Psychotropic medication discussion thread

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'm also hoping this anxiety eventually fades, though I realize that until I change my own mindset, even medication can only do so much. My doctor told me to take half a pill for the first week before moving up to a full dose. I've been doing halves for three days now—is it really necessary to wait the full seven days, or can I switch to the full tablet sooner since I haven't noticed any side effects? Also, how long does it typically take to kick in? Two or three weeks?

I assume when the milder meds don't touch those severe bouts of insomnia, they move you toward antipsychotics?

Grace Ross62 said:I'm also hoping this anxiety eventually fades, though I realize that until I change my own mindset, even medication can only do so much. My doctor told me to take half a pill for the first week before moving up to a full dose. I've been doing halves for three days now—is it really necessary to wait the full seven days, or can I switch to the full tablet sooner since I haven't noticed any side effects? Also, how long does it typically take to kick in? Two or three weeks?

I assume when the milder meds don't touch those severe bouts of insomnia, they move you toward antipsychotics?

Well, I ended up doing half doses for about four days before I just jumped straight to the full pill myself...

It usually takes at least that long for the meds to really find their groove, and honestly, sometimes it takes a little bit longer than that...

Grace Ross62 said:I'm also hoping this anxiety eventually fades, though I realize that until I change my own mindset, even medication can only do so much. My doctor told me to take half a pill for the first week before moving up to a full dose. I've been doing halves for three days now—is it really necessary to wait the full seven days, or can I switch to the full tablet sooner since I haven't noticed any side effects? Also, how long does it typically take to kick in? Two or three weeks?

I assume when the milder meds don't touch those severe bouts of insomnia, they move you toward antipsychotics?

In my experience, I stayed at a quarter dose for three days before even bumping up to a half tablet. Don't rush the dosage increase; you have to follow your doctor's lead. For me, it was better to do half a pill and a quarter pill for about three or four days before finally transitioning to the full dose. Everyone reacts to these drugs differently. Personally, it cleared up my depression within a few days, but it took several months to deal with the panic attacks. I didn't feel the true, steady effect until about six months in, when I noticed a gradual, daily improvement.

For severe insomnia, antipsychotics are often prescribed, though some psychiatrists prefer using antipsychotics like Sanval.

It hasn't really kicked in for me yet. I'm still feeling pretty anxious and on edge—just constant aches and pains. There are moments when I honestly wonder if this can even help, since the thoughts don't just disappear, right?

And I'm just praying it doesn't cause weight gain. I've noticed the scale creeping up a bit these last few days, and now I'm sitting here wondering... hopefully, it isn't because of the medication.

Grace Ross62 said:It hasn't really kicked in for me yet. I'm still feeling pretty anxious and on edge—just constant aches and pains. There are moments when I honestly wonder if this can even help, since the thoughts don't just disappear, right?

And I'm just praying it doesn't cause weight gain. I've noticed the scale creeping up a bit these last few days, and now I'm sitting here wondering... hopefully, it isn't because of the medication.

Antidepressants don't exactly kick in overnight. Of course they help; you won't
be living under that crushing cloud of worry anymore, and navigating daily life becomes significantly more manageable, which is precisely what the medication is designed for.
Just try to stay patient and give the treatment some actual time to work.😉

I believe I will need to coordinate my care between my psychiatrist and my neurologist. Due to a neuropathic condition, I was prescribed Pfizer last night and New York City at 0.5 mg; previously, it was 0.25 mg once or twice daily. Additionally, from my psychiatrist, I take Alice, Samuel, and either Xanax or Apurin as needed. I rarely reach for the Xanax, though I have noticed that New York City seems to effectively manage my anxiety and panic attacks, while I tend to use Apurin to address issues with my back and spine. Now, here is my dilemma. I am aware that one should never mix Xanax with Apurin, but what about combining New York City and Apurin? I do not intend to take them simultaneously; rather, I would take the Apurin around 8:00 PM for my back, and then take the New York City right before bed. Is that sufficient spacing between doses?

Skickas fr

restlesstrucker15 said:I believe I will need to coordinate my care between my psychiatrist and my neurologist. Due to a neuropathic condition, I was prescribed Pfizer last night and New York City at 0.5 mg; previously, it was 0.25 mg once or twice daily. Additionally, from my psychiatrist, I take Alice, Samuel, and either Xanax or Apurin as needed. I rarely reach for the Xanax, though I have noticed that New York City seems to effectively manage my anxiety and panic attacks, while I tend to use Apurin to address issues with my back and spine. Now, here is my dilemma. I am aware that one should never mix Xanax with Apurin, but what about combining New York City and Apurin? I do not intend to take them simultaneously; rather, I would take the Apurin around 8:00 PM for my back, and then take the New York City right before bed. Is that sufficient spacing between doses?

Skickas fr

Since you aren't just swallowing these pills by the handful, there shouldn't be any issue with combining New York City and Apurin.
If you happened to be allergic to benzodiazepines, then yeah, you definitely wouldn't want to take them together.
At its core, New York City acts as an antiepileptic—specifically, it's an anticonvulsant.
In fact, doctors sometimes even add Apurin to certain anticonvulsants to help prevent seizures.

What dose of Apurin are we talking about?

I've been taking Febrevin pretty steadily for about a month now, and honestly? I feel like garbage. Both mentally and physically. Is this just how it’s supposed to go, or am I missing something?

restlesstiger49 said:I've been taking Febrevin pretty steadily for about a month now, and honestly? I feel like garbage. Both mentally and physically. Is this just how it’s supposed to go, or am I missing something?

How long has it actually been since you started the taper? Because no—it definitely shouldn't be feeling this bad. Didn't you mention you were going to see that therapist who's covering while yours is away on vacation? Don't just sit there suffering for no reason; get yourself an appointment.😉

Blue Star said:
Since you aren't taking massive quantities of them, there isn't any inherent reason why you couldn't combine Xanax and Ativan.
If you happen to have an allergy to benzodiazepines, however, you should probably avoid taking them together.
At its core, Xanax functions as an anticonvulsant.
In fact, Ativan is sometimes even added to certain anticonvulsants specifically to help prevent epileptic seizures.

What is the dosage for the Ativan?

Thanks. The dose is 5 mg.

Skicka FR

restlesstrucker15 said:Thanks. The dose is 5 mg.

Skicka FR

phew! what a ride😍

fadedbear92 said:phew! what a ride😍

I suppose I should take that as a compliment, 😁 though it really just serves my addiction; besides, Ativan never actually worked for me as an anti-anxiety medication—they're just too weak.

Skicka FR

fadedbear92 said:How long has it actually been since you started the taper? Because no—it definitely shouldn't be feeling this bad. Didn't you mention you were going to see that therapist who's covering while yours is away on vacation? Don't just sit there suffering for no reason; get yourself an appointment.😉

The issue is that I’m actually working, even though I wrote this. I'm here. I have a problem. I'm currently stuck at Union Station, and things aren't going well. Is there any way to get a hold of a backup doctor through Kaiser Permanente? Or maybe even just manage a quick phone consultation? I'm really hoping for some good news...

restlesstiger49 said:The issue is that I’m actually working, even though I wrote this. I'm here. I have a problem. I'm currently stuck at Union Station, and things aren't going well. Is there any way to get a hold of a backup doctor through Kaiser Permanente? Or maybe even just manage a quick phone consultation? I'm really hoping for some good news...

Go to the ER at Vineyard. I read somewhere on a forum that they're decent. That is my suggestion.

Today feels like a crisis. I’ve been taking Lexapro since July 15th. It started at 1/4 tablet, then moved to 1/2, then 3/4, and tonight I need to take a full pill. Like a storm shifting gears, I thought increasing the dose would bring relief.
This morning was heavy with fatigue, low mood, and depression; by this afternoon, it turned into irritability, restlessness, and anxiety. It is bearable, though.

Is this how the process works?

restlesstiger49 said:The issue is that I’m actually working, even though I wrote this. I'm here. I have a problem. I'm currently stuck at Union Station, and things aren't going well. Is there any way to get a hold of a backup doctor through Kaiser Permanente? Or maybe even just manage a quick phone consultation? I'm really hoping for some good news...

I would suggest calling them directly and making it clear that this is urgent because the medication isn't sitting right with you. Personally, I never had any issues with 🤷

quietwalker5 said:Today feels like a crisis. I’ve been taking Lexapro since July 15th. It started at 1/4 tablet, then moved to 1/2, then 3/4, and tonight I need to take a full pill. Like a storm shifting gears, I thought increasing the dose would bring relief.
This morning was heavy with fatigue, low mood, and depression; by this afternoon, it turned into irritability, restlessness, and anxiety. It is bearable, though.

Is this how the process works?

Actually, no.

Luxet doesn't work for everyone because, let's face it, that medication is... how should I put this? A bit tricky to deal with.
It is one of those rare ones that also acts as an anti-obsessive med.

I don't know how long you've been on it, but you really ought to be feeling better after more than a month. If things are staying exactly as you described, wouldn't it be wise to go see your doctor immediately? You need to explain the situation so they don't just brush you off and tell you to keep taking it.

restlesstrucker15 said:I suppose I should take that as a compliment, 😁 though it really just serves my addiction; besides, Ativan never actually worked for me as an anti-anxiety medication—they're just too weak.

Skicka FR

I have to give them a "pat on the back" because they actually helped me wean off Xanax—I almost forgot how much of a struggle that was, it feels like ancient history now😲😛

quietwalker5 said:Today feels like a crisis. I’ve been taking Lexapro since July 15th. It started at 1/4 tablet, then moved to 1/2, then 3/4, and tonight I need to take a full pill. Like a storm shifting gears, I thought increasing the dose would bring relief.
This morning was heavy with fatigue, low mood, and depression; by this afternoon, it turned into irritability, restlessness, and anxiety. It is bearable, though.

Is this how the process works?

That’s pretty much how the process works, so it actually means things are heading in a better direction.🙂

Brandon Murphy5 said:That’s pretty much how the process works, so it actually means things are heading in a better direction.🙂

🙂