Psychotropic medication discussion thread

I finally got taken off diazepam and I'm just staying on Sonalia 50 mg now.

Instead of the diazepam, my doctor prescribed Valium, which isn't even stocked at our local pharmacies and costs a fortune out of pocket. Apparently, they switched me because Valium is supposedly herbal-based and won't cause dependency—that was the whole reason for cutting the diazepam. In the end, I just ordered some herbal nerve and calming tincture from a woman who makes her own botanical supplements, and honestly, it actually works.

I take it before bed and during the day whenever things get heavy.
The real issue is how the antidepressant is nuking my libido. Since I started this (about 4 months ago), my sex drive has been sitting at absolute zero.🙂
We try. We really do. We make an effort and it’s fine, I guess, but I can't reach orgasm. It’s incredibly frustrating, and obviously, it’s frustrating for my husband too. We’re both just irritable. There’s no more tenderness left. We climb into bed like two eighty-year-olds, exchange a quick kiss, and turn our backs to each other. It’s killing my mental state even more.
I’ve only just hit my thirties, yet I feel exhausted, pathetic, undesirable, and totally listless...
How do I fix this? I don't want to wreck my marriage. Things were genuinely great before this. Sure, we have ups and downs, little issues, and stress like any couple, but there was always compromise and respect. Now, I feel like the ground is slipping out from under us. Take today: we haven't exchanged more than two sentences all day. I made lunch, he and the kids ate, then I just sat in the living room staring into space. Later I napped while he sat at his computer and the kids played. When I woke up, I did the dishes, fed the kids, and went back to sit in front of the TV while he kept gaming. Once I got the kids to bed, he fell asleep in the living room and here I am, posting this. Now I’m going to shower, wake him up so he can head to bed, and that's it. A kiss, then turning our backs.🙂

urbanpilot said:I finally got taken off diazepam and I'm just staying on Sonalia 50 mg now.

Instead of the diazepam, my doctor prescribed Valium, which isn't even stocked at our local pharmacies and costs a fortune out of pocket. Apparently, they switched me because Valium is supposedly herbal-based and won't cause dependency—that was the whole reason for cutting the diazepam. In the end, I just ordered some herbal nerve and calming tincture from a woman who makes her own botanical supplements, and honestly, it actually works.

I take it before bed and during the day whenever things get heavy.
The real issue is how the antidepressant is nuking my libido. Since I started this (about 4 months ago), my sex drive has been sitting at absolute zero.🙂
We try. We really do. We make an effort and it’s fine, I guess, but I can't reach orgasm. It’s incredibly frustrating, and obviously, it’s frustrating for my husband too. We’re both just irritable. There’s no more tenderness left. We climb into bed like two eighty-year-olds, exchange a quick kiss, and turn our backs to each other. It’s killing my mental state even more.
I’ve only just hit my thirties, yet I feel exhausted, pathetic, undesirable, and totally listless...
How do I fix this? I don't want to wreck my marriage. Things were genuinely great before this. Sure, we have ups and downs, little issues, and stress like any couple, but there was always compromise and respect. Now, I feel like the ground is slipping out from under us. Take today: we haven't exchanged more than two sentences all day. I made lunch, he and the kids ate, then I just sat in the living room staring into space. Later I napped while he sat at his computer and the kids played. When I woke up, I did the dishes, fed the kids, and went back to sit in front of the TV while he kept gaming. Once I got the kids to bed, he fell asleep in the living room and here I am, posting this. Now I’m going to shower, wake him up so he can head to bed, and that's it. A kiss, then turning our backs.🙂

There's a woman on the menopause forum I've been chatting with; my depression and anxiety kicked in right alongside menopause. She was on Sonalia for five years and she's absolutely bursting with energy—she's basically the optimist of that whole thread. Check that forum out and ask her everything. Sex is important, sure, but I think getting healthy is more vital. I started Lexapro today, just hoping it pulls me out of this cycle. I also hope my husband loves and respects me enough to stick through this. I'm not trying to lecture you, just sharing my thoughts and pointing you toward someone who managed long-term Sonalia use.😉

Benjamin Martin65 said:I was wondering if anyone could tell me whether it's actually safe to take Lexapro and Valium at the same time?

Technically, you can, but honestly, it's completely redundant.

Why on earth would anyone call it senseless?

Paul Newman5 said:Also, are you working right now? I am, and I really don't want to lose my job because of antidepressants. Not that anyone needs to know what I'm taking, anyway. Can I actually expect to stay functional on this stuff?

When it comes to AD, you will certainly be able to work; furthermore, there is absolutely no requirement to disclose your medication or even hint that you are dealing with these kinds of struggles. Please, do not allow yourself to become so weighed down by the sheer weight of this concern.

My doctor just switched me off Prozac and put me on Cymbalta instead. I’m also scheduled for another injection of Risperdal, and since we're starting to prep for tapering off the long-acting stuff, I started taking Olandix this evening.
On top of all that, they gave me some more Valium to help me sleep along with some Prazin.

Does anyone here have experience using the meds I mentioned above?
Is Olandix basically the same thing as Zyprexa?
I'm really not thrilled about this change—I definitely don't want to end up gaining another 40 pounds again.

Jason Vaughn482 said:When it comes to AD, you will certainly be able to work; furthermore, there is absolutely no requirement to disclose your medication or even hint that you are dealing with these kinds of struggles. Please, do not allow yourself to become so weighed down by the sheer weight of this concern.

That's actually helpful to hear. I took my first dose of Lexapro today. Spent the afternoon feeling super jittery, hands tingling, just pure anxiety and restlessness. Called my doctor, and she told me to take half doses for the next three days until things settle down. She said she’s actually happy with how I'm reacting because it means the meds are working and I'll feel better sooner. Have you used Lexapro before? Thanks for responding. I guess I am a bit high-strung—if I weren't, I probably wouldn't be dealing with all this overthinking. Perfectionism, juggling three jobs, needing everything done perfectly right this second... then menopause hit on top of it all. So, here I am.🙂

Paul Newman5 As I have observed through my own weary travels down this winding road, one cannot simply expect a quick fix when the mind begins to fray at the edges. It is much like trying to repair a vintage Mustang with nothing but a roll of duct tape and a prayer; you might patch the leak for a moment, but the structural integrity remains compromised. We often find ourselves grasping for immediate relief, searching for that one magic pill to silence the internal cacophony, yet we ignore the fact that true stability requires more than just a chemical bandage. Life is an unpredictable storm, and while medication can certainly act as an anchor in heavy seas, it isn't a guarantee against the wind. One must be prepared for the reality that healing is rarely a linear progression, but rather a grueling, uphill climb through thick mud.
This information is incredibly significant to me. I took my first dose of Lexapro today, and by this afternoon, I was hit with heightened irritability, some tingling sensations in my hands, and a surge of anxiety and restlessness. I reached out to my doctor, and her advice was to take half a dose for the next three days, suggesting that these side effects should subside within a few days. Interestingly, she actually noted that she’s pleased with how my body is responding; according to her, it’s a sign that the medication is taking hold, which might lead to a faster therapeutic effect. Has anyone else here had experience with Lexapro? I’d appreciate any insight you can offer. To be honest, I am someone who tends to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders—if I weren't such an overthinker, I probably wouldn't be struggling with this level of anxiety and constant analysis. Between my perfectionism, juggling three different jobs, and that relentless internal drive to have everything executed perfectly and immediately, life has been a whirlwind. On top of all that, menopause decided to join the fray, and now, here I am.🙂

I haven't really ventured into this territory before—my last attempt at medication was a few years back, and it triggered such a violent rash that I had to pull the plug immediately. It’s a bit of a minefield, isn't it? To be honest, I have zero experience navigating the world of AD, though I am currently facing the prospect of starting Zoloft. My previous attempt at an antidepressant lasted all of twenty days before I abandoned it because my body simply refused to tolerate it. On the other hand, I am far more acquainted with Xanax; it provides that instant sense of calm that I find myself craving when things get heavy. Right now, I feel completely overwhelmed by the sheer weight of everything life is throwing at me, which is exactly why I reached out to tell you not to worry yourself too much.

Eric Mitchell55 said:My doctor just switched me off Prozac and put me on Cymbalta instead. I’m also scheduled for another injection of Risperdal, and since we're starting to prep for tapering off the long-acting stuff, I started taking Olandix this evening.
On top of all that, they gave me some more Valium to help me sleep along with some Prazin.

Does anyone here have experience using the meds I mentioned above?
Is Olandix basically the same thing as Zyprexa?
I'm really not thrilled about this change—I definitely don't want to end up gaining another 40 pounds again.

I can only offer my perspective on the Valium. It functions as a hypnotic for sleep; it doesn't knock you out instantly the way Sanval or Dormicum might, but rather it seems to have a more sustained effect, if I may say so. It should be fine if you find yourself waking up during the night. You were likely prescribed either 15mg or 30mg. If you haven't used any sleep aids previously, it will probably feel alright to you. 🙂 They likely gave it to you so that you can actually fall asleep, even if you do wake up later.

restlesstrucker15 said:I can only offer my perspective on the Valium. It functions as a hypnotic for sleep; it doesn't knock you out instantly the way Sanval or Dormicum might, but rather it seems to have a more sustained effect, if I may say so. It should be fine if you find yourself waking up during the night. You were likely prescribed either 15mg or 30mg. If you haven't used any sleep aids previously, it will probably feel alright to you. 🙂 They likely gave it to you so that you can actually fall asleep, even if you do wake up later.

I've tried Sanval before, but I had a really bad reaction to it.
I took Valium back when I was seeing a different psychiatrist, but honestly, I can't even remember how I reacted to it because my treatment plan has changed so many times since then.
She just gave me 30mg this time.
Anyway, thanks so much for the info! 🙂

Eric Mitchell55 said:My doctor just switched me off Prozac and put me on Cymbalta instead. I’m also scheduled for another injection of Risperdal, and since we're starting to prep for tapering off the long-acting stuff, I started taking Olandix this evening.
On top of all that, they gave me some more Valium to help me sleep along with some Prazin.

Does anyone here have experience using the meds I mentioned above?
Is Olandix basically the same thing as Zyprexa?
I'm really not thrilled about this change—I definitely don't want to end up gaining another 40 pounds again.

Why would they cut the Risperdal and put you on something that caused weight gain in the first place? Both worked fine for me...

Eric Mitchell55 said:My doctor just switched me off Prozac and put me on Cymbalta instead. I’m also scheduled for another injection of Risperdal, and since we're starting to prep for tapering off the long-acting stuff, I started taking Olandix this evening.
On top of all that, they gave me some more Valium to help me sleep along with some Prazin.

Does anyone here have experience using the meds I mentioned above?
Is Olandix basically the same thing as Zyprexa?
I'm really not thrilled about this change—I definitely don't want to end up gaining another 40 pounds again.

Honey, Olandix is an antipsychotic just like Zyprexa... they have the same packaging, they crumble the same way... and I suspect the side effects are similar too. Why couldn't they have prescribed a different antipsychotic? I know they're all terrible... you either gain weight, or you sleep constantly... or who knows what else. Did you tell her that you gained that much weight while on Zyprexa?
My doctor tried to put me back on an antipsychotic too, but I refused. Try to get some more details from her. You're only 19, and you've already been through so many awful medications... fight for yourself!

urbanpilot said:I finally got taken off diazepam and I'm just staying on Sonalia 50 mg now.

Instead of the diazepam, my doctor prescribed Valium, which isn't even stocked at our local pharmacies and costs a fortune out of pocket. Apparently, they switched me because Valium is supposedly herbal-based and won't cause dependency—that was the whole reason for cutting the diazepam. In the end, I just ordered some herbal nerve and calming tincture from a woman who makes her own botanical supplements, and honestly, it actually works.

I take it before bed and during the day whenever things get heavy.
The real issue is how the antidepressant is nuking my libido. Since I started this (about 4 months ago), my sex drive has been sitting at absolute zero.🙂
We try. We really do. We make an effort and it’s fine, I guess, but I can't reach orgasm. It’s incredibly frustrating, and obviously, it’s frustrating for my husband too. We’re both just irritable. There’s no more tenderness left. We climb into bed like two eighty-year-olds, exchange a quick kiss, and turn our backs to each other. It’s killing my mental state even more.
I’ve only just hit my thirties, yet I feel exhausted, pathetic, undesirable, and totally listless...
How do I fix this? I don't want to wreck my marriage. Things were genuinely great before this. Sure, we have ups and downs, little issues, and stress like any couple, but there was always compromise and respect. Now, I feel like the ground is slipping out from under us. Take today: we haven't exchanged more than two sentences all day. I made lunch, he and the kids ate, then I just sat in the living room staring into space. Later I napped while he sat at his computer and the kids played. When I woke up, I did the dishes, fed the kids, and went back to sit in front of the TV while he kept gaming. Once I got the kids to bed, he fell asleep in the living room and here I am, posting this. Now I’m going to shower, wake him up so he can head to bed, and that's it. A kiss, then turning our backs.🙂

I haven't seen your older posts, so I'm not sure: how long have you been in treatment overall? Did the loss of libido start right when you began this specific medication four months ago? And how massive is the shift in your sex life? You've basically got two major things clashing here: 1) depression is life-threatening and sticking to your therapy is absolutely fundamental, but 2) sex is huge in a marriage, and you guys are young; I don't want to scare you, but I've seen scenarios like this go south (talking three sentences a day, him gaming, the quick kiss and turned backs...). He knows you're struggling and he supports your treatment (I assume?), but he probably feels the lack of intimacy more than he actually says. In my opinion, while the depression is technically "more important," you can manage that more effectively through mechanics (adjusting your meds), whereas the relationship side is harder to control and can blow up in your face before you even realize it. Talk to your psychiatrist about how this AD is hitting your libido and ask for a change; focus on treating the depression while specifically addressing that side effect. Whatever you do, don't just let things stay like this!

redtiger35 said:I haven't seen your older posts, so I'm not sure: how long have you been in treatment overall? Did the loss of libido start right when you began this specific medication four months ago? And how massive is the shift in your sex life? You've basically got two major things clashing here: 1) depression is life-threatening and sticking to your therapy is absolutely fundamental, but 2) sex is huge in a marriage, and you guys are young; I don't want to scare you, but I've seen scenarios like this go south (talking three sentences a day, him gaming, the quick kiss and turned backs...). He knows you're struggling and he supports your treatment (I assume?), but he probably feels the lack of intimacy more than he actually says. In my opinion, while the depression is technically "more important," you can manage that more effectively through mechanics (adjusting your meds), whereas the relationship side is harder to control and can blow up in your face before you even realize it. Talk to your psychiatrist about how this AD is hitting your libido and ask for a change; focus on treating the depression while specifically addressing that side effect. Whatever you do, don't just let things stay like this!

Personally, I don't think sex is make-or-break for a marriage. My husband went through a rough patch two years ago and we couldn't do anything for months. It never crossed my mind to leave him or blame him; who he is as a person and what makes our marriage work is worth seven times more than sex—which isn't unimportant, obviously. You have to talk openly with your husband; maybe he’s just exhausted from dealing with your illness too. Not everyone can handle that kind of strain in a family. I'm older than you, but I spoke openly with my husband even though my symptoms started three months ago. I've been seeing a Psychological professional for a month and just started Lexapro two days ago. So, I'm new to this, maybe not the best person to give advice. To be honest, I felt so terrible these last three months, trying everything until I realized it was anxiety and depression. Now I'll do whatever it takes to heal or at least stay controlled enough that I don't stress over things like sex. If my husband can't handle it, there's nothing I can change. We still talk, walk, watch movies, and joined an arts club together... we fight for our connection. Open communication is key, and then talking to the doctor about changing the AD.

Paul Newman5 said:There's a woman on the menopause forum I've been chatting with; my depression and anxiety kicked in right alongside menopause. She was on Sonalia for five years and she's absolutely bursting with energy—she's basically the optimist of that whole thread. Check that forum out and ask her everything. Sex is important, sure, but I think getting healthy is more vital. I started Lexapro today, just hoping it pulls me out of this cycle. I also hope my husband loves and respects me enough to stick through this. I'm not trying to lecture you, just sharing my thoughts and pointing you toward someone who managed long-term Sonalia use.😉

Thanks for the reply. Obviously, getting better is the priority and sex isn't being compared to that, but the whole situation is just becoming incredibly frustrating. My husband doesn't complain—he's actually been a huge support and is really understanding—he just feels bad that I end up feeling miserable and irritable after sex. We both know I shouldn't be feeling that way.
I'm nowhere near menopause yet; I just turned 30. But I'll hunt down that thread and do some reading. Do you happen to remember that woman's username?

redtiger35 said:I haven't seen your older posts, so I'm not sure: how long have you been in treatment overall? Did the loss of libido start right when you began this specific medication four months ago? And how massive is the shift in your sex life? You've basically got two major things clashing here: 1) depression is life-threatening and sticking to your therapy is absolutely fundamental, but 2) sex is huge in a marriage, and you guys are young; I don't want to scare you, but I've seen scenarios like this go south (talking three sentences a day, him gaming, the quick kiss and turned backs...). He knows you're struggling and he supports your treatment (I assume?), but he probably feels the lack of intimacy more than he actually says. In my opinion, while the depression is technically "more important," you can manage that more effectively through mechanics (adjusting your meds), whereas the relationship side is harder to control and can blow up in your face before you even realize it. Talk to your psychiatrist about how this AD is hitting your libido and ask for a change; focus on treating the depression while specifically addressing that side effect. Whatever you do, don't just let things stay like this!

My total treatment time has been about four and a half months, starting after my younger brother passed away.
Up until the medication kicked in (about three weeks in), our sex life was perfectly healthy. The insert mentions it could increase or decrease libido; for me, it was definitely a drop.
My GP prescribed it. I haven't seen a psychiatrist yet because she doesn't think I need one.
My husband is incredibly supportive, but with three kids, he's working 7 AM to 5 PM every single day. By the time he gets home, he finds me in a vegetative state (that was the case for the first two and a half months). I'm sure it isn't easy for him. He's taken over most of the childcare, the housework, and even looking after me while I was getting back on my feet.
He's always been the type who doesn't talk about his feelings; I practically have to pull words out of him just to know if something is wrong. He just swallows it and deals with it. To make matters worse, he's had a rough year at work—he was in an accident, took medical leave, almost got fired, and ended up with a massive pay cut. I'm sure all of that is weighing on both of us, not just my condition. It sucks that we're dealing with this stuff so young.
My doctor said I'll be on Brintellix for a few more months, but I'm feeling better now and using some herbal supplements, so I feel like I might be able to do without the Brintellix.
I'm honestly not sure what to do.
I start a new job next month and I'm actually looking forward to it. That's a huge boost, but life always has its ups and downs. At least I'm not ashamed to admit it; I want to fight through this.
Thanks for the comment.

Henry Garcia9 said:Why would they cut the Risperdal and put you on something that caused weight gain in the first place? Both worked fine for me...

I've been on Risperdal for a really long time, but ever since I started taking it, my prolactin levels have spiked so much that I'm actually not allowed to take it anymore.

George Allen71 said:Honey, Olandix is an antipsychotic just like Zyprexa... they have the same packaging, they crumble the same way... and I suspect the side effects are similar too. Why couldn't they have prescribed a different antipsychotic? I know they're all terrible... you either gain weight, or you sleep constantly... or who knows what else. Did you tell her that you gained that much weight while on Zyprexa?
My doctor tried to put me back on an antipsychotic too, but I refused. Try to get some more details from her. You're only 19, and you've already been through so many awful medications... fight for yourself!

She knows about Zyprexa, but she mentioned it seems like the best possible solution, even if I have to deal with the side effects.
It seems like I always end up getting hit with the worst side effects from every single medication...
Zyprexa was the only one that actually helped with the hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms... To be fair, Haldol helped too, but the side effects from that were way worse—I literally couldn't move.

Honestly, everyone, you really ought to take a look at these recent studies regarding that particular antidepressant.
I’m referring to Cymbalta. I tried it myself once—well, technically I took it three times—and it was an absolute nightmare,🙂 a complete horror show, really. I spent the entire time just praying for the effects to wear off. I can say with certainty that I am never putting Cymbalta in my mouth ever again, and if anything, these new findings have only reinforced my conviction that

You can find the article right here:

http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles...nts_a2121.html

Been on Lexapro for two days. It’s awful. Pins and needles all over my body, and I feel manic—super jittery—even though that's never been an issue before. Called my psychiatrist and they just told me to switch to Lexapro. Anyone actually have experience with it? Or anyone taking it right now?

Paul Newman5 said:Been on Lexapro for two days. It’s awful. Pins and needles all over my body, and I feel manic—super jittery—even though that's never been an issue before. Called my psychiatrist and they just told me to switch to Lexapro. Anyone actually have experience with it? Or anyone taking it right now?

Well, Celexa is essentially the same class as Zoloft, which is sertraline. I’ve personally taken Zoloft, though only for a brief stint; I ended up stopping after about twenty days and now I'm starting the whole process over again. It carries its own set of side effects, too—things like nausea and heightened anxiety—but according to the literature, those should subside within three weeks. How is she planning to make the switch? Doesn't she need an actual appointment with her doctor to officially change the prescription?