Psychotropic medication discussion thread

casualgardener17 said:says 0.5 equals 5... that doesn't sound too bad, I guess...☕ but it's still way too much—basically means you gotta cut it in half😉

I suppose it’s probably not 10 mg after all. Honestly, if Normabel does the trick for you, I'd suggest sticking with it. It's also one of the few medications deemed safe enough for pregnant women, so there's some peace of mind there.
Currently, I am taking Normabel myself, primarily to address other issues, but it does have a relaxing effect.
That said, whenever I find myself caught in the middle of a full-blown panic attack, nothing seems to work quite as effectively as Xanax. If you aren't dealing with those specific panic symptoms, I would recommend staying with Normabel.

Talk soon.

Has anyone here dealt with getting a tooth pulled while being on antidepressants? It looks like I’m going to have to have another one extracted because of some pain and a granuloma. I’m honestly not sure if I can get this sorted out before I start my antidepressant medication. It hasn't been hurting much until now. Last time, I didn't actually mention to my dentist that I was taking Lexapro. I didn't just skip my dose that morning; I actually ended up taking it later that evening instead. I know I really should have told him, but I guess I just felt awkward about it. He made a special trip just to see me, and he did such a great job with the extraction. But, from what I've read, I'm wondering if antidepressants can interfere with certain local dental anesthetics.

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Michael Hill2 said:From what I know, Quetiapine doesn't cause addiction in the sense that you'll need higher doses over time just to get the same effect.

Based on this PDF I'm looking at, I think Two-Face has been taking it for years for insomnia, so maybe try sending her a DM. She'll be able to give you the firsthand scoop. 🙂

Yes, redranger2 was on it for a year, though I eventually had to stop due to the side effects.😁 It doesn't cause addiction, because I was able to wean myself off in just three days and switch over to a different AP.
At low dosages, the side effects aren't particularly significant; for me, things only started getting problematic once I hit the 100 mg mark.
Rachel could probably weigh in on this too, since she takes it.

Chris Robinson25 said:Just got some Ambien 5 mg. Depending on how things go, I might bump it up to 10mg. Anyone have any experience with this stuff?😬

I’ve been on it for two years now (using both Zyprexa and Vaira), and while it’s remarkably effective at settling the nerves and curing insomnia, there is a significant catch—it causes massive weight gain. I personally packed on about 35 pounds in just two months. It triggers intense sugar cravings and sudden bouts of hunger, so you really need to watch what you eat.

zvonx78

Does Dr. J actually get back to you when you ask her something? I mean, does she ever reply via text? I can handle the idea that maybe I offended her somehow or that she just doesn't care about my case. But honestly, she just told me "you know" because she’s returning from vacation in September. That felt... dismissive. Anyway, I went ahead and scheduled an appointment with another doctor I've known for a while for tomorrow. She squeezed me in right away, which I'm so relieved about—it’s just nice to feel like someone actually cares. I really don't get why Dr. J is acting this way toward me. On top of that, she’s incredibly expensive and just so cold. Maybe it's better if I stop seeing her altogether. I still think she's knowledgeable, though, since I've read her articles on WebMD.

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redranger2 said:I’ve been on it for two years now (using both Zyprexa and Vaira), and while it’s remarkably effective at settling the nerves and curing insomnia, there is a significant catch—it causes massive weight gain. I personally packed on about 35 pounds in just two months. It triggers intense sugar cravings and sudden bouts of hunger, so you really need to watch what you eat.

Well, I gained about 40 pounds in four months myself. So, it is what it is. Besides, I already look like a skeleton, so what's another few pounds?

mistyjackal842 said:Has anyone here dealt with getting a tooth pulled while being on antidepressants? It looks like I’m going to have to have another one extracted because of some pain and a granuloma. I’m honestly not sure if I can get this sorted out before I start my antidepressant medication. It hasn't been hurting much until now. Last time, I didn't actually mention to my dentist that I was taking Lexapro. I didn't just skip my dose that morning; I actually ended up taking it later that evening instead. I know I really should have told him, but I guess I just felt awkward about it. He made a special trip just to see me, and he did such a great job with the extraction. But, from what I've read, I'm wondering if antidepressants can interfere with certain local dental anesthetics.

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Just tell your dentist you're on an AD; they can sometimes increase bleeding at the site,
and generally speaking, it can affect bleeding in other ways too. For instance, it made my period much heavier. There’s no reason to feel self-conscious—you aren't doing anything wrong by taking your medication. Just tell yourself, "Who cares what anyone thinks?" and move on with your life. 😍

fadedbear92 said:It's an atypical antipsychotic

The medication guide actually mentions it—if you look at the side effects section, it says missed periods can happen

The instructions always suggest reaching out to your prescribing physician if you notice any side effects

If you have your doctor's cell number, you could always give them a quick ring—since you already have an appointment set, how many days has it actually been since your period was due? It might just show up in the meantime
I don't think there's any reason to panic, but if it's really stressing you out, just call your doctor or a pharmacist

It’s not that it’s late, it’s more like it just stopped halfway through my cycle. I’m hoping I can just wait until the fall, like the end of this month🤷
My appointment is September 23rd
Thanks 😉

Chris Robinson25 said:Well, I gained about 40 pounds in four months myself. So, it is what it is. Besides, I already look like a skeleton, so what's another few pounds?

I was nothing but skin and bones before I started seeing Vaira, but now everything has migrated straight to my midsection, leaving me looking like I’m in my second trimester. At this rate, people on the subway are going to start giving up their seats for me soon enough.😍

casualgardener17 said:Why are you guys messing around with all those chemicals during late-stage pregnancy anyway...🤷

Where exactly are you seeing a pregnancy here? 😕

mistyjackal842 said:zvonx78

Does Dr. J actually get back to you when you ask her something? I mean, does she ever reply via text? I can handle the idea that maybe I offended her somehow or that she just doesn't care about my case. But honestly, she just told me "you know" because she’s returning from vacation in September. That felt... dismissive. Anyway, I went ahead and scheduled an appointment with another doctor I've known for a while for tomorrow. She squeezed me in right away, which I'm so relieved about—it’s just nice to feel like someone actually cares. I really don't get why Dr. J is acting this way toward me. On top of that, she’s incredibly expensive and just so cold. Maybe it's better if I stop seeing her altogether. I still think she's knowledgeable, though, since I've read her articles on WebMD.

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There you are; I was just wondering where you had disappeared to.
She'll respond, yes, though perhaps not on the very same day.
But I suspect she's traveling right now, maybe abroad, which is likely why she isn't responding.
Regardless, if she wasn't a good fit for you—and the most important thing is finding someone who is—it's better to see someone else.

Skickas fr

redranger2 said:Yes, redranger2 was on it for a year, though I eventually had to stop due to the side effects.😁 It doesn't cause addiction, because I was able to wean myself off in just three days and switch over to a different AP.
At low dosages, the side effects aren't particularly significant; for me, things only started getting problematic once I hit the 100 mg mark.
Rachel could probably weigh in on this too, since she takes it.

I'm actually quite jealous of you and Rachel 😁
Just kidding, obviously.
I just wish that 25 mg dose wouldn't affect me so I could finally sleep like a normal person. What are you using for sleep these days?

Skickas FR

Donna Vaughn28 said:My treatment plan just got a shake-up.
About a month ago, my doctor switched things around. I started on Wellbutrin XL and 25mg of Q-pin, but we kept the Mirtazapine at 0.5mg—which I’ve been taking for years now. I used to take the 1mg extended-release version, but lately, I’ve just been adjusting the dose as needed... When I first saw the list of side effects for Q-pin, I actually asked my therapist if this made sense. She just laughed and told me I was on the lowest possible dose you could imagine. Apparently, people usually start much higher, like 600 to 800mg, so the chances of me feeling anything are slim to none. Anyway, the big win is my sleep. It used to be so shallow and brief, but now it’s actually decent. I can even sleep for seven hours straight in the morning. I take my Wellbutrin in the morning per my doctor's orders, and so far, I’m happy with it. I wouldn't say I feel amazing, but those constant depressive dips aren't hitting me quite as hard. The only weird thing is my stomach... it’s been hit-or-miss, either sudden diarrhea or really bad constipation.
The instructions don't mention anything about whether I should take these on an empty stomach, with food, or if it doesn't matter at all. Also, does Q-pin cause dependency? I haven't slept this well in years, and I'd hate to end up addicted...

You're sleeping because of the Q-pin.
25 mg really is a tiny dose, but it clearly works for you, especially since you're also on Wellbutrin...

It might actually be one of the best antipsychotics out there; you can't get addicted to it, and you could technically stop taking it in a single day.
Now, as for what specific side effects occur when combined with Wellbutrin... well, nobody knows for sure, but that's why you're here to tell us, right?

But again, I'll repeat: 25 mg is such a small amount that there shouldn't be any side effects, and there won't be.

@rejoflajt-dama takes that much, so reach out to her—she'll know everything about it.

restlesstrucker15 said:I'm actually quite jealous of you and Rachel 😁
Just kidding, obviously.
I just wish that 25 mg dose wouldn't affect me so I could finally sleep like a normal person. What are you using for sleep these days?

Skickas FR

My doctor put me straight on 50 mg of Q-pin; it knocked me out instantly, but the effect was far too fleeting, so I had to keep bumping up the dosage. I think I eventually hit 200 mg and even that wasn't enough. However, the side effects were unbearable, so my doctor pulled it immediately. It does put you to sleep beautifully, though.

Right now, I'm on Vaira (olanzapine) at 15 mg, but I've been dealing with heart palpitations, so I was prescribed beta-blockers—yet my heart is still racing, making me think I'll have to stop those as well. My doctor admitted he's running out of options for my insomnia. He mentioned that Lopressor is excellent for sleep, but warned it's a heavy-duty medication with significant side effects, so he'd rather not play games with it. Falling asleep is such an ordeal for me; honestly, I feel like I'd have better luck just hitting myself in the head with a hammer every night.😁

I agree, it’s sedating, but I haven’t even known my own mind since I was 25, and I was really hoping this would finally be the breakthrough.
Look, I’m going to ask my doctor about that Vair; I assume you have to pay out of pocket for that? I know the Associated Press rates for these things are steep, and there’s no point in buying it if it isn't going to work. Honestly, I’ll just ask my doctor to prescribe a trial dose first. But nothing for another month or two—I'm practically bedridden right now, 😢 not because of my mental state, 🙂 just currently 🙂
Yeah, yeah, 🙂 I think you and I are on the exact same page regarding that.

Skickas FR

Yes, don't mess around with my heart 🙂 but I can see they are looking out for you, so that's fine 🙂

Skickas FR

restlesstrucker15 said:I agree, it’s sedating, but I haven’t even known my own mind since I was 25, and I was really hoping this would finally be the breakthrough.
Look, I’m going to ask my doctor about that Vair; I assume you have to pay out of pocket for that? I know the Associated Press rates for these things are steep, and there’s no point in buying it if it isn't going to work. Honestly, I’ll just ask my doctor to prescribe a trial dose first. But nothing for another month or two—I'm practically bedridden right now, 😢 not because of my mental state, 🙂 just currently 🙂
Yeah, yeah, 🙂 I think you and I are on the exact same page regarding that.

Skickas FR

Vaira doesn't cost anything.

Wait, I'm not following you. You're taking 25 mg and it's pinning you to the bed? How long has it been since you started?
In the beginning, it’s common for low doses to act that way, but over time
you develop a tolerance to the medication, and that morning gloom and drowsiness
eventually subside. At least, that was my experience.

redranger2 said:My doctor put me straight on 50 mg of Q-pin; it knocked me out instantly, but the effect was far too fleeting, so I had to keep bumping up the dosage. I think I eventually hit 200 mg and even that wasn't enough. However, the side effects were unbearable, so my doctor pulled it immediately. It does put you to sleep beautifully, though.

Right now, I'm on Vaira (olanzapine) at 15 mg, but I've been dealing with heart palpitations, so I was prescribed beta-blockers—yet my heart is still racing, making me think I'll have to stop those as well. My doctor admitted he's running out of options for my insomnia. He mentioned that Lopressor is excellent for sleep, but warned it's a heavy-duty medication with significant side effects, so he'd rather not play games with it. Falling asleep is such an ordeal for me; honestly, I feel like I'd have better luck just hitting myself in the head with a hammer every night.😁

I guess it varies from person to person. It's weird to me because I've been taking it for almost a year now and it doesn't actually help me sleep. As for side effects, the only thing I've really noticed is weight gain, but honestly, I'm not even sure about that—I've just been eating a whole lot lately.🤷

redranger2

Thanks for getting back to me. I’ll definitely make sure to mention taking antidepressants before any dental work next time. I guess I put myself at risk by not speaking up last time, even though the surgeon was honestly wonderful and I could have easily just told him.

As for Dr. J., I felt like she was being really guarded with me... maybe we just didn't click? I'm planning to ask this other doctor about Prozac tomorrow. I definitely need some kind of antidepressant for two main reasons. My only real worry is those side effects, specifically the frequent urination. I'm just not sure how much time I'll actually get with the doctor tomorrow. Sometimes I feel like I need extra support just to get through the summer holidays. I had a massive crisis back in August, right when everyone else was away on vacation. Someone recommended a male physician to me, but I really wanted to wait and see this doctor since I trust her more. I'm actually glad I'm seeing her tomorrow. I really hope she can help me, and I plan on sticking with her. Maybe, eventually, I'll be able to stop the ADs altogether.

redranger2 said:Vaira doesn't cost anything.

Wait, I'm not following you. You're taking 25 mg and it's pinning you to the bed? How long has it been since you started?
In the beginning, it’s common for low doses to act that way, but over time
you develop a tolerance to the medication, and that morning gloom and drowsiness
eventually subside. At least, that was my experience.

I am not taking it anymore. I took it for ten days a while back, but I wouldn't even know my own name until five in the afternoon, so I decided to stop because that sedation just wouldn't let up. Perhaps I should have pushed through it, but my doctor told me that if it doesn't work initially, it won't work later. It was the exact same situation with Calixt.

That's great that it isn't covered; I know that Q-pin won't be covered by insurance unless you have a specific diagnosis for it, and my anxiety and depression diagnosis doesn't cover that.

Skickas FR