Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Kyle Sanchez88 said:I was on Cymbalta once, but the nausea and vomiting were just brutal. Now I've switched over to Effexor

Is the Effexor messing with your sleep at all? 😉

Michael Hill2 said:So, you've tried Zoloft and Lexapro, which are two pretty similar ADs in the same SSRI class.

Don't give up on finding the right AD for you. If SSRIs aren't cutting it—and there are plenty of people for whom they just don't work—there are still tons of other options out there, like Effexor, which is an SNRI, or even some of those older TCAs. It just takes time to find the right fit.😉

I'm glad you finally found a psychiatrist you're starting to connect with. Unfortunately, psychiatry involves a lot of trial and error. If you haven't found the right AD yet, statistically speaking, you're due for one. Just don't throw in the towel; talk to your doctor. For crying out loud, their whole job is to help you.😉

So, I’ve been navigating this whole mix of Faverin, Prozac, and Cymbalta lately... it’s a bit much, I guess. Just trying to find some kind of balance, maybe? It feels like quite a cocktail to manage all at once.

So, yeah... this is actually the first psychiatrist I’ve ever felt like I was building a real connection with. He knows I need medication, obviously, but he’s really leaning hard into psychotherapy as the main thing. And honestly? I think that’s fine. It really is. But then I start thinking... what’s the point if I’m stuck taking these random meds that don't even work for me? I end up just mixing them all together myself because, well, that's just how I've gotten used to doing things, I guess. And the therapy part feels so short, too. Like, it's over before it even starts. Plus, from what I can tell, he seems pretty fixated on me finding some kind of "soulmate" or whatever, but I truly don't believe I'm ever going to find someone like that. So, more often than not, I just end up storming out of his office feeling totally frustrated, because the whole conversation usually goes something like this:

Silence... just pure silence. It’s funny how much we crave it, isn't it? I mean, sometimes you just need everything to go quiet for a second. No noise, no chaos, just... nothing. Maybe that's what I need right now. Or maybe I'm just overthinking things again. I guess.
Do you like going for walks? I mean, I guess there's something about just getting out there, isn't there? Just moving. Maybe it's the fresh air... or maybe I just need to clear my head. I find myself doing it quite often, actually. It’s funny how much a simple stroll can change your whole mood, don't you think? Just wandering around, maybe catching a bit of sunlight... it really helps. Anyway, what about you? Are you a walker?
It really just depends on how I’m feeling, I guess. Or maybe it's more about the mood of the day... everything sort of shifts depending on my headspace.
Silence. Just... pure silence.
Just... take a walk. Maybe wander around a bit and try to find some peace of mind. I don't know, maybe it helps? Just walking.
I just... I can't seem to find any peace. My brain is constantly running at like 110%, you know? Even when I’m actually asleep, it feels like my mind won't shut off—it just keeps racing. And I guess that's why sleep is such a struggle for me lately.
It doesn’t just happen overnight, you know? I mean, it really isn't that simple. It takes years... honestly, years and years of grinding and putting in the work just to earn a single second of peace.
I don't know... I guess I just don't think it’s really worth it for me. Maybe it's just my way of looking at things, but... yeah, it doesn't seem like a good deal.
Silence. Just... total silence.

I was actually wondering before... what would the fallout look like if I just told him exactly what I’m doing with my pills? I really don't want to make things messy by dragging my parents into this, or worse, getting some government agency involved. I guess I just want to avoid all that unnecessary drama.

It’s kind of like that classic dilemma... you know, the one where you’re sitting there wondering, "If I actually admit to having suicidal thoughts, should I tell my psychiatrist or just keep it to myself?" Because, I mean, they're just thoughts, right? It isn't necessarily the same thing as having an actual plan or real intentions... but then again, you really don't want to end up back in a psych ward, do you? Not again. Maybe it's better to stay quiet, I guess, just to avoid all that extra drama.

Michael Hill2 said:Is the Effexor messing with your sleep at all? 😉

Just started taking it today...

Kyle Sanchez88 said:Just started taking it today...

Fingers crossed it actually works for you.👍

Michael Hill2 said:Fingers crossed it actually works for you.👍

Thanks, you're an angel🙂

Robin Hernandez8 said:So, I’ve been navigating this whole mix of Faverin, Prozac, and Cymbalta lately... it’s a bit much, I guess. Just trying to find some kind of balance, maybe? It feels like quite a cocktail to manage all at once.

So, yeah... this is actually the first psychiatrist I’ve ever felt like I was building a real connection with. He knows I need medication, obviously, but he’s really leaning hard into psychotherapy as the main thing. And honestly? I think that’s fine. It really is. But then I start thinking... what’s the point if I’m stuck taking these random meds that don't even work for me? I end up just mixing them all together myself because, well, that's just how I've gotten used to doing things, I guess. And the therapy part feels so short, too. Like, it's over before it even starts. Plus, from what I can tell, he seems pretty fixated on me finding some kind of "soulmate" or whatever, but I truly don't believe I'm ever going to find someone like that. So, more often than not, I just end up storming out of his office feeling totally frustrated, because the whole conversation usually goes something like this:

Silence... just pure silence. It’s funny how much we crave it, isn't it? I mean, sometimes you just need everything to go quiet for a second. No noise, no chaos, just... nothing. Maybe that's what I need right now. Or maybe I'm just overthinking things again. I guess.
Do you like going for walks? I mean, I guess there's something about just getting out there, isn't there? Just moving. Maybe it's the fresh air... or maybe I just need to clear my head. I find myself doing it quite often, actually. It’s funny how much a simple stroll can change your whole mood, don't you think? Just wandering around, maybe catching a bit of sunlight... it really helps. Anyway, what about you? Are you a walker?
It really just depends on how I’m feeling, I guess. Or maybe it's more about the mood of the day... everything sort of shifts depending on my headspace.
Silence. Just... pure silence.
Just... take a walk. Maybe wander around a bit and try to find some peace of mind. I don't know, maybe it helps? Just walking.
I just... I can't seem to find any peace. My brain is constantly running at like 110%, you know? Even when I’m actually asleep, it feels like my mind won't shut off—it just keeps racing. And I guess that's why sleep is such a struggle for me lately.
It doesn’t just happen overnight, you know? I mean, it really isn't that simple. It takes years... honestly, years and years of grinding and putting in the work just to earn a single second of peace.
I don't know... I guess I just don't think it’s really worth it for me. Maybe it's just my way of looking at things, but... yeah, it doesn't seem like a good deal.
Silence. Just... total silence.

I was actually wondering before... what would the fallout look like if I just told him exactly what I’m doing with my pills? I really don't want to make things messy by dragging my parents into this, or worse, getting some government agency involved. I guess I just want to avoid all that unnecessary drama.

It’s kind of like that classic dilemma... you know, the one where you’re sitting there wondering, "If I actually admit to having suicidal thoughts, should I tell my psychiatrist or just keep it to myself?" Because, I mean, they're just thoughts, right? It isn't necessarily the same thing as having an actual plan or real intentions... but then again, you really don't want to end up back in a psych ward, do you? Not again. Maybe it's better to stay quiet, I guess, just to avoid all that extra drama.

Slowly and steadily, psychotherapy is a marathon, not a sprint. You can't expect magic overnight. 😉

If you're actually interested in reading, there's tons of stuff online about relaxation techniques and ways to quiet the mind used in CBT. It could help you a lot. Look into autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Those were literal lifesavers for me back when I was falling apart. 😉

If your main issues are restlessness and intrusive thoughts keeping you awake, the standard options are Prozac, Faverin, Zoloft, Paxil, or Anafranil (I was digging into this for a friend who deals with insomnia and a racing brain).

I've heard nothing but good things about Paxil, so maybe talk to your doctor about managing that AD. 😉

Kyle Sanchez88 said:Thanks, you're an angel🙂

🙂 🙂

I’ve actually read a ton of good things about Effexor, so I have a feeling you two will get along just fine 🙂

Michael Hill2 said:Slowly and steadily, psychotherapy is a marathon, not a sprint. You can't expect magic overnight. 😉

If you're actually interested in reading, there's tons of stuff online about relaxation techniques and ways to quiet the mind used in CBT. It could help you a lot. Look into autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Those were literal lifesavers for me back when I was falling apart. 😉

If your main issues are restlessness and intrusive thoughts keeping you awake, the standard options are Prozac, Faverin, Zoloft, Paxil, or Anafranil (I was digging into this for a friend who deals with insomnia and a racing brain).

I've heard nothing but good things about Paxil, so maybe talk to your doctor about managing that AD. 😉

I know, I know... it's a long process. And it feels even longer every time you have to switch psychiatrists. It’s like you’re starting from square one all over again.

My doctor suggests similar stuff to what you mentioned, but I guess... what does it matter when I just don't have any faith in it? 🙂
Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises... I just know that when I'm hit by panic or a real crisis, none of that relaxation or thought redirection actually works. It doesn't. It's just... pure self-destruction.

For me, Prozac was actually the worst part... that was probably the first time I truly felt an AD actually doing something. Just, you know, not in a good way. But I was only on it for a short time, so maybe it could have helped if I had stayed on it longer...
I don't know, I definitely need to talk to him about therapy—like, how much of it, what kind... I haven't really decided yet..

Robin Hernandez8 said:I know, I know... it's a long process. And it feels even longer every time you have to switch psychiatrists. It’s like you’re starting from square one all over again.

My doctor suggests similar stuff to what you mentioned, but I guess... what does it matter when I just don't have any faith in it? 🙂
Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises... I just know that when I'm hit by panic or a real crisis, none of that relaxation or thought redirection actually works. It doesn't. It's just... pure self-destruction.

For me, Prozac was actually the worst part... that was probably the first time I truly felt an AD actually doing something. Just, you know, not in a good way. But I was only on it for a short time, so maybe it could have helped if I had stayed on it longer...
I don't know, I definitely need to talk to him about therapy—like, how much of it, what kind... I haven't really decided yet..

You don't even need to believe in relaxation techniques or whatever for them to work. Results happen whether you buy into it or not.😉

Honestly, I felt like a total idiot when I started doing autogenic training. I'd practice it whenever I felt anxious—like, 20 times a day, acting like a complete moron. Even after finishing, I'd be right back to feeling anxious, but during those ten minutes I spent practicing, I was calm. I was just grateful for those measly ten minutes of peace.

After practicing consistently for a while (which isn't much different from doing sit-ups or any other workout), your brain gets so programmed and trained that it starts reacting reflexively. As soon as you start the training—whether it's autogenic, breathing, or muscle relaxation—your body relaxes automatically, which settles your thoughts and kills the panic.

So, you just have to force yourself to do it, and the results will show up, believe it or not.😉

Michael Hill2 said:You don't even need to believe in relaxation techniques or whatever for them to work. Results happen whether you buy into it or not.😉

Honestly, I felt like a total idiot when I started doing autogenic training. I'd practice it whenever I felt anxious—like, 20 times a day, acting like a complete moron. Even after finishing, I'd be right back to feeling anxious, but during those ten minutes I spent practicing, I was calm. I was just grateful for those measly ten minutes of peace.

After practicing consistently for a while (which isn't much different from doing sit-ups or any other workout), your brain gets so programmed and trained that it starts reacting reflexively. As soon as you start the training—whether it's autogenic, breathing, or muscle relaxation—your body relaxes automatically, which settles your thoughts and kills the panic.

So, you just have to force yourself to do it, and the results will show up, believe it or not.😉

I've got nothing to lose, really. 👏

It’s been 9 days since I abruptly stopped taking my Lexapro 10 mg..

Since yesterday evening, things have been getting weird in my head.. Like, my vision just zips left to right super fast, then snaps back, followed by this creepy chill and a tiny electric shock sensation running through my brain. It happens every few minutes and honestly, it feels awful.. It’s almost like I lose consciousness for a split second during the surge..

What do you guys think? Is this those "brain zaps" everyone talks about, or just standard pregnancy dizziness?

Michael Hill2 said:I can vouch for my own psychiatrist. A friend sent me to him, and he's been great. Here's the link with all his info:🙂
http://healthgrades.com/psychiatrist/dr-john-smith-example

The last time I saw him, he actually brought up the topic of pregnancy out of nowhere. He’s very much against prescribing psych meds to pregnant women unless it’s absolutely vital, so you definitely won't leave there feeling overmedicated.

He’s a total pro with tons of experience. I deal with OCD, so I’ve spent way too much time reading every corner of the internet about psych meds—I'm pretty picky—and I'm really happy with how much he knows.😁 He actually listens, and he’s always reachable by phone if an emergency pops up.

His biggest asset is just how much he's seen; he definitely has the expertise needed to handle cases involving pregnancy.😉

Anyway, that's my vote. Highly recommend.🙂

Thanks so much. Sent an email, just waiting to hear back.

Kimberly Morris said:It’s been 9 days since I abruptly stopped taking my Lexapro 10 mg..

Since yesterday evening, things have been getting weird in my head.. Like, my vision just zips left to right super fast, then snaps back, followed by this creepy chill and a tiny electric shock sensation running through my brain. It happens every few minutes and honestly, it feels awful.. It’s almost like I lose consciousness for a split second during the surge..

What do you guys think? Is this those "brain zaps" everyone talks about, or just standard pregnancy dizziness?

Could be zaps, but honestly, it might just be low blood pressure from being pregnant. Plus, this weather is brutal—I can barely handle it myself. Either way, it'll pass eventually.🙂

If your doctor doesn't get back to your email, just give him a call. He's old school, so who knows if he even knows how to use a computer properly.😁

Has anyone here tried Tryptophan supplements?
It claims to help with "depression, tension, insomnia, and anxiety"—all while being marketed as a natural remedy.
To me, it feels a bit like taking Valerian or those mild daytime sleep aids...🤔

The formula includes L-tryptophan and a B-complex blend.

I started taking Eli Lilly yesterday. My doctor actually prescribed me Celexa, but somehow I ended up with this instead—honestly, I didn't quite catch why from my physician...
Naturally, I’m looking for some insight. What should I be watching out for? Is weight gain really an issue, or what kind of side effects am I looking at? Does this actually help with anxiety? If anyone feels like sharing, I'd appreciate it...

What dosage are you currently on? Let me know how you're holding up on the Eli Lilly—I'm particularly curious about any side effects you might be dealing with..

Aaron Garcia5 said:I started taking Eli Lilly yesterday. My doctor actually prescribed me Celexa, but somehow I ended up with this instead—honestly, I didn't quite catch why from my physician...
Naturally, I’m looking for some insight. What should I be watching out for? Is weight gain really an issue, or what kind of side effects am I looking at? Does this actually help with anxiety? If anyone feels like sharing, I'd appreciate it...

In my experience, Eli Lilly was by far the absolute worst antidepressant I've ever been prescribed. They had me taking two tablets in the morning, and it made me feel incredibly anxious—honestly, it was just a nightmare. I ended up stopping it altogether and told my doctor I wouldn't take it during my follow-up. It was truly awful...

Robin Hernandez8 said:Right now, I’m hanging on by a thread with a mix of 100 Q-Pin, 60 Remeron, 10 Sanval, and 5 Cerson.

I honestly feel like I’m running out of options... even this specific combination is probably going to stop working for me in about a week.
What I really need is just a few months of stability without having to go through a detox, but man, that feels totally impossible right now!
Just one single night without my meds? It's absolute hell.

Wait, you're taking all of that just to get some sleep???? Good grief, 60 mg of Mirtazapine? Who on earth prescribed a dosage like that? And then there's everything else on top of it!🤦🤦

Michael Hill2 said:Are you taking Mirzaten at that dose for depression, anxiety, or what?

At that dosage, it stops acting like a sedative compared to the smaller doses. When you're under 7.5 mg, it doesn't even touch the neurotransmitters; it just hits the histamine receptors to sedate you, kind of like a really heavy dose of Benadryl.

If Mirzaten isn't vital for your actual antidepressant needs, you could try taking a tiny amount—half or a quarter tablet—and it should knock you out. Sounds ridiculous, I know, but that's just how it works. Personally, I sleep on a sixth of a Mirzaten, half a Vegga, and I think someone else here, maybe Zvnox, takes it too. 😉

True, though I'd also throw Sanval or Cerner into the mix...

restlesstrucker15 said:Goodness, please go see a psychiatrist; you have me genuinely concerned. Looking back at our conversation, I really think you shouldn't be mixing Cerson and Sanval. I am actually reaching out to the community here for some advice. If getting an appointment with a doctor isn't an option right now, I would personally rather taper off the Seroquel and just stick with Sanval if necessary, because this current combination feels a bit overwhelming.

Skickas FR

Why is it unsafe to combine Sanval and Cerner? To be perfectly honest, I find myself in a similar predicament, as I am currently prescribed both, though I make a point of never taking them simultaneously. Instead, I stagger them—perhaps I'll take the Sanval for about fifteen days, then switch over to the Cerner for a period, or sometimes even shorter intervals. Is that actually alright?