Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Bluzara said:
😉

Look, I’m more than happy to play the villain and drag them through the mud, but when you’ve been cycling through prescriptions for years, you start speaking from a place of hard-earned, albeit bitter, experience. I actually know what I'm talking about here.
"Benzos" are addictive. Period.
That isn't an opinion; it's a physiological reality.
And after a certain amount of time passes, their efficacy begins to wither away.
That is also an undeniable fact.
As for those people who claim they’ve been popping these for years and still sleep like babies... well, no offense intended, but it’s nonsense. It sounds like nothing more than a collection of convenient fairy tales cooked up to justify their own reckless, excessive consumption of whatever pill is within reach.
To illustrate my point, unlike you, I am currently balancing Effexor at 75 mg and Calixt at 45 mg, yet even that doesn't quite cut it—so I supplement with Q-pin at 250 mg, toss in a little Zonidan, then a bit more... plus Lamal twice a day at 25 mg.
Let me be perfectly clear: I have absolutely no issues with "morning performance," nor am I some sort of degenerate addict.
Everyone reacts differently, and there is no universal rulebook for this kind of thing.

So, you're suggesting people just make up stories to excuse their habit of swallowing everything in sight? Honestly, looking at that list of yours, my head starts spinning... anyone would be out cold after a cocktail like that. Personally, I've been taking Ambien at 10 mg for four years and it does the trick, though if I can't drift off because my anxiety is spiking, I prefer having some Calixt at 15 mg—or even half a dose—to help me fall asleep quickly. At the end of the day, I can't sleep without a pill, likely because I haven't managed to resolve the underlying issue, which is my anxiety. I desperately want to find that one perfect medication that would allow me to sleep soundly without needing xanax, though I know some people still rely on benzos even while taking antidepressants. The truth is, coming off certain antidepressants is incredibly difficult; I've read plenty about how brutal it is to taper off something like Paxil... so I don't think you're entirely correct in your assessment.

Paul Newman5 said:I know people who’ve been on various benzos for years and they sleep just fine. For me, I was on Calixta with Effexor; took it for a month and quit. I could only afford to take it if someone paid me a massive salary, hired a housekeeper, and let me sleep half the day while walking around like a zombie the rest of the time. But I work, I run a household, I have a life. So I go back to the benzos. They aren't the sin you're making them out to be. Sorry, didn't mean to offend, just stating my piece.

How did you hold up while taking Velafax, and what kind of side effects did you run into during the initial phase? Does it actually help with anxiety?

I started taking Effexor XR 75 mg just a few days ago, and honestly? I feel like a whole new person already. That constant weight of anxiety—it’s just gone. I feel so much lighter, more optimistic, and actually full of energy—which is such a huge change because I’ve been struggling to even get out of bed lately. Plus, my appetite is finally coming back in the mornings, which was another big hurdle for me. It feels pretty wild because, from what I understand, these antidepressants usually take a few weeks to really kick in, right? Before this, I tried Lexapro and even Zoloft, but neither of them hit the mark quite like Effexor is doing. If this is actually the real deal, I’m feeling incredibly lucky.

Jason Vaughn482 said:How did you hold up while taking Velafax, and what kind of side effects did you run into during the initial phase? Does it actually help with anxiety?

No major side effects, just some sweating, light headaches, feeling tired. Nothing crazy. Been on it about four or five months now, but honestly, it hasn't touched my anxiety. Still struggling. Got a check-up coming up soon, so we'll see. They also put me on Calista, 15 mg at night, but that stuff is poison to me. Even at half a dose, I couldn't function until the next afternoon. Quit it immediately.
Velafax bumped me up for the first two or three weeks—anxiety actually dipped a bit—but then it just stopped working entirely. At least for the anxiety part.

Jason Vaughn482 said:So, you're suggesting people just make up stories to excuse their habit of swallowing everything in sight? Honestly, looking at that list of yours, my head starts spinning... anyone would be out cold after a cocktail like that. Personally, I've been taking Ambien at 10 mg for four years and it does the trick, though if I can't drift off because my anxiety is spiking, I prefer having some Calixt at 15 mg—or even half a dose—to help me fall asleep quickly. At the end of the day, I can't sleep without a pill, likely because I haven't managed to resolve the underlying issue, which is my anxiety. I desperately want to find that one perfect medication that would allow me to sleep soundly without needing xanax, though I know some people still rely on benzos even while taking antidepressants. The truth is, coming off certain antidepressants is incredibly difficult; I've read plenty about how brutal it is to taper off something like Paxil... so I don't think you're entirely correct in your assessment.

I weaned myself off Paxil and felt fine. For me, Lexapro was way more of a nightmare. So that whole "I read about it" thing doesn't really hold water. Even if a thousand people wrote that weaning off was easy, you can still be the one person who had the opposite experience.

Blueberry doesn't just go around popping pills whenever she feels like it. It seems like she doesn't quite get that seeing a doctor isn't like going to Target and being like, "Hey, give me 25mg of this and 10mg of that." That's not how it works, but I guess some people just don't get it.

Brandon Lopez6 said:I weaned myself off Paxil and felt fine. For me, Lexapro was way more of a nightmare. So that whole "I read about it" thing doesn't really hold water. Even if a thousand people wrote that weaning off was easy, you can still be the one person who had the opposite experience.

Blueberry doesn't just go around popping pills whenever she feels like it. It seems like she doesn't quite get that seeing a doctor isn't like going to Target and being like, "Hey, give me 25mg of this and 10mg of that." That's not how it works, but I guess some people just don't get it.

I had a pretty terrible experience with Lexapro myself—though not while trying to get off it, but right when I first started taking it. I managed to stick it out for three weeks, but honestly, I felt like I was constantly half-drunk. It was absolutely miserable!

Exactly—it’s those wildly different experiences that prove how much medication can vary from one person to the next.

Listen, Dawn, you simply cannot ignore the gravity of this situation any longer. To pretend otherwise isn't just optimistic; it’s bordering on delusional. We are standing at a precipice where the consequences of inaction will far outweigh the temporary comfort of silence. It’s much like watching a slow-moving storm front roll across the Midwest—you can see the clouds darkening on the horizon, you can feel the pressure dropping in your chest, yet some people still insist on sitting on their porches enjoying the afternoon sun as if the sky isn't about to break wide open. One cannot simply wish away the impending deluge. kaže:
I personally tapered off my Paxil and felt absolutely nothing—not even a flicker of a withdrawal symptom. In my experience, Lexapro was a far more brutal ordeal to navigate. So, this whole notion that everyone "just sails through" the weaning process is complete nonsense. Even if you had a thousand people claiming their transition was seamless, you could still be the outlier who actually suffered through it. Experience isn't a monolith, and one person's smooth ride doesn't invalidate another's struggle.

It strikes me that this individual refuses to take a single pill without being prompted, yet they seem to harbor this delusional misconception about how medical consultations actually function. They approach their doctor with the same casual, entitled air one might use when strolling through a Kroger, essentially barking orders like, "Alright, doc, toss in twenty-five milligrams of this and ten milligrams of that," as if they’re just picking up groceries off a shelf. It’s as if they fail to grasp that medicine isn't a buffet where you simply grab what looks good; unfortunately, some people just refuse to understand the gravity of how professional healthcare is supposed to work.

It is my personal ritual to frequent specialized forums dedicated to specific medications just to scour the user experiences; I find there is nothing else to it, though I am under no illusions that one single prescription will yield identical results for every individual.
I can't be entirely certain if that second part was directed at me, but I find myself in a similar position; I am also managing medications prescribed by my psychiatrist. Naturally, I have to be far more vigilant regarding potential side effects. I am certainly not some twenty or thirty-year-old with an untouched constitution; I have to contend with high blood pressure and other realities of aging. It is fundamentally different to treat a young person compared to an older individual who is already navigating the complexities of chronic health conditions.
I fail to see any inherent flaw in the pursuit of a specific AD; after all, nearly everyone in this community tends to trial almost every available option until they finally stumble upon the one that truly resonates with their needs and provides the necessary relief.

Jason Vaughn482 said:

Listen, Dawn, you simply cannot ignore the gravity of this situation any longer. To pretend otherwise isn't just optimistic; it’s bordering on delusional. We are standing at a precipice where the consequences of inaction will far outweigh the temporary comfort of silence. It’s much like watching a slow-moving storm front roll across the Midwest—you can see the clouds darkening on the horizon, you can feel the pressure dropping in your chest, yet some people still insist on sitting on their porches enjoying the afternoon sun as if the sky isn't about to break wide open. One cannot simply wish away the impending deluge. kaže:
I personally tapered off my Paxil and felt absolutely nothing—not even a flicker of a withdrawal symptom. In my experience, Lexapro was a far more brutal ordeal to navigate. So, this whole notion that everyone "just sails through" the weaning process is complete nonsense. Even if you had a thousand people claiming their transition was seamless, you could still be the outlier who actually suffered through it. Experience isn't a monolith, and one person's smooth ride doesn't invalidate another's struggle.

It strikes me that this individual refuses to take a single pill without being prompted, yet they seem to harbor this delusional misconception about how medical consultations actually function. They approach their doctor with the same casual, entitled air one might use when strolling through a Kroger, essentially barking orders like, "Alright, doc, toss in twenty-five milligrams of this and ten milligrams of that," as if they’re just picking up groceries off a shelf. It’s as if they fail to grasp that medicine isn't a buffet where you simply grab what looks good; unfortunately, some people just refuse to understand the gravity of how professional healthcare is supposed to work.

It is my personal ritual to frequent specialized forums dedicated to specific medications just to scour the user experiences; I find there is nothing else to it, though I am under no illusions that one single prescription will yield identical results for every individual.
I can't be entirely certain if that second part was directed at me, but I find myself in a similar position; I am also managing medications prescribed by my psychiatrist. Naturally, I have to be far more vigilant regarding potential side effects. I am certainly not some twenty or thirty-year-old with an untouched constitution; I have to contend with high blood pressure and other realities of aging. It is fundamentally different to treat a young person compared to an older individual who is already navigating the complexities of chronic health conditions.
I fail to see any inherent flaw in the pursuit of a specific AD; after all, nearly everyone in this community tends to trial almost every available option until they finally stumble upon the one that truly resonates with their needs and provides the necessary relief.

It sounds like you just don't trust your doctor enough to prescribe something decent. You aren't the only one feeling that way, and frankly, I'll never get why that's the mindset.

Besides, you admitted yourself that you don't even take your meds properly—you'll take one for a few days and then just quit. Sorry to burst the bubble, but there's no magic pill that's going to fix your anxiety overnight.

Brandon Lopez6 said:It sounds like you just don't trust your doctor enough to prescribe something decent. You aren't the only one feeling that way, and frankly, I'll never get why that's the mindset.

Besides, you admitted yourself that you don't even take your meds properly—you'll take one for a few days and then just quit. Sorry to burst the bubble, but there's no magic pill that's going to fix your anxiety overnight.

Nobody's looking for a magic pill. But when you've spent two years seeing doctors without getting the right prescription (I actually stick to my regimen), and they won't even believe you when you report side effects... sometimes I wonder how we're supposed to trust them either.
Bluzara acts like everything is fine and perfect, but then turns around and dismisses anyone else's experience as if they're making it up or just uneducated. Honestly, maybe I think his story sounds fake too, like when he claims he doesn't feel hungover the next morning after taking something.
It feels like there's this little clique on this forum—a handful of people who've been on meds for years and hang out here together. The second someone posts something different or says something "wrong," they jump in to condescend to us or lecture us. Of course, they immediately start talking about how long they've been medicated and how they're "experts." Vegga is just anxious and naturally worried about side effects, which is why they struggle with consistency, yet you immediately cut them down by saying they're looking for a miracle cure. Real comforting.

Paul Newman5 said:Nobody's looking for a magic pill. But when you've spent two years seeing doctors without getting the right prescription (I actually stick to my regimen), and they won't even believe you when you report side effects... sometimes I wonder how we're supposed to trust them either.
Bluzara acts like everything is fine and perfect, but then turns around and dismisses anyone else's experience as if they're making it up or just uneducated. Honestly, maybe I think his story sounds fake too, like when he claims he doesn't feel hungover the next morning after taking something.
It feels like there's this little clique on this forum—a handful of people who've been on meds for years and hang out here together. The second someone posts something different or says something "wrong," they jump in to condescend to us or lecture us. Of course, they immediately start talking about how long they've been medicated and how they're "experts." Vegga is just anxious and naturally worried about side effects, which is why they struggle with consistency, yet you immediately cut them down by saying they're looking for a miracle cure. Real comforting.

Man, I am truly sorry that you interpret certain posts as if they were personal attacks or... I don't know, something aggressive?
But you know how it goes, right? You can explain something eighty-four times to certain people, and yet, they just stubbornly cling to their own views regardless.
I live with PTSD from my time in the service.
I’ve tried everything—every substance under the sun—experimenting, struggling through it all, dealing with a mountain of side effects. Even now, I still deal with them, but honestly, I just don't let it get to me anymore.
I used to think, "Wouldn't it be incredibly cool if people felt more comfortable sharing their silly little struggles more often?" I never realized that this place would feel like an exclusive "clique" where a small group has basically privatized the entire forum and won't let anyone else get a word in edgewise.
Look, if my decision to stay quiet helps anyone, fine, okay, but I highly doubt that's the case.
I suppose I might have started getting on a few people's nerves over time, but I really do try to remain objective—as much as I can, damn it.
As for medication? I know a thing or two about it. I've been through the ringer with various prescriptions... and when you talk to a doctor, you usually just get those classic, canned responses that don't actually tell you anything at all.

Paul Newman5 said:Nobody's looking for a magic pill. But when you've spent two years seeing doctors without getting the right prescription (I actually stick to my regimen), and they won't even believe you when you report side effects... sometimes I wonder how we're supposed to trust them either.
Bluzara acts like everything is fine and perfect, but then turns around and dismisses anyone else's experience as if they're making it up or just uneducated. Honestly, maybe I think his story sounds fake too, like when he claims he doesn't feel hungover the next morning after taking something.
It feels like there's this little clique on this forum—a handful of people who've been on meds for years and hang out here together. The second someone posts something different or says something "wrong," they jump in to condescend to us or lecture us. Of course, they immediately start talking about how long they've been medicated and how they're "experts." Vegga is just anxious and naturally worried about side effects, which is why they struggle with consistency, yet you immediately cut them down by saying they're looking for a miracle cure. Real comforting.

Oh please, what, should we give her a spanking for that? We're all struggling here, so come on—how can you be so rude 🙂 🙄.

Jason Vaughn482 just doesn't want to follow the treatment plan properly. Simple as that.

And I don't have anything against Bluzara; I'm just looking at what one person is saying versus the other.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Man, I am truly sorry that you interpret certain posts as if they were personal attacks or... I don't know, something aggressive?
But you know how it goes, right? You can explain something eighty-four times to certain people, and yet, they just stubbornly cling to their own views regardless.
I live with PTSD from my time in the service.
I’ve tried everything—every substance under the sun—experimenting, struggling through it all, dealing with a mountain of side effects. Even now, I still deal with them, but honestly, I just don't let it get to me anymore.
I used to think, "Wouldn't it be incredibly cool if people felt more comfortable sharing their silly little struggles more often?" I never realized that this place would feel like an exclusive "clique" where a small group has basically privatized the entire forum and won't let anyone else get a word in edgewise.
Look, if my decision to stay quiet helps anyone, fine, okay, but I highly doubt that's the case.
I suppose I might have started getting on a few people's nerves over time, but I really do try to remain objective—as much as I can, damn it.
As for medication? I know a thing or two about it. I've been through the ringer with various prescriptions... and when you talk to a doctor, you usually just get those classic, canned responses that don't actually tell you anything at all.

Are you making insinuations about me again, for the eighty-fifth time? If you have something to say to my face, then just say it directly.
By that same logic, I could claim I don't understand why someone would be terrified to stay home alone or too paralyzed to step outside, but I won't say that because I recognize the struggle—even if I don't personally deal with those specific issues. Therefore, I expect the same grace for those who fear medication or those struggling with health anxiety... but fine, maybe it's better if I just withdraw from the forum entirely. As for knowing about drugs, I actually come from a medical background, and I spend a significant amount of time reading and educating myself as much as I possibly can. I've been lucky enough to only be dealing with anxiety for four years now, and I hope I can pull through, but if I can't, well, Bog knows, Xanax is helping me get by for now... Best,

Brandon Lopez6 said:Oh please, what, should we give her a spanking for that? We're all struggling here, so come on—how can you be so rude 🙂 🙄.

Jason Vaughn482 just doesn't want to follow the treatment plan properly. Simple as that.

And I don't have anything against Bluzara; I'm just looking at what one person is saying versus the other.

You’re far too high-strung to be speaking about me in such a manner. While I’m certainly not suggesting anyone needs a physical reprimand, I make it a point to remain civil when offering advice or asking questions; I don't lash out at people like this. But then again, you’re still young and haven't quite grasped the reality of what lies ahead, even if you think you're handling your treatment "properly"... and if you truly have no connection to Kevin Nguyen3, I fail to see why you're acting as his defense attorney...
because I addressed him directly, and I stand firmly behind everything I wrote; if he has something to say, he can step up and say it himself.

Jason Vaughn482 said:You’re far too high-strung to be speaking about me in such a manner. While I’m certainly not suggesting anyone needs a physical reprimand, I make it a point to remain civil when offering advice or asking questions; I don't lash out at people like this. But then again, you’re still young and haven't quite grasped the reality of what lies ahead, even if you think you're handling your treatment "properly"... and if you truly have no connection to Kevin Nguyen3, I fail to see why you're acting as his defense attorney...
because I addressed him directly, and I stand firmly behind everything I wrote; if he has something to say, he can step up and say it himself.

Maybe I am young, but I've dealt with enough anxiety to know a thing or two.

I'm one of those people who isn't exactly "doing things by the book" when it comes to treatment, but I'm not going to lie about it or make excuses.

I'm done posting here. This is getting way too personal.

Jason Vaughn482 said:Are you making insinuations about me again, for the eighty-fifth time? If you have something to say to my face, then just say it directly.
By that same logic, I could claim I don't understand why someone would be terrified to stay home alone or too paralyzed to step outside, but I won't say that because I recognize the struggle—even if I don't personally deal with those specific issues. Therefore, I expect the same grace for those who fear medication or those struggling with health anxiety... but fine, maybe it's better if I just withdraw from the forum entirely. As for knowing about drugs, I actually come from a medical background, and I spend a significant amount of time reading and educating myself as much as I possibly can. I've been lucky enough to only be dealing with anxiety for four years now, and I hope I can pull through, but if I can't, well, Bog knows, Xanax is helping me get by for now... Best,

Oh, noooo... I wasn't aiming that at you. You're one of us; we all look out for each other the best way we know how.😉
I was talking about those people who pop in once every three months with the exact same question they asked three months ago.
And let's be honest, there's been a massive amount of them.
Then, once they feel somewhat satisfied with some advice or an answer, they just go right back to their old ways, and three months later... it's the same cycle all over again.
I really have no reason to mock anyone or pick on someone by accident. Sure, maybe I'm taking a combination of medications that isn't exactly "recommended," but just like everyone else here, I don't have many choices left. I take what works for me.
But people are just people, aren't they? Some prefer a gentle nudge, while others need a direct hit to the face.
Perhaps I lack tact, and I tend to attack head-on, but then people dig out their egos and suddenly find the motivation to write something meaningful... I suppose.
It just seems to me that's the only time they become truly honest... honestly, I don't even know anymore.🙄

Edit
Downer and I have only crossed paths in a few passing posts, and there has never been anything else going on or any backstabbing involved.
Just like how I might support certain viewpoints while criticizing others. We're all in this together, so it's only natural that we have to tolerate one another.

Brandon Lopez6 said:Maybe I am young, but I've dealt with enough anxiety to know a thing or two.

I'm one of those people who isn't exactly "doing things by the book" when it comes to treatment, but I'm not going to lie about it or make excuses.

I'm done posting here. This is getting way too personal.

Look, I'll admit it—I'm not looking for sympathy. To me, the true excuse is the fear of the illness itself, whereas my primary struggle is hypochondria. It's a heavy burden; if I read anything about stroke risks, I instantly freeze up in pure terror. Honestly, there was one night where I was home alone and just lost consciousness entirely. When I finally pulled myself up off the kitchen floor, I couldn't even tell if I was having a heart attack, a stroke, or just a momentary blackout... it was a total panic attack. I suspect it was a reaction to medication; I had been dealing with a nasty virus and took a cocktail of painkillers, followed by some Xanax and Ambien... likely my blood pressure just plummeted the moment I stood up. I ended up with a massive bruise on my forehead, and frankly, things could have gone much, much worse.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Oh, noooo... I wasn't aiming that at you. You're one of us; we all look out for each other the best way we know how.😉
I was talking about those people who pop in once every three months with the exact same question they asked three months ago.
And let's be honest, there's been a massive amount of them.
Then, once they feel somewhat satisfied with some advice or an answer, they just go right back to their old ways, and three months later... it's the same cycle all over again.
I really have no reason to mock anyone or pick on someone by accident. Sure, maybe I'm taking a combination of medications that isn't exactly "recommended," but just like everyone else here, I don't have many choices left. I take what works for me.
But people are just people, aren't they? Some prefer a gentle nudge, while others need a direct hit to the face.
Perhaps I lack tact, and I tend to attack head-on, but then people dig out their egos and suddenly find the motivation to write something meaningful... I suppose.
It just seems to me that's the only time they become truly honest... honestly, I don't even know anymore.🙄

Edit
Downer and I have only crossed paths in a few passing posts, and there has never been anything else going on or any backstabbing involved.
Just like how I might support certain viewpoints while criticizing others. We're all in this together, so it's only natural that we have to tolerate one another.

it's all good,,,personally I don't mind taking advice at all, I wouldn't even bother asking if I didn't, and I ask quite often

Paul Newman5 said:I use Ativan for sleep; it works best for me, both for sleeping and anxiety. Doctors get annoyed about it though, so I end up mixing it with Xanax during the day. My psychiatrist told me you build a tolerance faster with Ativan than Xanax, though personally, I think it's all the same. Easy to get hooked, hard to quit. Obviously, this isn't medical advice, just what I use to get through the night. You should probably just talk it over with your doctor.

I tried Xanax too. It helped me sleep, sure, but I’d be a complete zombie the next day—totally groggy and slow. Now I only use it when I'm in a "critical" state of insomnia and can actually afford to spend the following day feeling like a shell of a human being... I try to avoid it whenever possible.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Doctors are the ones who prescribe sleep medication, so I suppose our personal anecdotes don't carry much weight, do they?
If we are talking about pure strength, Ambien is quite powerful.
Of course, since it belongs to the benzodiazepine class, there really isn't any point in taking it long-term, is there?

That's not how it works for me... at least, not for me. I refuse to blindly trust whatever my doctor tells me, which is why I want to hear what everyone else is going through.
And honestly, I don't know if I'd even want the strongest 😬

fadedbear92 said:Maybe you were just taking too low a dose to actually knock you out—how many mg were you on?

It was 5 mg. I suspect she might bump up the dose with these pills so it actually works, but I'll have to check with her first.
The one good thing was that I could fall asleep relatively quickly, which is huge because I usually spend hours tossing and turning before I drift off. But the downside was waking up constantly throughout the night... leaving me completely exhausted in the morning.

Back again....

I stopped my therapy sessions and I'm feeling pretty awful..

I can barely function, and on top of that, I'm working...

Not sure what to do... help me out please

Did you stop following the doctor's plan, or did you decide to take matters into your own hands?