Psychotropic medication discussion thread

driftinggull21 said:What is your full medication list and the specific dosages?

My routine is as follows: I take 10 mg of Elice (Lexapro) in the morning, followed by 50 mg of Eglonyl at noon—which is just a quarter of a 200 mg dose—and then Dormicum in the evening, though I occasionally switch things up with 10 mg of Sanval. As for benzodiazepines, I don't use them regularly; if I am hit with an intense panic attack, I might take Xanax 0.25, but even then, it is only about once a week.

I have another question for the group... I was handed a box of Zyprexa at the hospital, and I just realized I didn't notice the expiration date printed on the packaging says 12/2011, even though there are still tablets inside that are technically valid until January 15, 2012.
Should I go ahead and take them all given that expiration window, or would it be wiser to head back to the hospital and request a fresh supply dated after January 1, 2012?

I want to ask something specific here--
has anyone taken Zoloft for panic attacks, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts and SUCCESSFULLY transitioned off it without everything just crashing back down on them?

I’ve been on Zoloft for about 9 months now. I was originally supposed to be on it for 6, but I think I wanted to "tough it out" a little longer while on it, but honestly, the thought of stopping (after being on 1g) scares the life out of me.
I am terrified that I’ll have to relive the whole nightmare and that I’m going to be dependent on medication forever. To me, it feels like this artificial boost of serotonin instead of me actually fighting through it myself via exercise, changing my habits, and doing the hard work of facing the issues head-on and learning how to actually calm myself down...

It feels like I took a shortcut—an easier path—but one that might cost me in the long run because I won't be able to get back to who I was before the pills, before artificially messing with my brain chemistry... I’m scared of a sort of "yo-yo effect," but reversed—that once I stop, my serotonin levels will end up even lower than they were before.

So, does anyone here have a positive, comforting, or even hopeful story? Has anyone used these meds strictly as a crutch for a broken leg, and then after getting off them, you functioned—or are functioning—just as well as you did before the meds, or even during the time you were taking them?
Is there anyone who feels pretty certain they won't need this kind of stuff anymore and can handle life better than ever before?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Does anyone know how studying works while you're on Zoloft? I mean, does it totally wreck your concentration?

Mark Nelson said:Does anyone know how studying works while you're on Zoloft? I mean, does it totally wreck your concentration?

As far as studying goes, my concentration hasn't really changed—I mean, I still struggle to focus, but now it just shows up right before exams along with all that anxiety. 😁
But for everything else, it’s been great. At least when I'm riding the subway, I'm not just hyper-fixated on the doors closing. It's not like my entire brain is stuck on one single thought like, "please don't let me have a panic attack" for the whole ride anymore.

Just picture this scenario! A friend of mine has a potential employer asking for a drug test clearance.😕 I did some digging online, but I honestly can't find anything about this specific requirement being standard practice.🤷 But here’s the kicker: if we're talking about "drugs," does that technically include psychiatric medications? Does a person suddenly become a "drug addict" just because they happen to be on antidepressants??😕

I’m genuinely floored by this. It’s absolutely ridiculous!

I need some advice. I’m currently on Risperdal. It isn't even a high dose, just 2 mg, but it has significantly tanked my libido and performance. For someone in their early 20s, this is a major issue. Does anyone know if there are specific pills available to boost libido? I saw some advertisements at my doctor's office for something meant to increase desire and delay climax. They looked like over-the-counter supplements—small boxes, fairly cheap. I assume they are herbal or some kind of "bio" supplement, though I'm not certain. If anyone knows anything about them, let me know. I am looking for something to take daily to improve overall drive, rather than just something used right before sex. Thanks.

swiftcanyon64 said:Just picture this scenario! A friend of mine has a potential employer asking for a drug test clearance.😕 I did some digging online, but I honestly can't find anything about this specific requirement being standard practice.🤷 But here’s the kicker: if we're talking about "drugs," does that technically include psychiatric medications? Does a person suddenly become a "drug addict" just because they happen to be on antidepressants??😕

I’m genuinely floored by this. It’s absolutely ridiculous!

I honestly don't see how antidepressants have anything to do with illegal drugs. When someone undergoes a drug screen, the expectation is that they are looking for THC, heroin, and things of that nature—not "drugs" in the broad, clinical sense that would implicate every single prescription medication out there.😕

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restlesstrucker15 said:My routine is as follows: I take 10 mg of Elice (Lexapro) in the morning, followed by 50 mg of Eglonyl at noon—which is just a quarter of a 200 mg dose—and then Dormicum in the evening, though I occasionally switch things up with 10 mg of Sanval. As for benzodiazepines, I don't use them regularly; if I am hit with an intense panic attack, I might take Xanax 0.25, but even then, it is only about once a week.

You should consider asking your psychiatrist about switching from hypnotics, given that they aren't working for you. Perhaps suggest Diazepam or Circadin, though be aware that Circadin comes with a higher price tag.

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Jamie Lee67 said:I have another question for the group... I was handed a box of Zyprexa at the hospital, and I just realized I didn't notice the expiration date printed on the packaging says 12/2011, even though there are still tablets inside that are technically valid until January 15, 2012.
Should I go ahead and take them all given that expiration window, or would it be wiser to head back to the hospital and request a fresh supply dated after January 1, 2012?

Do not continue taking medication once the prescription expires. If you have medical records or a discharge summary specifying Zyprexa, simply present them to your primary care physician to obtain a new prescription.

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swiftcanyon64 said:Just picture this scenario! A friend of mine has a potential employer asking for a drug test clearance.😕 I did some digging online, but I honestly can't find anything about this specific requirement being standard practice.🤷 But here’s the kicker: if we're talking about "drugs," does that technically include psychiatric medications? Does a person suddenly become a "drug addict" just because they happen to be on antidepressants??😕

I’m genuinely floored by this. It’s absolutely ridiculous!

I have heard this from numerous individuals as well—essentially a confirmation that they do not suffer from mental illness. Psychotropic drugs are legal substances.

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boldpilot2 said:I need some advice. I’m currently on Risperdal. It isn't even a high dose, just 2 mg, but it has significantly tanked my libido and performance. For someone in their early 20s, this is a major issue. Does anyone know if there are specific pills available to boost libido? I saw some advertisements at my doctor's office for something meant to increase desire and delay climax. They looked like over-the-counter supplements—small boxes, fairly cheap. I assume they are herbal or some kind of "bio" supplement, though I'm not certain. If anyone knows anything about them, let me know. I am looking for something to take daily to improve overall drive, rather than just something used right before sex. Thanks.

Do not take anything on your own authority, even over-the-counter medications; consult with your psychiatrist first.

boldpilot2 said:I need some advice. I’m currently on Risperdal. It isn't even a high dose, just 2 mg, but it has significantly tanked my libido and performance. For someone in their early 20s, this is a major issue. Does anyone know if there are specific pills available to boost libido? I saw some advertisements at my doctor's office for something meant to increase desire and delay climax. They looked like over-the-counter supplements—small boxes, fairly cheap. I assume they are herbal or some kind of "bio" supplement, though I'm not certain. If anyone knows anything about them, let me know. I am looking for something to take daily to improve overall drive, rather than just something used right before sex. Thanks.

What you're actually hunting for is an aphrodisiac, and honestly, that's a deeply individual thing. There isn't really one "magic pill" for libido. For some people, Wellbutrin helps—it's actually an antidepressant, but it can have that effect. You should definitely talk to your doctor about Wellbutrin; just be upfront and tell them you're dealing with low libido. As for those supplements you see advertised everywhere—newspapers, the internet, whatever—I don't know, I've never tried them, but I'm pretty skeptical myself. Now, regarding actual potency, the big names on the market are Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. Personally, I'd suggest Cialis because it tends to stay effective longer than the others. Just a heads-up though: those drugs are specifically for treating erectile dysfunction. They might help with the mechanics and potentially help you reach climax, but they won't fix your drive. Taking them is pretty much pointless if you don't have the actual desire or stimulation to begin with, which brings us back to libido. I hope that clears things up a bit. Also, there's a chance your drive will come back on its own; for some, this is just a temporary side effect of the medication, while for others, it lingers. I get it, believe me. I'm in my early 20s too and dealing with similar issues.

Timothy Wood38 said:What you're actually hunting for is an aphrodisiac, and honestly, that's a deeply individual thing. There isn't really one "magic pill" for libido. For some people, Wellbutrin helps—it's actually an antidepressant, but it can have that effect. You should definitely talk to your doctor about Wellbutrin; just be upfront and tell them you're dealing with low libido. As for those supplements you see advertised everywhere—newspapers, the internet, whatever—I don't know, I've never tried them, but I'm pretty skeptical myself. Now, regarding actual potency, the big names on the market are Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. Personally, I'd suggest Cialis because it tends to stay effective longer than the others. Just a heads-up though: those drugs are specifically for treating erectile dysfunction. They might help with the mechanics and potentially help you reach climax, but they won't fix your drive. Taking them is pretty much pointless if you don't have the actual desire or stimulation to begin with, which brings us back to libido. I hope that clears things up a bit. Also, there's a chance your drive will come back on its own; for some, this is just a temporary side effect of the medication, while for others, it lingers. I get it, believe me. I'm in my early 20s too and dealing with similar issues.

Thanks, Timothy Wood38. Fine. (Addressing driftinggull21 as well) Wouldn't Vitaseng work at least a little? Why wouldn't I take it as a supplement, like taking vitamins? It isn't a matter of desire. 😁 The issue is that everything feels weak. It shouldn't be a major problem regarding the need for Cialis and such. I am saying it just feels "weak," you know 😁? Maybe it will pass. Still, I don't see any harm in taking a supplement. I see nothing wrong with Vitaseng, or that other one I mentioned before (though I forget the name 🙂). Why not give it a shot? My dad used to take stuff like that too. And is a psychiatrist really necessary for this? Can't my primary care physician handle it?

boldpilot2 said:Thanks, Timothy Wood38. Fine. (Addressing driftinggull21 as well) Wouldn't Vitaseng work at least a little? Why wouldn't I take it as a supplement, like taking vitamins? It isn't a matter of desire. 😁 The issue is that everything feels weak. It shouldn't be a major problem regarding the need for Cialis and such. I am saying it just feels "weak," you know 😁? Maybe it will pass. Still, I don't see any harm in taking a supplement. I see nothing wrong with Vitaseng, or that other one I mentioned before (though I forget the name 🙂). Why not give it a shot? My dad used to take stuff like that too. And is a psychiatrist really necessary for this? Can't my primary care physician handle it?

I assumed that during your regular check-up, you would discuss it with them and they might offer a recommendation. Given your current medication, I presume you already see a psychiatrist.🤷

restlesstrucker15 said:I typically take it right as I get into bed. Usually, I manage to fall asleep, but then I find myself waking up in the middle of the night, unable to drift back off—even with the help of Dormicum.

You’re telling me you can't fall asleep even with Ambien? I don't think I've ever heard anyone say they couldn't sleep while on that stuff.

I suppose there isn't much to say about it, really. It feels like one of those things that just exists in the periphery of our awareness, though I can't quite put my finger on why it carries such weight lately. Perhaps it's just the way things are heading. wanderingcyclist20 says:
Hellex always seemed to hit me way too hard and far too fast. While Xanax is supposed to provide that gradual, mellowing effect—which I suppose is why they market it as such a relief for anxiety—once you really get hooked, it’s a different story entirely. You just find yourself needing more and more and more just to stay level. I spent fifteen years struggling with addiction, and at my absolute worst, I was pushing eight 0.5 mg tablets a day.😲😲😲

Exactly... it’s basically a playground for anxiety. I went through the same thing with Xanax; I became completely dependent on it. Every single day, I felt like I needed more and more pills just to keep the panic at bay. At my worst, I was probably taking up to ten 1mg tablets a day just to feel somewhat level.🙂

Thank God that’s finally behind me.

Timothy Wood38 said:Well, you might actually mean parkinsonism rather than Parkinson's disease itself. Or maybe it's just a standard tremor? If we're talking about a tremor, then anxiolytics might offer some relief, but if it really is parkinsonism, you’re looking at needing an anti-Parkinsonian medication—something like Sinemet or similar.

It isn't just a typical case of shaky hands. I am currently on an antidepressant and taking two 1mg tablets of Xanax SR daily—sometimes even more—and yet, the tremors remain incredibly intense regardless. People at work have actually started asking me what I'm on, almost looking at me like I'm some kind of addict. It’s quite unsettling. I can't help but wonder how much worse the shaking would be if I weren't taking the Xanax... it's honestly exhausting.

boldpilot2 said:Thanks, Timothy Wood38. Fine. (Addressing driftinggull21 as well) Wouldn't Vitaseng work at least a little? Why wouldn't I take it as a supplement, like taking vitamins? It isn't a matter of desire. 😁 The issue is that everything feels weak. It shouldn't be a major problem regarding the need for Cialis and such. I am saying it just feels "weak," you know 😁? Maybe it will pass. Still, I don't see any harm in taking a supplement. I see nothing wrong with Vitaseng, or that other one I mentioned before (though I forget the name 🙂). Why not give it a shot? My dad used to take stuff like that too. And is a psychiatrist really necessary for this? Can't my primary care physician handle it?

In my opinion, Vitaseng is more for older folks, and I seriously doubt it'll do much for you. If you want the best supplement available in the US that might actually help, I'd go with Horny Goat Weed http://www.building-body.com/shop/pr...olab-_60_kaps/. It's produced by Nature's Bounty—specifically their ProLab brand—and they make some really solid supplements.

Kenneth Scott41 said:It isn't just a typical case of shaky hands. I am currently on an antidepressant and taking two 1mg tablets of Xanax SR daily—sometimes even more—and yet, the tremors remain incredibly intense regardless. People at work have actually started asking me what I'm on, almost looking at me like I'm some kind of addict. It’s quite unsettling. I can't help but wonder how much worse the shaking would be if I weren't taking the Xanax... it's honestly exhausting.

Well, if you ask me, I suspect we're looking at actual tremors here. In my experience, antidepressants don't typically trigger parkinsonism; that's usually a side effect tied to typical antipsychotics. That said, even these newer atypical ones can cause extrapyramidal symptoms. Personally, when I was on Zyprexa, I developed tardive dyskinesia, despite my psychiatrist insisting it was practically impossible. Anyway, maybe try switching up the anxiolytic? Give Lorazepam or Diazepam a shot, because it’s very possible you've just built up a tolerance to Xanax. If that doesn't cut it, you might need to talk about an anti-parkinsonian medication.

Kenneth Scott41 said:You’re telling me you can't fall asleep even with Ambien? I don't think I've ever heard anyone say they couldn't sleep while on that stuff.

It’s more that I am able to drift off occasionally, but the sleep only lasts about three or four hours before I'm wide awake again. It is quite frustrating because, by all accounts, that is one of the most potent hypnotics available.🙂div>

Jamie Lee67 said:Could I ask a quick question here without being judged? I’m looking for some insight from anyone who might be more knowledgeable than I am... Given that I'm currently taking 10mg of Lexapro and 2.5mg of Zyprexa daily, how wise would it be to consume a little bit of cannabis?

No judgment intended, but I am afraid it might not be a wise decision. You specifically mentioned doing this ALONG WITH those medications. It sounds like you would take the Elicea/Zyprexa and then shortly after partake in some cannabis.

I have personally taken Mind up capsules containing Zlatan Korjen while on Elicea, and I certainly did not feel well. I took Mind up hoping to improve my concentration, but it felt as though the supplement and the Elicea were essentially fighting one another because Zlatan Korjen contains a substance that acts as an MAOI, whereas Elicea is an SSRI.

Therefore, I cannot say for certain how you would fare with cannabis. Even before I purchased the Mind up, I was aware there could be a negative interaction, though I wondered if I was simply being overly cautious—perhaps thinking the amount of MAOI in Zlatan Korjen was too negligible since it isn't a prescription-strength MAOI delivered in any significant dosage. However, I was clearly mistaken.

The only way I can suggest is to wait until several hours after you have taken your last dose of any medication prescribed by your psychiatrist before using cannabis. That is how I manage with Mind up, and it doesn't cause me any issues.

restlesstrucker15 said:It’s more that I am able to drift off occasionally, but the sleep only lasts about three or four hours before I'm wide awake again. It is quite frustrating because, by all accounts, that is one of the most potent hypnotics available.🙂div>

Look, it’s not actually that powerful—well, okay, maybe it is on the US market, though I suppose everyone reacts differently. Personally, I developed a tolerance to Ambien so quickly that I could only take it for about a week before it stopped working. For me, Lunesta actually works much better.