Psychotropic medication discussion thread

redranger2 said:So, you've taken Cipralex before (though you should probably check the expiration date on what you have left). Regardless, you really ought to schedule another appointment with your psychiatrist. They need to know that you've decided to resume therapy so they can actually monitor your progress and how you respond to the medication. That is absolutely critical. Don't overlook this; go see your doctor and let them know you're starting the Cipralex again. As for the birth control, those are questions for a medical professional, not for an online forum.😉
I dealt with nausea, loss of appetite, and constant yawning from Cipralex myself. And don't even get me started on the drowsiness. However, those side effects typically taper off after two or three weeks. It'll likely subside just in time for you to start college. Therefore, the symptoms you're experiencing don't necessarily mean the drug is wrong for you; it simply means your body is adjusting to the new chemistry. Every antidepressant carries some level of side effects, though Cipralex is generally regarded as having the fewest.

The expiration date looks fine, and regarding the birth control, I asked my doctor while I was still on Seroxat, and she told me there wasn't any connection. Thank you so much for the advice. Did the Cipralex actually end up helping you? How long have you been on it? Also, do you have the same diagnosis as I do—panic attacks?

Roger Morgan4 said:I’ve been on Lexapro (10mg) for just over a month now, and honestly, it feels like I’m taking nothing at all. I haven't dealt with any side effects—which is a relief—but I’m not seeing much of an actual improvement either, aside from feeling less empty and finding a bit of enjoyment in things again. I was actually considering just stopping altogether, but then I read that you really need to stick with it for at least nine months. To be perfectly candid, I’ve always been quite skeptical about these kinds of medications. I went through two different ones before settling on this one, and I still find myself dealing with these massive mood swings—which, if I'm being honest, feel even more intense than they did before I started medication. It’s reached a point where I felt like my moods could actually land me in some serious trouble. So, I am seriously contemplating whether the meds themselves are causing this volatility and if I should just quit cold turkey. Has anyone else found themselves in a similar spot?

Everyone reacts differently. A close friend of mine also experienced zero side effects while taking Cipralex, and he’s been on it for years. You simply cannot expect rapid results when you've only been on an antidepressant for a single month; these improvements are gradual, not sudden. In your case, there is already evidence of progress, given that the sense of emptiness has subsided and you're experiencing more enjoyment in life. Have you been diagnosed with depression? With antidepressants, symptoms can occasionally worsen before they stabilize. It is far too early to draw conclusions after only thirty days. Sometimes it takes a full two months for the drug to truly take hold. You should consult your psychiatrist, as they are best equipped to manage your treatment—they might decide to supplement the Cipralex with another antidepressant, such as Effexor. Whatever you do, do not stop on your own, as it is premature. Regarding those extreme mood shifts, is there any history of bipolar disorder in your family?

David Bishop4 said:The expiration date looks fine, and regarding the birth control, I asked my doctor while I was still on Seroxat, and she told me there wasn't any connection. Thank you so much for the advice. Did the Cipralex actually end up helping you? How long have you been on it? Also, do you have the same diagnosis as I do—panic attacks?

I'm currently taking two AT&T medications: Lexapro and Effexor. I deal with the full spectrum—depression, anxiety, social phobia, and panic attacks. It’s quite the comprehensive collection of disorders. 😁
I’ve been on them for nearly a year now, though the most significant relief didn't kick in until I hit the six-month mark on the antidepressant. As for the panic attacks, those subsided after just two months. However, after four months, my symptoms decided to make a comeback, so my psychiatrist added Effexor to the Lexapro. Since starting that combination, which clearly hits the mark for me, I haven't seen a single symptom return.

David Bishop4 said:It isn’t that I was taking them just as a precaution, per se; rather, my psychiatrist advised me that since I stopped after only one box, I really ought to restart the antidepressants, even though I was actually feeling quite well at the time. Also, I hadn't heard before that one should take B vitamins alongside antidepressants. Thank you so much for sharing that information.

B vitamins are absolutely essential since they tend to enhance the efficacy of AT&T. Furthermore, when you're under stress, you deplete your B vitamin stores, which are vital for maintaining a functional nervous system. A deficiency in these can actually trigger anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, or fear. If you're looking for quality, the B-100 line from Delta Air Lines is excellent.
It’s also wise to supplement with Omega-3 and magnesium.

redranger2 said:Everyone reacts differently. A close friend of mine also experienced zero side effects while taking Cipralex, and he’s been on it for years. You simply cannot expect rapid results when you've only been on an antidepressant for a single month; these improvements are gradual, not sudden. In your case, there is already evidence of progress, given that the sense of emptiness has subsided and you're experiencing more enjoyment in life. Have you been diagnosed with depression? With antidepressants, symptoms can occasionally worsen before they stabilize. It is far too early to draw conclusions after only thirty days. Sometimes it takes a full two months for the drug to truly take hold. You should consult your psychiatrist, as they are best equipped to manage your treatment—they might decide to supplement the Cipralex with another antidepressant, such as Effexor. Whatever you do, do not stop on your own, as it is premature. Regarding those extreme mood shifts, is there any history of bipolar disorder in your family?

After I was discharged from the hospital, I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and depression. Though, personally, I'm starting to wonder if the depression is even the main issue, or if it's just part of those mood shifts that seem to come with BPD. But then again, maybe that doesn't even matter—what really gets to me is how much these mood swings are hitting me right now. I'll just wait to see what my psychiatrist says at our next appointment. This whole trial-and-error process with medication is starting to feel pretty exhausting.

redranger2 said:I'm currently taking two AT&T medications: Lexapro and Effexor. I deal with the full spectrum—depression, anxiety, social phobia, and panic attacks. It’s quite the comprehensive collection of disorders. 😁
I’ve been on them for nearly a year now, though the most significant relief didn't kick in until I hit the six-month mark on the antidepressant. As for the panic attacks, those subsided after just two months. However, after four months, my symptoms decided to make a comeback, so my psychiatrist added Effexor to the Lexapro. Since starting that combination, which clearly hits the mark for me, I haven't seen a single symptom return.

That’s wonderful news, and I am truly glad to hear you're feeling better. For me, the depression really took hold right after I experienced those first panic attacks. While I wouldn't say I'm depressed anymore, I still find myself avoiding social situations because I'm so afraid of having another episode. Aside from that, I consider myself a cheerful person, though I have unfortunately developed quite a bit of health anxiety in the process.🙂

David Bishop4 said:That’s wonderful news, and I am truly glad to hear you're feeling better. For me, the depression really took hold right after I experienced those first panic attacks. While I wouldn't say I'm depressed anymore, I still find myself avoiding social situations because I'm so afraid of having another episode. Aside from that, I consider myself a cheerful person, though I have unfortunately developed quite a bit of health anxiety in the process.🙂

I reached a point where I couldn't step foot outside my house because of the panic. That's what actually pushed me into a heavy depression. Eventually, I forced myself to go out to places like the local post office or the Chase bank just to handle necessary business, and for two months straight, I had to endure daily panic attacks that felt like they lasted an eternity. It was utterly exhausting.
It seems you’ve become a hypochondriac simply because you're hyper-aware and constantly monitoring every single signal your body sends. Honestly, it isn't surprising for those of us dealing with panic. This will pass. Just be patient, stay on your AT&T medication, and maintain regular contact with your psychiatrist. Having that professional oversight usually makes things a bit more manageable when you know someone is looking out for you.

🙂 thanks, redranger2!

Roger Morgan4 said:🙂 thanks, redranger2!

Don't mention it. Just reach out whenever you need to, particularly if your mood starts to take a downward turn.
You should head over to our Anxiety thread; we spend a fair amount of time venting to one another there. 😁
The same goes for David Bishop4.😉

And I suppose I neglected to mention that alongside medication, seeking psychotherapy—specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy—is generally a wise move.

redranger2 said:Don't mention it. Just reach out whenever you need to, particularly if your mood starts to take a downward turn.
You should head over to our Anxiety thread; we spend a fair amount of time venting to one another there. 😁
The same goes for David Bishop4.😉

And I suppose I neglected to mention that alongside medication, seeking psychotherapy—specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy—is generally a wise move.

Thanks for the invite... I've actually thought about checking out the anxiety thread before, but ended up deleting my post and backing out. 🙂 I wasn't quite sure what the vibe was there—is it strictly just talking about anxiety and that sort of thing? I'll definitely drop in when things get heavy (which, honestly, feels like a daily occurrence 🙂). Take care.

redranger2 said:I reached a point where I couldn't step foot outside my house because of the panic. That's what actually pushed me into a heavy depression. Eventually, I forced myself to go out to places like the local post office or the Chase bank just to handle necessary business, and for two months straight, I had to endure daily panic attacks that felt like they lasted an eternity. It was utterly exhausting.
It seems you’ve become a hypochondriac simply because you're hyper-aware and constantly monitoring every single signal your body sends. Honestly, it isn't surprising for those of us dealing with panic. This will pass. Just be patient, stay on your AT&T medication, and maintain regular contact with your psychiatrist. Having that professional oversight usually makes things a bit more manageable when you know someone is looking out for you.

redranger2, you are such a sweetheart... 😘: you truly, deeply comforted me. I am sincerely hoping that I can at least get my panic attacks under control before the semester starts at college. Let's definitely talk again soon. Thank you a million times over. Sending love.

Roger Morgan4 said:Thanks for the invite... I've actually thought about checking out the anxiety thread before, but ended up deleting my post and backing out. 🙂 I wasn't quite sure what the vibe was there—is it strictly just talking about anxiety and that sort of thing? I'll definitely drop in when things get heavy (which, honestly, feels like a daily occurrence 🙂). Take care.

Anxiety rarely travels alone; it usually brings depression and panic attacks along for the ride. Don't let the thread title mislead you—people discuss pretty much everything there, from their personal experiences and specific symptoms to various medications, and lately, even dating and relationships 😍. You'll find plenty of folks on Lexapro, though others are using different types of AT&T. Some have managed to find relief through alternative paths, whether that's spirituality or faith, while others rely on standard medication. It’s a diverse group, and honestly, everyone is pretty decent. 🙂

David Bishop4 said:redranger2, you are such a sweetheart... 😘: you truly, deeply comforted me. I am sincerely hoping that I can at least get my panic attacks under control before the semester starts at college. Let's definitely talk again soon. Thank you a million times over. Sending love.

Don't mention it; we're all navigating essentially the same struggles here, and helping one another is the only way forward.
The anxiety will eventually subside once the AT&T medication settles in. Just stay consistent with your dosage, and please, make sure you keep seeing your psychiatrist; they need to monitor your progress to adjust your prescription properly. You shouldn't attempt to self-medicate or change things on your own. Even if the symptoms don't seem to be easing up immediately, try not to spiral into a panic, because if the doctor thinks it isn't working, they might prescribe a second antidepressant alongside the Cipralex, leading to two different medications hitting different mechanisms at once. Don't give up when you start feeling better, and don't quit if things feel stagnant either, otherwise you'll end up in a vicious cycle believing there is no solution for you. That is a mistake you simply cannot afford to make. Make sure to take B-vitamins, eat bananas and plenty of fruit, and yes, you can have some ice cream and a little chocolate—it helps lift the mood. Stick to dried fruits like figs or cranberries and snack on seeds and nuts like sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds, or hazelnuts; grab whatever you can find, as they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Also, take one B-vitamin tablet daily. Most importantly, never let yourself get hungry or experience a blood sugar crash, as that can act as a major trigger for panic. Avoid alcohol, excessive black coffee, and Coke, which are also common triggers. Keep me posted on how you're doing. You'll be feeling like a brand-new person by the time college starts. 😍

redranger2 said:Don't mention it; we're all navigating essentially the same struggles here, and helping one another is the only way forward.
The anxiety will eventually subside once the AT&T medication settles in. Just stay consistent with your dosage, and please, make sure you keep seeing your psychiatrist; they need to monitor your progress to adjust your prescription properly. You shouldn't attempt to self-medicate or change things on your own. Even if the symptoms don't seem to be easing up immediately, try not to spiral into a panic, because if the doctor thinks it isn't working, they might prescribe a second antidepressant alongside the Cipralex, leading to two different medications hitting different mechanisms at once. Don't give up when you start feeling better, and don't quit if things feel stagnant either, otherwise you'll end up in a vicious cycle believing there is no solution for you. That is a mistake you simply cannot afford to make. Make sure to take B-vitamins, eat bananas and plenty of fruit, and yes, you can have some ice cream and a little chocolate—it helps lift the mood. Stick to dried fruits like figs or cranberries and snack on seeds and nuts like sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds, or hazelnuts; grab whatever you can find, as they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Also, take one B-vitamin tablet daily. Most importantly, never let yourself get hungry or experience a blood sugar crash, as that can act as a major trigger for panic. Avoid alcohol, excessive black coffee, and Coke, which are also common triggers. Keep me posted on how you're doing. You'll be feeling like a brand-new person by the time college starts. 😍

Thank you so much for the encouragement; I am sincerely hoping everything will be fine by the time the semester starts, because honestly, I don't know how I'll manage to attend lectures, let alone handle the commute to my university,

David Bishop4 said:It might actually be social phobia, but more so this deep-seated fear that I’ll spiral into a panic attack when I'm out in public. I deal with a constant layer of anxiety too; whenever I have to head somewhere where I know that panic might hit, I get incredibly nervous and anxious—honestly, my first instinct is just to stay home. Even when I do manage to go out, I spend the whole time counting down the minutes until I can get back to my safe space. I’ve thought about starting psychotherapy, and even my psychiatrist suggested it, but since I live and study in a small town, she would have to travel all the way to a major hub like Chicago to see me, and taking the bus just isn't a realistic option for me right now...

Oh, and I promise I will reach out to my psychiatrist this coming Monday.😁

I’ve been on 10 mg of Lexapro for a year now, along with a couple of beers most evenings, and honestly, I feel like my old self again—the version of me from twenty years ago. I'm back to socializing, traveling, being productive at work, hanging out downtown... just living life to the fullest. I feel like it's finally time to taper down the dosage and eventually get off the medication, though I have to admit, I'm pretty terrified of sliding back into my old headspace...

What has your experience been like? I know everyone reacts differently, but I'd love to hear how others handled this transition.

Best regards,

driftingharbor33 said:I’ve been on 10 mg of Lexapro for a year now, along with a couple of beers most evenings, and honestly, I feel like my old self again—the version of me from twenty years ago. I'm back to socializing, traveling, being productive at work, hanging out downtown... just living life to the fullest. I feel like it's finally time to taper down the dosage and eventually get off the medication, though I have to admit, I'm pretty terrified of sliding back into my old headspace...

What has your experience been like? I know everyone reacts differently, but I'd love to hear how others handled this transition.

Best regards,

Don't let fear hold you back from stopping. I once took Paxil, but I only finished one single pack because I didn't realize you actually need to stay on it for at least six months to see the full effect. Even though I didn't take it for the recommended duration, that one pack kept me in a pretty good headspace for a year and a half. If I had followed the protocol properly, I might never have needed to go back on medication at all. And look, if things don't go perfectly after you stop—well, you can always find another way to manage it later. Just try to stay positive.
Could you tell me what dose you originally started on with the Lexapro and what you eventually increased it to? Did you deal with any side effects along the way? Also, what specific issues were you facing initially? For me, it was primarily panic attacks.

driftingharbor33 said:I’ve been on 10 mg of Lexapro for a year now, along with a couple of beers most evenings, and honestly, I feel like my old self again—the version of me from twenty years ago. I'm back to socializing, traveling, being productive at work, hanging out downtown... just living life to the fullest. I feel like it's finally time to taper down the dosage and eventually get off the medication, though I have to admit, I'm pretty terrified of sliding back into my old headspace...

What has your experience been like? I know everyone reacts differently, but I'd love to hear how others handled this transition.

Best regards,

Please, if you can, let me know what you think because I just started my own course of Lexapro. Also, when do you usually take it? In the morning, or maybe in the afternoon?

David Bishop4 said:Please, if you can, let me know what you think because I just started my own course of Lexapro. Also, when do you usually take it? In the morning, or maybe in the afternoon?

I started on 5 mg, then moved up to 10 mg after about ten days. I take it in the morning.

driftingharbor33 said:I started on 5 mg, then moved up to 10 mg after about ten days. I take it in the morning.

Thank you. Did you experience any side effects during that transition? Also, how long did it take before you actually felt an improvement? I'm also wondering if you were dealing specifically with panic attacks and anxiety, or if your situation was something else entirely.
Thanks in advance.