Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Terry Mendoza80 said:It honestly took me a solid two months on Lexapro before I even started noticing the first signs of things looking up. I didn't run into the same issues you did—at least not right out of the gate—though I’ll admit I’m feeling pretty drowsy lately. But honestly? I don't care. As long as I don't slide back into that dark hole I was stuck in before, I can deal with being a bit sleepy.

Speaking of that constant fatigue... is anyone else here on Lexapro struggling with feeling like they're walking through molasses all day?

Terry Mendoza80 said:Speaking of that constant fatigue... is anyone else here on Lexapro struggling with feeling like they're walking through molasses all day?

It's way less than it used to be for me. Before, I was seriously out for the count, just sleeping through the entire damn day. Now, I get my eight hours in and I'm good to go—I can even actually focus on studying or whatever. 😁

So, I’m right there with you... I’ll get some sleep, but then once I actually wake up, I’m stuck feeling totally drained for another hour or two—it’s exhausting. Then, I’ll feel fine for a little while, and then—bam—the drowsiness just hits me all over again 🤷 ...and honestly, it’s such a nightmare because of my studying. Those few precious hours when I actually feel alert are the only times I can get anything done, because otherwise, my concentration is absolutely non-existent.

Terry Mendoza80 said:So, I’m right there with you... I’ll get some sleep, but then once I actually wake up, I’m stuck feeling totally drained for another hour or two—it’s exhausting. Then, I’ll feel fine for a little while, and then—bam—the drowsiness just hits me all over again 🤷 ...and honestly, it’s such a nightmare because of my studying. Those few precious hours when I actually feel alert are the only times I can get anything done, because otherwise, my concentration is absolutely non-existent.

I only lasted three weeks on it myself—I felt like I was constantly tipsy, just chugging water all day trying to clear my head. It seems like it hits everyone differently, though. Some people feel it immediately.

Linda Taylor11 said:It's way less than it used to be for me. Before, I was seriously out for the count, just sleeping through the entire damn day. Now, I get my eight hours in and I'm good to go—I can even actually focus on studying or whatever. 😁

So, are you still taking it? And how long has it been?

Terry Mendoza80 said:So, are you still taking it? And how long has it been?

I mean, it’s right there above, I've been taking it since last June. Actually, it’s not Cipralex, I’m on Citalopram—just the generic version. It's basically the exact same thing. It works perfectly for me, but hey, that doesn't mean it'll work for you.🤷

Ah, my bad, I didn't catch that right away... look, I've been on this stuff for about 8 months now, and honestly, it’s been a lifesaver for my main issues—but lately, maybe over the last month or two, these sleep problems have been hitting me way harder. It’s especially brutal right now because I’m stuck studying all day long, and when you can't sleep, you just can't focus... which makes everything ten times more frustrating. Not that it's constant, mind you—I still manage to get some work done here and there—but I am thinking about tapering off soon. I definitely need to sit down and have a real talk with my psychiatrist first.

Terry Mendoza80 said:Ah, my bad, I didn't catch that right away... look, I've been on this stuff for about 8 months now, and honestly, it’s been a lifesaver for my main issues—but lately, maybe over the last month or two, these sleep problems have been hitting me way harder. It’s especially brutal right now because I’m stuck studying all day long, and when you can't sleep, you just can't focus... which makes everything ten times more frustrating. Not that it's constant, mind you—I still manage to get some work done here and there—but I am thinking about tapering off soon. I definitely need to sit down and have a real talk with my psychiatrist first.

🙂 Yeah, it's you, me, and a whole bunch of other students all over the States, too! 😍

Yeah, honestly, your best bet is just to check in with him and see what he thinks. As for the studying part, I find it helps to map out the whole week ahead of time—that's how I handle it—and just try my hardest not to mess up the schedule. 😁

I honestly can't bring myself to make any real plans—everything just has to be spontaneous 🙂 ...besides, I never stick to a schedule anyway... so whatever, I guess I'll just see how things shake out.

I’ve been dealing with depression, anxiety, OCD, and non-purging bulimia, and about three weeks ago, I started taking Zoloft 50 mg. It only took about a week before I noticed my anxiety starting to ebb away, along with the depression. Things have actually improved since then; I’m even less anxious, feeling much more relaxed, less irritable, and that heavy, dark cloud of depression has finally begun to lift. Generally speaking, I feel quite content, almost as if nothing really gets under my skin anymore. It would be wonderful if I didn't have to study, but unfortunately, I do, so this newfound sense of being totally unbothered by everything is actually becoming a bit of a nuisance. Before, the anxiety was so paralyzing that I couldn't even bring myself to start studying. Now, however, I just seem to lack any real motivation or interest in anything. I’m wondering if I should perhaps add something to the Zoloft to help spark some drive and interest? I did a little reading suggesting that Wellbutrin might help with that, given its effect on norepinephrine—and dopamine at higher doses—though I also read it can increase jitters, irritability, or anxiety. Aside from that, I feel great on the Zoloft; I’m binge eating significantly less, and I don't feel nearly as terrible when I happen to eat a bit more than intended, plus the obsessive thoughts have diminished... the only issue is this total lack of motivation. I don't mind being indifferent to most things, but I really need to get my studying done. Has anyone else had similar experiences?

I’m currently on Paxil, and I deal with that same lack of motivation you mentioned regarding the Zoloft. Honestly, I have my own set of side effects, but after three years on it, I suppose that's just to be expected 😬
If you're thinking about adding something else to your Zoloft regimen, please check with your psychiatrist first; you definitely shouldn't try mixing medications on your own. Isn't that what your doctor is there for? To listen to how you're feeling and adjust your dosage if something isn't quite right...
I’d also love to know if there’s anything out there to help boost motivation, because I really don't want to lose another year to this.

Is it just me, or are you all struggling with this total lack of motivation—or are you also dealing with serious concentration issues because of these meds?

fadedbear92 said:I was hoping those of you taking Effexor could share your experiences—I’m really struggling with a total lack of energy and this constant need to nap during the afternoon. I’ve only been on it for a week now, currently at 75 mg alongside my other med, Prozac, so hopefully the Effexor kicks in soon to give me a boost. It might just be too early to tell, but right now, I’m still spending way too much time stuck in bed. Thanks in advance! http://imdoc.fr/forum/images/perso/abs0lut-nem.gif

All antidepressants can trigger dystonia, weakness, fatigue, or even that occasional feeling of stiffness...

That's exactly why people have to deal with both antidepressants and anxiolytics—to try and dull those side effects down.

Terry Mendoza80 said:Is it just me, or are you all struggling with this total lack of motivation—or are you also dealing with serious concentration issues because of these meds?

I definitely struggle with focus, though it isn't nearly as intense as my other symptoms. Right now, the biggest hurdle for me is the constant drowsiness—I feel like I'm perpetually sleepy, regardless of how much rest I get or what my daily routine looks like, and this has been going on for a year now. In the beginning, I didn't even realize the meds were the cause; I just knew I was starting to feel better. 😢

I’m honestly too lazy to be posting on this forum much, but I figured I’d log in just to drop this—Paxil 🙏 😍

So, I’ve been on Paxil for about two and a half months now. It’s hard to pin down exactly when it kicked in; for me, it felt pretty gradual. If anything, I’d say the anxiety started lifting just a few days after I started, back when I was still only on 10mg.
I didn't end up needing any extra anxiolytics alongside the Paxil, which is a huge relief. Honestly, dealing with the side effects was actually tougher when I bumped the dose from 10mg to 20mg than it was when I first started taking it.

My social phobia is basically gone, the anxiety too, and the depression... well, it's still there, but it's nothing compared to before.
If I had to describe it, Paxil made me feel kind of indifferent toward everything. Like, I've become emotionally numb. But in a good way! 😁 I went from being someone who could spiral over absolutely anything to someone where things barely even touch me anymore.
I used to get these intense waves of terror where my head would spin and my whole body would just convulse—kind of like a panic attack, even though my psych tests said I didn't have clinical panic disorder—but that totally vanished with Paxil.

Someone mentioned that their motivation tanked while on an AD. For me, it’s been the exact opposite. My lack of drive and general apathy were just symptoms of the depression, and now that's cleared up, they're gone.
I’ve actually started planning trips for next month, for the summer... I'm finally making plans again. For the first time in years.

As for libido, at first it was a solid negative 100 (during the depression it was a negative 10), but now it's definitely in the positive. 😍

For a while, I was struggling with insomnia. I wouldn't be able to fall asleep for hours on end. That dragged on for quite a bit, but it recently cleared up.

My dreams have been way more intense since I started the AD. It’s actually pretty wild. 🙂

When I first started, I was constantly exhausted, but not anymore. Except, obviously, when I drink (mixing the AD and alcohol 🤦—yeah, I know, I'm an idiot). In those cases, I'll be wiped out for a couple of days, and the day after a bender, I can easily sleep the whole day away.

What else can I say... everyone's just a total zombie on Paxil 😁 Just kidding. 😁
Anyway, those are my experiences. I hope this helps someone out. If you have questions, just ask.

Just a heads-up, Paxil isn't a cure-all; you really have to view it as just one part of your toolkit. Once it stops having this kind of impact on you, be careful not to spiral into a phase even worse than the one you were in before you started.
Like I mentioned earlier—for me, the side effects didn't even start ramping up until about a year ago; everything was perfect until then. Now, I simply have to stop taking it because it's losing its effectiveness. But when I look back at those first few months on Paxil, I felt amazing... I had that emotional numbness, but in a "good" way, where nothing could trigger an episode. Honestly, things change, so please stay mindful. Don't let the fact that you're taking Paxil make you complacent or give you the false impression that you're suddenly "cured." If anything, this is exactly when you need to be doing the heavy lifting on your own personal growth.

fadedbear92 said:Girl, I noticed you're taking quite a bit of Ativan, though it looks like you were on more previously. What else are you currently taking, and what are your specific doses?
I take 50 mg Lamictal in the morning
50 mg Faverin
At noon, I take 75 mg Effexor
In the evening, 100 mg Faverin
And I throw in some Xanax here and there since I struggle with insomnia—probably because I get so incredibly sleepy in the afternoons.
I've only been on the Effexor for a week now. Just feeling totally unmotivated.😢

Oh my goodness, ladies!!! Is there any chance you manage to grab a bite to eat before swallowing all those little pills???

Roger Rodriguez said:Just a heads-up, Paxil isn't a cure-all; you really have to view it as just one part of your toolkit. Once it stops having this kind of impact on you, be careful not to spiral into a phase even worse than the one you were in before you started.
Like I mentioned earlier—for me, the side effects didn't even start ramping up until about a year ago; everything was perfect until then. Now, I simply have to stop taking it because it's losing its effectiveness. But when I look back at those first few months on Paxil, I felt amazing... I had that emotional numbness, but in a "good" way, where nothing could trigger an episode. Honestly, things change, so please stay mindful. Don't let the fact that you're taking Paxil make you complacent or give you the false impression that you're suddenly "cured." If anything, this is exactly when you need to be doing the heavy lifting on your own personal growth.

Thanks for the heads-up. Honestly, I might have gotten a little too comfortable since I started the AD, but after dealing with dysthymia for years, I seriously needed this.
Doing the "work"—does that mean I absolutely have to see a psychiatrist and go to therapy? Because right now, I seriously cannot afford that.
Worst part is, I'm dealing with all this completely alone. My parents have no clue I'm on AD (or that I even saw a doctor). Only my boyfriend knows, but it's like he doesn't get it or just doesn't care.

Can you please list all the side effects Paxil caused you and exactly when they started kicking in?

Nicole Barrett76 said:Oh my goodness, ladies!!! Is there any chance you manage to grab a bite to eat before swallowing all those little pills???

What are you talking about? With the amount of cash I'm dropping on this stuff, who cares about food!😂>