Psychotropic medication discussion thread

I just wanted to drop in quickly to share a bit of advice so you don't end up feeling as miserable as I do today after abruptly quitting my Velafax (37.5mg dose). Let me tell you, the side effects from stopping so suddenly are definitely not something you want to experience. Luckily, once I take my next dose, things seem to settle down within an hour. Seriously, learn from my mistake.

(Please, just don't ask me why I decided to do this... 🤦)

restlesstiger49 said:I just wanted to drop in quickly to share a bit of advice so you don't end up feeling as miserable as I do today after abruptly quitting my Velafax (37.5mg dose). Let me tell you, the side effects from stopping so suddenly are definitely not something you want to experience. Luckily, once I take my next dose, things seem to settle down within an hour. Seriously, learn from my mistake.

(Please, just don't ask me why I decided to do this... 🤦)

I sincerely hope and wish that your experience is milder than mine was with Paxil. Even though I followed their medical recommendations and guidelines during my taper, I felt like I couldn't go on. It was a month of pure misery.😲

Nicole Morgan5 said:As far as I can tell, the acronym isn't even LOM, it's actually SOM 🤣

A few years back, all those family practitioners were required to specialize in general or family medicine just to run their own private practices... so, who really knows if that old medical association even matters anymore? 🤣

hey zeus 👋

David Jackson22 said:I didn't get the stomach pains, but man, that nausea was brutal. It takes some serious time for all those side effects to settle down; it’s definitely not an overnight fix, but from what I've seen, it's worth sticking it out because it really does help in the end.
It took me forever for the Effexor to actually kick in, though honestly, saying it "starts working" is kind of a stretch because the drug triggers these biological processes that need a ton of time just to stabilize. Like, technically it's working the second you swallow it, but you won't feel the actual impact right away. I went through hell for a few months before I could finally say things were leveling out. In the beginning, the progress is tiny—almost invisible—and you might not even notice a positive shift yourself because you still feel like absolute crap subjectively. For me, everything moved incredibly slowly, but that’s not a rule for everyone. You might feel the effects way sooner; usually, you should start seeing real movement after about a month. Just saying, it took much longer for me, and I don't regret being patient and not tossing the meds out the window, because the effect did eventually show up. Those side effects should pass relatively quickly, so just hang in there for another week or two...

Thanks a lot 👍

shadowfox75 said:Here I go again... starting on Lexapro tomorrow. After my attempt with Luxet went nowhere, my doctor switched me over to Lexapro.
I’ve spent the last ten days slowly tapering off the Luxete (per her instructions). I was taking half a pill.
Tomorrow starts with half a Lexapro for the first seven days, then moving up to a full dose.
Dammit. Back to square one... again.
When does this game ever end?
Fingers crossed, because I am seriously fed up with all of this. I just hope the side effects are mild and this stuff actually works.🙂

You probably won't deal with heavy side effects. Honestly, you might not feel much at all since your body is already used to SSRIs, and both of these are in the same family.

A buddy of mine dealt with depression and panic attacks, and Lexapro basically brought him back from the dead. He’s been off meds for years now and is doing great; he was on them for about two years.

Keeping my fingers crossed that Lexapro treats you right.🙂

shadowfox75 said:Here I am again... starting on Lexapro tomorrow. After my attempt with Luxe didn't pan out, she switched me over to Lexapro.

I've spent the last ten days slowly tapering off the Luxe (following her advice). I was taking half a pill at a time.

Starting tomorrow, it’s half a dose of Lexapro for the first seven days, then moving up to the full tablet.

God dammit. Back to square one... again.

When does this cycle ever end?

Fingers crossed that the side effects stay mild and this thing actually starts working.🙂

Good luck.😉
What were your worst side effects on Luxe, and have you taken any other ADs before?

Send FR to

Michael Hill2 said:You probably won't deal with heavy side effects. Honestly, you might not feel much at all since your body is already used to SSRIs, and both of these are in the same family.

A buddy of mine dealt with depression and panic attacks, and Lexapro basically brought him back from the dead. He’s been off meds for years now and is doing great; he was on them for about two years.

Keeping my fingers crossed that Lexapro treats you right.🙂

Thanks for the support. 🙂
I just took a half dose, so I'm currently on day three.
The anxiety and tension are intense... it feels like I'm right on the edge of derealization and depersonalization. I don't know what is happening to me. There is this strange tightness in my jaw, restlessness, and a shimmering sensation in my vision. It might be the Lexapro. I feel like I'm going to snap. 🕺
Jazz... I suppose this is just the body reacting to the change. Since there is no more Luxe, my system is fighting the withdrawal, while simultaneously fighting to adjust to this new medication.
I went into work today (though I did take about 7mg of Helex 0.25 around 7:00 AM), but I am really struggling.
I wonder if I should call my doctor? Honestly, what could they possibly tell me that would make sense when I'm only on day three of treatment?

restlesstrucker15 said:Good luck.😉
What were your worst side effects on Luxe, and have you taken any other ADs before?

Send FR to

It was the Luxe. The initial side effects eventually faded after about two or three weeks. Honestly, after a tiny bit of improvement at the start, everything just regressed again after those first few weeks. My psychiatrist suggested we try sticking with it a little longer, but after two and a half months, she decided we needed to switch because it should have been at full strength by then.
My morning anxiety and fear returned—that heavy feeling in my stomach that makes it impossible to function all day.
She decided to start me on Lexapro, noting from her experience with patients that if Luxe doesn't work, Lexapro is usually a solid alternative.
Yes, I was on Paxil for ten years. Eventually, everyone decided, including myself, that I could live without it and leave that chapter behind. I tapered off last year, but things started sliding back quickly. By month eleven, I was seeing a new therapist, which is when we started the Luxe and psychotherapy combo.
I am currently on Lexapro, so we will see how it goes.

shadowfox75 said:Thanks for the support. 🙂
I just took a half dose, so I'm currently on day three.
The anxiety and tension are intense... it feels like I'm right on the edge of derealization and depersonalization. I don't know what is happening to me. There is this strange tightness in my jaw, restlessness, and a shimmering sensation in my vision. It might be the Lexapro. I feel like I'm going to snap. 🕺
Jazz... I suppose this is just the body reacting to the change. Since there is no more Luxe, my system is fighting the withdrawal, while simultaneously fighting to adjust to this new medication.
I went into work today (though I did take about 7mg of Helex 0.25 around 7:00 AM), but I am really struggling.
I wonder if I should call my doctor? Honestly, what could they possibly tell me that would make sense when I'm only on day three of treatment?

Why would you even call? You already know all this is just a standard reaction to starting a new antidepressant. You just have to ride it out knowing it'll pass eventually.🙂

Use the Helex to help get through the start; once things level out in two or three weeks, it should get better.🙂

shadowfox75 said:Thanks for the support. 🙂
I just took a half dose, so I'm currently on day three.
The anxiety and tension are intense... it feels like I'm right on the edge of derealization and depersonalization. I don't know what is happening to me. There is this strange tightness in my jaw, restlessness, and a shimmering sensation in my vision. It might be the Lexapro. I feel like I'm going to snap. 🕺
Jazz... I suppose this is just the body reacting to the change. Since there is no more Luxe, my system is fighting the withdrawal, while simultaneously fighting to adjust to this new medication.
I went into work today (though I did take about 7mg of Helex 0.25 around 7:00 AM), but I am really struggling.
I wonder if I should call my doctor? Honestly, what could they possibly tell me that would make sense when I'm only on day three of treatment?

I was stuck in that exact same spot on Lexapro for a month. Every single day just got progressively worse, and the kicker was that I felt just as bad for about three weeks after I finally quit.
Worst pills ever.

Brandon Lopez6 said:I was stuck in that exact same spot on Lexapro for a month. Every single day just got progressively worse, and the kicker was that I felt just as bad for about three weeks after I finally quit.
Worst pills ever.

Oh my god😲

Michael Hill2 said:Why would you even call? You already know all this is just a standard reaction to starting a new antidepressant. You just have to ride it out knowing it'll pass eventually.🙂

Use the Helex to help get through the start; once things level out in two or three weeks, it should get better.🙂

I didn't call her. I'm going to wait until my appointment on February 10th and see how things go. I take Helix to help when the symptoms get intense. We'll see, but until then, expect me to bug you all with questions. :-D

Hey everyone!

Does anyone here have any experience or insight regarding how activin h (St. John's Wort) interacts with coffee, specifically caffeine? I don't mean literally swallowing a capsule alongside my latte—though I can see how that would be a mess—but more just about the general routine of taking activin h while still enjoying my usual morning brew and maybe a little afternoon pick-me-up.

I’ve honestly thought about cutting out coffee entirely since I feel like I can't even wake up without it, but it’s such a lifesaver for my focus; without it, I feel like my brain is basically just offline. (I have my own theories on why that is, given how much of a stimulant caffeine is, but I won't get sidetracked by that right now).

I stumbled upon this recent article about St. John's Wort , which mentions that based on current research, it acts similarly to an SSRI and potentially even like a MAO inhibitor. That’s where I start getting a little nervous, because if that's true, you aren't supposed to mix it with anything containing tyramine. According to the authors, coffee is actually listed among the things you should avoid combining with the herb, along with stuff like beer, wine, and soy. It might not be set in stone yet, but they suggest staying away just to be safe.

When I picked up my activin h at the local CVS a few days ago, the pharmacist didn't really give me much guidance when I asked about the timing of my capsules versus breakfast or coffee, so I'm left feeling a bit unsure about how much I should actually worry.

To give you some context, I've been struggling with long-term depression and anxiety, including panic attacks, over the last year. I haven't received an official diagnosis yet, so I'm just sort of navigating this on my own for now. Since I won't be able to make it to a doctor for another few weeks, I decided to take matters into my own hands and start the activin h because I just couldn't keep functioning like this anymore. It hasn't worked like instant magic, which I wasn't expecting anyway, but I'm really hoping it provides at least a little bit of relief as a first step.

Raymond Ortiz69 said:Hey everyone!

Does anyone here have any experience or insight regarding how activin h (St. John's Wort) interacts with coffee, specifically caffeine? I don't mean literally swallowing a capsule alongside my latte—though I can see how that would be a mess—but more just about the general routine of taking activin h while still enjoying my usual morning brew and maybe a little afternoon pick-me-up.

I’ve honestly thought about cutting out coffee entirely since I feel like I can't even wake up without it, but it’s such a lifesaver for my focus; without it, I feel like my brain is basically just offline. (I have my own theories on why that is, given how much of a stimulant caffeine is, but I won't get sidetracked by that right now).

I stumbled upon this recent article about St. John's Wort , which mentions that based on current research, it acts similarly to an SSRI and potentially even like a MAO inhibitor. That’s where I start getting a little nervous, because if that's true, you aren't supposed to mix it with anything containing tyramine. According to the authors, coffee is actually listed among the things you should avoid combining with the herb, along with stuff like beer, wine, and soy. It might not be set in stone yet, but they suggest staying away just to be safe.

When I picked up my activin h at the local CVS a few days ago, the pharmacist didn't really give me much guidance when I asked about the timing of my capsules versus breakfast or coffee, so I'm left feeling a bit unsure about how much I should actually worry.

To give you some context, I've been struggling with long-term depression and anxiety, including panic attacks, over the last year. I haven't received an official diagnosis yet, so I'm just sort of navigating this on my own for now. Since I won't be able to make it to a doctor for another few weeks, I decided to take matters into my own hands and start the activin h because I just couldn't keep functioning like this anymore. It hasn't worked like instant magic, which I wasn't expecting anyway, but I'm really hoping it provides at least a little bit of relief as a first step.

I don't think you have anything to worry about. You should be fine to keep drinking your coffee while taking Aktivin H.

Modern research is constantly changing and studies often contradict each other, so I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Real-world experience is usually the best indicator anyway. If people like us who take SSRIs and drink coffee regularly aren't seeing side effects, I think that's all the proof we need.

Look, if your gut tells you to stop, then stop. But medically speaking, there's no proven reason to skip the coffee. I've spent years drinking coffee and St. John's Wort tea—which is basically the herbal version of Aktivin H—not at the exact same moment, obviously, but still—and I haven't felt any negative effects.

Also, if you're dealing with serious depression and anxiety, forget the herbal supplements. Go find a real antidepressant that can actually fix your brain chemistry so you can function like a normal person. It's exhausting. At least, it was for me, when every single tiny thing in life felt like climbing Mount Everest.

So, I finally wanted to tell you, I actually got my CPAP machine after all, yessssss, 🎉🎉🎉, God bless it, I finally got some decent sleep 🙏

George Sullivan7 said:I don't think you have anything to worry about. You should be fine to keep drinking your coffee while taking Aktivin H.

Modern research is constantly changing and studies often contradict each other, so I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Real-world experience is usually the best indicator anyway. If people like us who take SSRIs and drink coffee regularly aren't seeing side effects, I think that's all the proof we need.

Look, if your gut tells you to stop, then stop. But medically speaking, there's no proven reason to skip the coffee. I've spent years drinking coffee and St. John's Wort tea—which is basically the herbal version of Aktivin H—not at the exact same moment, obviously, but still—and I haven't felt any negative effects.

Also, if you're dealing with serious depression and anxiety, forget the herbal supplements. Go find a real antidepressant that can actually fix your brain chemistry so you can function like a normal person. It's exhausting. At least, it was for me, when every single tiny thing in life felt like climbing Mount Everest.

Yeah, I definitely noticed there's a lot of conflicting info out there, which is why I wanted to ask you guys since you actually have personal experience.

I've only been taking Asset Corp for a few days, and the only thing I've noticed is my heart racing just a little bit on the first day (just briefly, for maybe half an hour) about four or five hours after taking the capsule, which I think is when it hits its peak effect. I'm not sure if that was actually related or just a coincidence. Other than that, I actually feel a bit more relaxed than usual—though again, I don't know if it's possible to feel the effects that quickly. It might just be "normal" for me because my mood tends to be all over the place; it'll be a mess for a few weeks, then jump back to normal for a few days, then crash again, and it just keeps going like that.

I'm planning to see a doctor as soon as I can; right now I'm without insurance (I can't afford private specialists), but that should be sorted out soon. I'm not expecting miracles from Asset Corp, but I just couldn't take it anymore, especially since I'm surrounded by people who expect me to just "snap out of it" with a square of dark chocolate 🙄 ) I also have a pretty good workbook from KBTa that helps me out, but my concentration is absolutely shot, so no matter how hard I try, I'm just not functioning quite the way I should.

Anyway, thanks so much for the reply 🙂

George Sullivan7 said:So, I finally wanted to tell you, I actually got my CPAP machine after all, yessssss, 🎉🎉🎉, God bless it, I finally got some decent sleep 🙏

That's what I'm talking about!!!🙂

Not sure if this is the right place to bring this up.

I could really use some advice—specifically regarding something to take for anxiety or just to calm the nerves... anything at all works.

Honestly, I feel like I’m right on the edge of losing my mind..😢

David Lopez97 said:Not sure if this is the right place to bring this up.

I could really use some advice—specifically regarding something to take for anxiety or just to calm the nerves... anything at all works.

Honestly, I feel like I’m right on the edge of losing my mind..😢

This is a good topic to bring up. We'll figure something out together; just try to describe what you're feeling if you don't mind sharing.

I’m feeling so incredibly depressed and low right now—it’s actually hard to put into words how heavy this feels...

I just need something to get me through the next few hours, because my head is spinning with a million different thoughts and I feel like I’m genuinely losing my mind.

I honestly just need something to take the edge off, something to numb the noise so I can finally drift off and sleep...