actually necessary, your doctor is right there to handle those adjustments properly.
Larry Lewis Larry Lewis Regular
819 messages
joined Dec 2010
#6550 ·
Gerald Torres2 said:I was actually feeling hungry while I was on Seroxat... but since starting Lexapro, that hunger just vanished. Honestly, I don't even have a craving for sweets anymore—nothing at all. When it comes to my appetite, there hasn't been any noticeable change. If anything, I felt much hungrier back when I was taking Vitamin B complex.😂😂😂

Well, if that's the case, then good for you—I might just make the switch to Loquen or Qpin myself. Personally, I'm on Vitamin B complex too, but it hasn't triggered any hunger for me.
Yesterday, I finally laid down after finishing my meds, and once the Seroquel kicked in... man... I was absolutely famished. It was ridiculous. I spent the whole night fighting the urge to just raid the pantry and gorge myself, and while I managed to hold out, I barely managed to drift off because my stomach was growling so loud.
And honestly? It’s becoming a near-daily struggle.
rowdyhawk152 rowdyhawk152 Member
13 messages
joined Sep 2013
#6551 ·
I'm dealing with OCD, anxiety, and insomnia.

I've been on Zoloft for a few days now (starting at 0.25 mg in the morning, planning to bump it up to 0.5 mg after a week) along with some Xanax. My doctor prescribed 0.25 mg for both morning and night, but I've only been taking the morning dose because I don't want to get hooked—plus, it’s pretty much the only time I actually need it to get through my shift.

The Xanax definitely takes the edge off, but honestly, I feel kind of sluggish and depressed. I can't tell if it's just my crappy work environment and lack of sleep, or if the meds themselves are doing this to me.

Whenever I try to go to bed early, I end up waking up way too soon and just lying there wide awake. My only real option is to pop a pill to fall back asleep, but then the effect wears off before my workday is even over.

So, I decided to start mixing Sanval (5 mg) and Xanax (0.25 mg). I'll take them in whatever combo works—one at night and one during work, or vice versa—because Sanval actually works better for me when I'm awake anyway. It keeps me relaxed and in a much better mood than the Xanax does.

What are the odds I'll end up addicted if I keep this up? And is it worth going back to my psychiatrist to see if they can switch me to a different combo?
Kevin Nguyen3 Kevin Nguyen3 Regular
425 messages
joined May 2013
#6552 ·
rowdyhawk152 said:I'm dealing with OCD, anxiety, and insomnia.

I've been on Zoloft for a few days now (starting at 0.25 mg in the morning, planning to bump it up to 0.5 mg after a week) along with some Xanax. My doctor prescribed 0.25 mg for both morning and night, but I've only been taking the morning dose because I don't want to get hooked—plus, it’s pretty much the only time I actually need it to get through my shift.

The Xanax definitely takes the edge off, but honestly, I feel kind of sluggish and depressed. I can't tell if it's just my crappy work environment and lack of sleep, or if the meds themselves are doing this to me.

Whenever I try to go to bed early, I end up waking up way too soon and just lying there wide awake. My only real option is to pop a pill to fall back asleep, but then the effect wears off before my workday is even over.

So, I decided to start mixing Sanval (5 mg) and Xanax (0.25 mg). I'll take them in whatever combo works—one at night and one during work, or vice versa—because Sanval actually works better for me when I'm awake anyway. It keeps me relaxed and in a much better mood than the Xanax does.

What are the odds I'll end up addicted if I keep this up? And is it worth going back to my psychiatrist to see if they can switch me to a different combo?

Your psychiatrist really should have explained that a cocktail like that isn't going to provide any lasting relief.
The medications aren't "bad," per se, but you're merely treating the symptoms rather than addressing the actual root causes. Isn't that the fundamental issue?
If a depressive mood is what's actually being diagnosed, then these specific meds lose their utility. It’s time to look into AD-ov options.
So, yes—going back to the psychiatrist absolutely makes sense.
Donna Torres5 Donna Torres5 Member
36 messages
joined Oct 2011
#6553 ·
Has anyone else noticed their memory taking a hit since starting their medication? Mine has completely vanished; I’ve got the memory of a goldfish, kind of like how Dora acts in those Nemo cartoons. I can’t even recall what happened last week, let alone last year—it feels like there are massive tectonic gaps in my head! Could this be a side effect from the AD-ov or the AP?
Kevin Nguyen3 Kevin Nguyen3 Regular
425 messages
joined May 2013
#6554 ·
Donna Torres5 said:Has anyone else noticed their memory taking a hit since starting their medication? Mine has completely vanished; I’ve got the memory of a goldfish, kind of like how Dora acts in those Nemo cartoons. I can’t even recall what happened last week, let alone last year—it feels like there are massive tectonic gaps in my head! Could this be a side effect from the AD-ov or the AP?

Well, my dear Dora😁... yes, it absolutely can. And it might stick with you for a long time.
But listen, there are ways to work on it—ways to sharpen that memory or at least manage it better. You could try mnemonics or other mental tricks. Just go racing off to Google and you'll find plenty of info.
And don't you dare forget what I just told you now.😍
rowdyhawk152 rowdyhawk152 Member
13 messages
joined Sep 2013
#6555 ·
Kevin Nguyen3 said:Your psychiatrist really should have explained that a cocktail like that isn't going to provide any lasting relief.
The medications aren't "bad," per se, but you're merely treating the symptoms rather than addressing the actual root causes. Isn't that the fundamental issue?
If a depressive mood is what's actually being diagnosed, then these specific meds lose their utility. It’s time to look into AD-ov options.
So, yes—going back to the psychiatrist absolutely makes sense.

I also signed up for one of those psych evaluations where you spend hours grinding through tasks. They recommended psychotherapy, and I think I'll go check it out, even though my schedule is slammed with work. Honestly, I’m pretty skeptical—can you really fix deep-seated issues just by talking? Maybe I'm wrong. I was kind of hoping that after a few months on these meds, my brain would just "learn how to stay chill" during stressful moments... does that even make sense?🙄

I went through a rough patch a few years back when I spent all day glued to a computer screen. That might be why things are so bad at work now; I can't sit at my desk for long without feeling terrible. I have to get outside for some fresh air and a walk just to function. That's probably the real issue, not "classic depression."

Anyway, I picked up some Ashwagandha to help me sleep, so we'll see if it works. Does anyone know if it's safe to mix that with what I'm already on (Zoloft, Xanax, Sanval)?
Donna Torres5 Donna Torres5 Member
36 messages
joined Oct 2011
#6556 ·
Kevin Nguyen3 said:Well, my dear Dora😁... yes, it absolutely can. And it might stick with you for a long time.
But listen, there are ways to work on it—ways to sharpen that memory or at least manage it better. You could try mnemonics or other mental tricks. Just go racing off to Google and you'll find plenty of info.
And don't you dare forget what I just told you now.😍

Personally, I rely on those methods whenever I have to study; it’s how I tackle complex eight-track problems.😁
Kevin Nguyen3 Kevin Nguyen3 Regular
425 messages
joined May 2013
#6557 ·
rowdyhawk152 said:I also signed up for one of those psych evaluations where you spend hours grinding through tasks. They recommended psychotherapy, and I think I'll go check it out, even though my schedule is slammed with work. Honestly, I’m pretty skeptical—can you really fix deep-seated issues just by talking? Maybe I'm wrong. I was kind of hoping that after a few months on these meds, my brain would just "learn how to stay chill" during stressful moments... does that even make sense?🙄

I went through a rough patch a few years back when I spent all day glued to a computer screen. That might be why things are so bad at work now; I can't sit at my desk for long without feeling terrible. I have to get outside for some fresh air and a walk just to function. That's probably the real issue, not "classic depression."

Anyway, I picked up some Ashwagandha to help me sleep, so we'll see if it works. Does anyone know if it's safe to mix that with what I'm already on (Zoloft, Xanax, Sanval)?

Never heard of it.
Could you perhaps give us a bit more detail about this supplement? You know, the ingredients and all that.
Where on earth did you even find that?
We can't really say if it's okay to mix until you tell us what's actually in it.
I really don't feel like digging through Google right now to check all those things.☕
rowdyhawk152 rowdyhawk152 Member
13 messages
joined Sep 2013
#6558 ·
Kevin Nguyen3 said:Never heard of it.
Could you perhaps give us a bit more detail about this supplement? You know, the ingredients and all that.
Where on earth did you even find that?
We can't really say if it's okay to mix until you tell us what's actually in it.
I really don't feel like digging through Google right now to check all those things.☕

Someone dropped a link in the thread about Sanval:
Timothy Wood38 Timothy Wood38 Active Member
197 messages
joined Feb 2011
#6559 ·
rowdyhawk152 said:I also signed up for one of those psych evaluations where you spend hours grinding through tasks. They recommended psychotherapy, and I think I'll go check it out, even though my schedule is slammed with work. Honestly, I’m pretty skeptical—can you really fix deep-seated issues just by talking? Maybe I'm wrong. I was kind of hoping that after a few months on these meds, my brain would just "learn how to stay chill" during stressful moments... does that even make sense?🙄

I went through a rough patch a few years back when I spent all day glued to a computer screen. That might be why things are so bad at work now; I can't sit at my desk for long without feeling terrible. I have to get outside for some fresh air and a walk just to function. That's probably the real issue, not "classic depression."

Anyway, I picked up some Ashwagandha to help me sleep, so we'll see if it works. Does anyone know if it's safe to mix that with what I'm already on (Zoloft, Xanax, Sanval)?

I’ve tried Ashwagandha myself. To be honest, it didn't do much for the actual process of falling asleep—which was always my biggest hurdle—but once I *was* out, the sleep felt way deeper and lasted longer. It’s a solid adaptogen, really one of the better supplements out there. I’ve even heard of people using it to manage anxiety disorders. As for combining it with most psychiatric meds? Probably fine, but please, just check with your doctor first. Better safe than sorry.
rowdyhawk152 rowdyhawk152 Member
13 messages
joined Sep 2013
#6560 ·
Kevin Nguyen3 said:Never heard of it.
Could you perhaps give us a bit more detail about this supplement? You know, the ingredients and all that.
Where on earth did you even find that?
We can't really say if it's okay to mix until you tell us what's actually in it.
I really don't feel like digging through Google right now to check all those things.☕

The bag literally says the main ingredients are alkaloids and steroidal lactones.

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