Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Mark Nelson said:I tried Valium once—don't really know the dose—and it didn't make me sleepy at all. Seroquel was plenty for me; I slept way too much on that, even though I wasn't even taking it specifically for sleep.
I take Lorazepam regularly for the anxiety that hits me sometimes, but even that doesn't help me sleep. My dad used to nag me about my sleep issues, and he thought it worked 🤷
I'm a little scared of getting addicted to Lorazepam, but what am I supposed to do when I'm totally non-functional because panic and fear are tearing me apart? They say you shouldn't use it for more than four weeks straight. My doctor doesn't complain about me taking it every day, so I just kind of ignored that warning.

Valium doesn't really cut it for severe insomnia. I took it back when Effexor was keeping me wide awake, then they switched me to Ambien. That only lasted about an hour—and that's the stuff they usually give you right before surgery.🙄
If we're talking about serious insomnia, doctors often look toward antiepileptics or antipsychotics.

Did you get an official diagnosis? What kind of diagnosis do you have?

Seroquel is an antipsychotic; the name itself implies it's for psychosis, but in higher doses... while in lower doses, it's used for anxiety and insomnia.

What dose are you taking for sleep? I also take an antipsychotic—Quinn at 100 mg for sleep—and I'm happy with it. For anxiety, I take 25 mg, which works great too.

As far as Lorazepam goes—
"Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine group with intermediate onset. It has anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and slightly muscle relaxant and sedative effects."

They probably should have prescribed you a low dose of Seroquel for the anxiety instead, which might mean you wouldn't even need the Lorazepam. You should try consulting with her about that.

Thanks for the reply, Vesper Lynd... Honestly, I feel the exact same way when I wake up—just looking totally disoriented and out of it. There’s this weird wave of anxiety that hits me the second I open my eyes, then it just passes. And yeah, I drink coffee—well, instant coffee—and I’ve noticed it definitely spikes my anxiety. I really shouldn't be touching it, but old habits die hard. A few years back, I went through some serious psychotic episodes. My life has been incredibly stressful since I was a kid, and naturally, the bill has come due. I was on Zyprexa for a while, but it turned me into a total zombie. I actually felt worse on it than off, so my doctor pulled the plug. Then I tried Risperdal... ugh, the side effects were brutal. It wasn't until things finally stabilized that my head stopped feeling like a tangled mess, but even then, the panic would set in wondering how I'd ever keep up with school. My doctor told me straight up that I react poorly to psychiatric meds; she was actually surprised by how many side effects I dealt with. But everyone is different, right? Antipsychotics just don't sit well with me. She actually suggested I try a low dose of Risperdal again just to calm those intense fears that eat me alive before exams, but I had to say no. Even a small dose is too much when the side effects leave me completely exhausted. Back when I started college, I used to rely on Guarana, but combining that with Wellbutrin would have been a disaster. That stuff really boosts your serotonin; in my opinion, it's one of the best things I've ever taken for SAD and depression.

fadedbear92 said:Valium doesn't really cut it for severe insomnia. I took it back when Effexor was keeping me wide awake, then they switched me to Ambien. That only lasted about an hour—and that's the stuff they usually give you right before surgery.🙄
If we're talking about serious insomnia, doctors often look toward antiepileptics or antipsychotics.

Did you get an official diagnosis? What kind of diagnosis do you have?

Seroquel is an antipsychotic; the name itself implies it's for psychosis, but in higher doses... while in lower doses, it's used for anxiety and insomnia.

What dose are you taking for sleep? I also take an antipsychotic—Quinn at 100 mg for sleep—and I'm happy with it. For anxiety, I take 25 mg, which works great too.

As far as Lorazepam goes—
"Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine group with intermediate onset. It has anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and slightly muscle relaxant and sedative effects."

They probably should have prescribed you a low dose of Seroquel for the anxiety instead, which might mean you wouldn't even need the Lorazepam. You should try consulting with her about that.

How much Carbamazepine were you taking for your insomnia?

Best regards,

"Quote:"

restlesstrucker15 said:How much Carbamazepine were you taking for your insomnia?

Best regards,

Oh man, I can't quite recall—it was ages ago, restlesstrucker15—sorry!😢

Is it normal to take both 50mg Zoloft pills together in the morning, or should I be splitting them up—one in the AM and one at night?

[No text provided to rewrite]

fadedbear92 said:Valium doesn't really cut it for severe insomnia. I took it back when Effexor was keeping me wide awake, then they switched me to Ambien. That only lasted about an hour—and that's the stuff they usually give you right before surgery.🙄
If we're talking about serious insomnia, doctors often look toward antiepileptics or antipsychotics.

Did you get an official diagnosis? What kind of diagnosis do you have?

Seroquel is an antipsychotic; the name itself implies it's for psychosis, but in higher doses... while in lower doses, it's used for anxiety and insomnia.

What dose are you taking for sleep? I also take an antipsychotic—Quinn at 100 mg for sleep—and I'm happy with it. For anxiety, I take 25 mg, which works great too.

As far as Lorazepam goes—
"Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine group with intermediate onset. It has anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and slightly muscle relaxant and sedative effects."

They probably should have prescribed you a low dose of Seroquel for the anxiety instead, which might mean you wouldn't even need the Lorazepam. You should try consulting with her about that.

My doctor prescribed Valium along with my AP, but I didn't touch the AP because of the insomnia. He actually gave me the Valium just in case the anxiety and all that other misery kept me from falling asleep. Honestly, I slept perfectly fine once I started taking the AP (Quetiapine), so I only tried the Valium once out of pure curiosity. I didn't really notice any difference, I guess.

fadedbear92 said:Valium doesn't really cut it for severe insomnia. I took it back when Effexor was keeping me wide awake, then they switched me to Ambien. That only lasted about an hour—and that's the stuff they usually give you right before surgery.🙄
If we're talking about serious insomnia, doctors often look toward antiepileptics or antipsychotics.

Did you get an official diagnosis? What kind of diagnosis do you have?

Seroquel is an antipsychotic; the name itself implies it's for psychosis, but in higher doses... while in lower doses, it's used for anxiety and insomnia.

What dose are you taking for sleep? I also take an antipsychotic—Quinn at 100 mg for sleep—and I'm happy with it. For anxiety, I take 25 mg, which works great too.

As far as Lorazepam goes—
"Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine group with intermediate onset. It has anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and slightly muscle relaxant and sedative effects."

They probably should have prescribed you a low dose of Seroquel for the anxiety instead, which might mean you wouldn't even need the Lorazepam. You should try consulting with her about that.

Back in 2011, when I was on Quetiapine, I was dealing with some heavy depersonalization and derealization issues, plus those constant OCD loops—F44 stuff, you know? At first, my doctor didn't have me on any antidepressants. But after I'd been on the Quetiapine for a few months, they decided to add Zoloft to the mix. That was the whole situation back then.

fadedbear92 I think you're missing the point here. Honestly, I don't know what to tell you. It's just one of those things, I guess. Maybe we're all just looking for something that isn't there. It’s exhausting, really. Just my two cents. Seroquel is an antipsychotic. I mean, the name pretty much gives it away—it’s meant for psychosis. But when you start cranking up the dosage, things get complicated. It's used for all sorts of stuff, but at those higher levels, it's usually to deal with... well, you know. I guess it depends on what you're trying to fix. Maybe it works for some, maybe it doesn't. Who knows? It's a heavy hitter, for sure. It’s used in low doses for anxiety and insomnia, I guess. Maybe that's why people take it.

I was taking it to deal with those subpsychotic symptoms—you know, that specific kind of mental fog and agitation. That's how it was prescribed, I guess. 😁
Back then, my biggest issue—the thing that really messed with me—was that constant feeling of depersonalization and derealization. It’s hard to explain, but everything just felt... off. Like I wasn't quite there, or nothing was actually real. I guess that was my main struggle during that stretch.

I guess I’ll just start by saying that everything feels pretty heavy lately. It’s hard to wrap my head around how much things have shifted. I mean, maybe I'm just being cynical, but it feels like we're all just spinning our wheels. Honestly? It's exhausting. I don't know. Maybe I'm overthinking it. But anyway, here's what I think about it.

fadedbear92 Asks: What dose are you taking to actually get some sleep?

I haven't touched Seroquel in over a year and a half. Everything changed after I ended up hospitalized with an F23.2 diagnosis. After that whole ordeal, I switched doctors and completely overhauled my medication regimen. These days, I'm on Clozaril, Lamictal, Perphenazine, and Lormetazepam.

I guess I should start by saying that life isn't exactly a walk in the park. It’s more like a slog through knee-deep mud, honestly. I’ve been sitting here thinking about everything lately—all the noise, all the chaos—and it just feels heavy. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm just getting old and tired of the whole circus. But anyway, here goes nothing.

fadedbear92 said:Valium doesn't really cut it for severe insomnia. I took it back when Effexor was keeping me wide awake, then they switched me to Ambien. That only lasted about an hour—and that's the stuff they usually give you right before surgery.🙄
If we're talking about serious insomnia, doctors often look toward antiepileptics or antipsychotics.

Did you get an official diagnosis? What kind of diagnosis do you have?

Seroquel is an antipsychotic; the name itself implies it's for psychosis, but in higher doses... while in lower doses, it's used for anxiety and insomnia.

What dose are you taking for sleep? I also take an antipsychotic—Quinn at 100 mg for sleep—and I'm happy with it. For anxiety, I take 25 mg, which works great too.

As far as Lorazepam goes—
"Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine group with intermediate onset. It has anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and slightly muscle relaxant and sedative effects."

They probably should have prescribed you a low dose of Seroquel for the anxiety instead, which might mean you wouldn't even need the Lorazepam. You should try consulting with her about that.

Honestly, this stuff totally carries me. It’s great. I usually take it right before I head out so the anxiety and panic don't catch me off guard. It works 🙂

fadedbear92 said:Valium doesn't really cut it for severe insomnia. I took it back when Effexor was keeping me wide awake, then they switched me to Ambien. That only lasted about an hour—and that's the stuff they usually give you right before surgery.🙄
If we're talking about serious insomnia, doctors often look toward antiepileptics or antipsychotics.

Did you get an official diagnosis? What kind of diagnosis do you have?

Seroquel is an antipsychotic; the name itself implies it's for psychosis, but in higher doses... while in lower doses, it's used for anxiety and insomnia.

What dose are you taking for sleep? I also take an antipsychotic—Quinn at 100 mg for sleep—and I'm happy with it. For anxiety, I take 25 mg, which works great too.

As far as Lorazepam goes—
"Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine group with intermediate onset. It has anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and slightly muscle relaxant and sedative effects."

They probably should have prescribed you a low dose of Seroquel for the anxiety instead, which might mean you wouldn't even need the Lorazepam. You should try consulting with her about that.

My current Dr didn't prescribe Seroquel; I haven't touched that in ages. I actually switched doctors in the meantime. She bumped up my Clozaril dose to help me taper off the Lormetazepam, but I still feel like I need it, I guess. I have a follow-up appointment in mid-August, so we'll see how things go from there.

Michelle Kelly4 said:Is it normal to take both 50mg Zoloft pills together in the morning, or should I be splitting them up—one in the AM and one at night?

Don't take it at night—you won't be able to sleep, because Zoloft can be quite stimulating.

fadedbear92 said:Don't take it at night—you won't be able to sleep, because Zoloft can be quite stimulating.

In my case, they used to have me take one dose at 1:00 AM and another in the afternoon, paired with Celexa and some benzos.🤷 That was the only way I could actually get some sleep.

Hi everyone, I just got prescribed Lexapro. Does anyone have any thoughts on it? I’m already having those doubts—wondering if I actually need to take it or not. Do you guys ever have those days where it feels like the meds aren't even necessary? Also, does it actually help with the cost?

Grace Ross62 said:Hi everyone, I just got prescribed Lexapro. Does anyone have any thoughts on it? I’m already having those doubts—wondering if I actually need to take it or not. Do you guys ever have those days where it feels like the meds aren't even necessary? Also, does it actually help with the cost?

I’ve been on it for six years now, and frankly, it saved me. The side effects are negligible—just some mild
nausea, dizziness, and yawning, and that’s about the extent of it.🙂

Lexapro isn't covered by insurance, costing about $20 per box. You can opt for generics like Elicea or Citram, which are usually covered without an issue.

"Quote:"

redranger2 said:I’ve been on it for six years now, and frankly, it saved me. The side effects are negligible—just some mild
nausea, dizziness, and yawning, and that’s about the extent of it.🙂

Lexapro isn't covered by insurance, costing about $20 per box. You can opt for generics like Elicea or Citram, which are usually covered without an issue.

Yeah, I paid for it. $20What ended up helping you the most? My main issue is health anxiety—just constant worrying about my physical state, which triggers these waves of fear and eventually spirals into depression. I’m worried that I might need urgent psychotherapy, but the kind of intensive support you actually need is almost impossible to find at a local clinic. Is this original formula better than the generic version? Also, did you notice any impact on weight gain or libido?

Brenda Lee9 said:Can anyone actually give me some real advice regarding Zoloft?? I’m only taking two a day now—I dropped the third one because the weakness was just too much—but it hasn't really helped much either... My appointment with the psychiatrist isn't until early September. Should I just stop taking them altogether? Does anyone here actually know anything about this medication? How do you even taper off...?
Thanks in advance

I was on Fluoxetine for about 6 or 7 weeks before I had to stop. My leg muscles would lock up so badly, I was walking like my legs were cooked sausages. No other side effects for me.
Don't know your dosage, but when I stopped after those few weeks, I went cold turkey and had zero issues. None at all. Not saying you should do the same since everyone reacts differently. Just my experience.

Paul Newman5 said:I was on Fluoxetine for about 6 or 7 weeks before I had to stop. My leg muscles would lock up so badly, I was walking like my legs were cooked sausages. No other side effects for me.
Don't know your dosage, but when I stopped after those few weeks, I went cold turkey and had zero issues. None at all. Not saying you should do the same since everyone reacts differently. Just my experience.

Thanks
But what did you take after the Fluoxetine? Because I'm a wreck... I went a week without Ativan, but today I absolutely had to take it because I'm feeling terrible

Grace Ross62 said:"Quote:"

Yeah, I paid for it. $20What ended up helping you the most? My main issue is health anxiety—just constant worrying about my physical state, which triggers these waves of fear and eventually spirals into depression. I’m worried that I might need urgent psychotherapy, but the kind of intensive support you actually need is almost impossible to find at a local clinic. Is this original formula better than the generic version? Also, did you notice any impact on weight gain or libido?

It pulled me out of my depression, but more importantly, it quelled just about every kind of fear I had. I won't pretend those anxieties have completely vanished from my mind, but now I actually have the capacity to deal with them. I struggle with hypochondria, social phobia, and panic attacks myself.
Personally, I found the brand-name medication significantly more effective than the generic; I could tell the difference quite clearly while I was taking both.
As far as weight gain and libido go, this didn't touch those areas, though I did end up gaining weight from an antipsychotic
that was prescribed to handle my stubborn insomnia. I put on 37 pounds on Vair. It’s absolutely infuriating. 😁

redranger2 said:It pulled me out of my depression, but more importantly, it quelled just about every kind of fear I had. I won't pretend those anxieties have completely vanished from my mind, but now I actually have the capacity to deal with them. I struggle with hypochondria, social phobia, and panic attacks myself.
Personally, I found the brand-name medication significantly more effective than the generic; I could tell the difference quite clearly while I was taking both.
As far as weight gain and libido go, this didn't touch those areas, though I did end up gaining weight from an antipsychotic
that was prescribed to handle my stubborn insomnia. I put on 37 pounds on Vair. It’s absolutely infuriating. 😁

I just wanted to weigh in and say that Lexapro works fine for me; it helps significantly and hasn't touched my libido. However, I wanted to ask you—how exactly did you perceive that difference between the Lexapro brand and the generic? I have already requested that my psychiatrist switch me back to the original, but she insists there is no need to change anything since the current medication is working. Honestly, I'd rather not pay for it myself since I don't have Blue Cross coverage, but instead rely on private insurance. She told me that for insurance purposes, it makes no difference whether it's the brand name or the generic. She mentioned that patients sometimes complain that their Xanax works better than other alternatives because it kicks in faster, which she explains is due to the different inactive ingredients causing variations in how quickly the body absorbs the pill.
If I want to feel even better, should I insist on the brand-name Lexapro? I assume my primary care physician would also need to sign off on that request.

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[Ethan Cruz4]:

Brenda Lee9 As I have previously noted: I am dealing with intense dizziness and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. My vision keeps blurring, and it isn't just a passing moment—it lasts the entire day without any relief. It is truly exhausting. Currently, I am taking one dose in the morning and one in the evening, but I still feel absolutely terrible. I honestly feel like a zombie.

Are you feeling fatigued and experiencing that "zombie" sensation from Coaxil? Honestly, I suspect either your dosage is too low or the medication simply isn't the right fit for your chemistry. I would strongly suggest consulting with your psychiatrist again if I were in your shoes; what you're describing sounds more like withdrawal symptoms rather than actual side effects from the drug itself. 😕

electrichound3 said:Thanks for the reply, Vesper Lynd... Honestly, I feel the exact same way when I wake up—just looking totally disoriented and out of it. There’s this weird wave of anxiety that hits me the second I open my eyes, then it just passes. And yeah, I drink coffee—well, instant coffee—and I’ve noticed it definitely spikes my anxiety. I really shouldn't be touching it, but old habits die hard. A few years back, I went through some serious psychotic episodes. My life has been incredibly stressful since I was a kid, and naturally, the bill has come due. I was on Zyprexa for a while, but it turned me into a total zombie. I actually felt worse on it than off, so my doctor pulled the plug. Then I tried Risperdal... ugh, the side effects were brutal. It wasn't until things finally stabilized that my head stopped feeling like a tangled mess, but even then, the panic would set in wondering how I'd ever keep up with school. My doctor told me straight up that I react poorly to psychiatric meds; she was actually surprised by how many side effects I dealt with. But everyone is different, right? Antipsychotics just don't sit well with me. She actually suggested I try a low dose of Risperdal again just to calm those intense fears that eat me alive before exams, but I had to say no. Even a small dose is too much when the side effects leave me completely exhausted. Back when I started college, I used to rely on Guarana, but combining that with Wellbutrin would have been a disaster. That stuff really boosts your serotonin; in my opinion, it's one of the best things I've ever taken for SAD and depression.

It seems we find ourselves somewhere within the majority of the points listed here. 🙂 I find that almost nothing is working for me lately.
I start my mornings with a strong cup of black coffee, and I have absolutely no intention of giving that up—call me a caffeine addict if you want, but it’s non-negotiable. That said, I have made some significant changes to my other daily habits, incorporating several new routines lately, and I can honestly say I feel much better because of them.
I’ve been having some trouble with Velafax lately. A few hours after I take my dose, I get this overwhelming sensation—it feels almost like I’ve had a heavy mix of Red Bull and vodka. It hits me so hard that I have to force myself to stay completely still just to manage it.

Coaxil

Tightness? From what? I don't drink, I don't smoke, and I definitely don't do drugs—I just take these stupid pills for two months...
I didn't take a single one today. I took two a day for two weeks, and that's enough. I can't do this anymore! Last night I had to take some Ambien just to pass out, and I am never touching those pills again. Honestly, I don't even know why I was ever pressured into starting this crap in the first place. They say it isn't addictive? Sure... then why do I feel like I'm stuck in a coma? I feel completely detached from my own body—it’s a horrific sensation!

Ethan Cruz4 said:[Ethan Cruz4]:

Brenda Lee9 As I have previously noted: I am dealing with intense dizziness and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. My vision keeps blurring, and it isn't just a passing moment—it lasts the entire day without any relief. It is truly exhausting. Currently, I am taking one dose in the morning and one in the evening, but I still feel absolutely terrible. I honestly feel like a zombie.

Are you feeling fatigued and experiencing that "zombie" sensation from Coaxil? Honestly, I suspect either your dosage is too low or the medication simply isn't the right fit for your chemistry. I would strongly suggest consulting with your psychiatrist again if I were in your shoes; what you're describing sounds more like withdrawal symptoms rather than actual side effects from the drug itself. 😕

It seems we find ourselves somewhere within the majority of the points listed here. 🙂 I find that almost nothing is working for me lately.
I start my mornings with a strong cup of black coffee, and I have absolutely no intention of giving that up—call me a caffeine addict if you want, but it’s non-negotiable. That said, I have made some significant changes to my other daily habits, incorporating several new routines lately, and I can honestly say I feel much better because of them.
I’ve been having some trouble with Velafax lately. A few hours after I take my dose, I get this overwhelming sensation—it feels almost like I’ve had a heavy mix of Red Bull and vodka. It hits me so hard that I have to force myself to stay completely still just to manage it.

I get that same "high" feeling after I take mine... plus the nausea is a real pain. This AD is intense.

Has anyone here actually tried those Encian sweet Dreams tablets? They're the sleep aids, I guess... they have melatonin and vitamin B6 in them. Does that stuff actually work? And is melatonin even safe? I think I read somewhere that it’s better to stick to smaller doses. They're on sale at Target right now, if that matters. Ever since my mom passed away, I've been struggling so much with insomnia. It isn't a huge issue right this second because I can sometimes catch up on sleep during the day, but... I'm worried about this fall. If I manage to land a job, I'm terrified I'll mess something up because I'm just too exhausted or haven't slept enough. There's also some Encian Prozen out there, but I'm not really sure what that's for. I'm mostly just focused on finding something for the sleep issues.

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I had such a horrible experience with Lexapro; I was only on it for three weeks. Honestly, I’m just lucky my kidneys didn't give out from having to pee all the time. I didn't even stop taking it abruptly—I actually kept taking the 10 mg dose in the morning for a few extra days after deciding to quit. So yeah, three weeks total. But looking things up online, it seems like other antidepressants can cause similar urinary issues because they mess with the pituitary gland. I doubt it happens to everyone, but I guess for some people, it's a real side effect. And it's not just some conspiracy by Big Pharma like doctors always claim. You only have to read the actual patient information leaflet that comes with the medication to see it listed.

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