Psychotropic medication discussion thread

James Fowler3 said:A quick question 🙂
First, I should mention that I’ve already consulted with two different doctors who gave me the green light, but I still wanted to see if anyone here has some actual lived experience...

Basically, I’ve been taking Xanax 2x0.25 for about 20 days now, and since it just isn't sitting right with me, I’m looking to switch over to Lexapro. My doctors suggested the transition could be immediate because I haven't developed a dependency yet, and they even said it was fine to take Xanax in the morning and Lexapro in the evening. I actually tried that yesterday—taking my Xanax in the AM and then just half of a 1.5mg Lexapro dose around 7:00 PM—and I felt perfectly fine... so I figured I would just make the full switch to Lexapro today. However, despite feeling mentally steady yesterday and the day before, I woke up this morning feeling absolutely terrible... dizzy, heart racing, and just shaking all over. It made me wonder if this might be withdrawal from the Xanax? I ended up taking it amidst all that chaos, and now I'm debating whether I should stick to the Lexapro tonight and perhaps taper off more gradually over a few days, or if it truly is safe to just make the jump all at once?

You can switch immediately. Just keep in mind that both of these fall under the benzodiazepine category, which means they have a real potential for dependency if you use them long-term. Honestly, it's smarter to treat anxiety with a targeted antidepressant that has anti-anxiety effects.

Since you’ve already been on Xanax twice a day for 20 days, try not to stay on the Lexapro for more than three weeks. My therapist mentioned that by the six-week mark, you start developing a dependency that triggers withdrawal symptoms once you stop.

I was on Xanax for roughly that long myself, and I didn't have any issues when I stopped. 😉

I find myself once again contemplating the sheer absurdity of our current discourse... It seems we have drifted quite far from the initial point of inquiry, though perhaps that was inevitable given the chaotic nature of this forum. I suppose one could argue that clarity is a luxury we can no longer afford in such an environment...

Michael Hill2 said:You can switch immediately. Just keep in mind that both of these fall under the benzodiazepine category, which means they have a real potential for dependency if you use them long-term. Honestly, it's smarter to treat anxiety with a targeted antidepressant that has anti-anxiety effects.

Since you’ve already been on Xanax twice a day for 20 days, try not to stay on the Lexapro for more than three weeks. My therapist mentioned that by the six-week mark, you start developing a dependency that triggers withdrawal symptoms once you stop.

I was on Xanax for roughly that long myself, and I didn't have any issues when I stopped. 😉

Before I was ever prescribed Xanax, I used to manage by just taking a little bit of Apaurin—maybe 2mg here and there, strictly on an as-needed basis... one day I'd take it, then skip two days, just keeping things steady. But then my psychiatrist decided to overhaul everything, prescribing me both Eglonyl and Xanax to tackle these panic attacks, only to immediately head off on vacation... which is just lovely, isn't it? To be left with this new regimen while he's away. Since starting the Eglonyl, I've actually experienced some lactation, which was quite unexpected, and he told me over the phone—of course, via telephone, because why meet in person?—that I should stop taking that one immediately, though I am supposed to continue with the Xanax. Honestly, I'm looking at the Xanax and seeing very little actual relief, so it makes me wonder why I'm even bothering with the side effects... but what can you do when your doctor is halfway across the country on holiday... 🙂
I find myself gripped by a certain dread regarding the AD... it haunts me like a phantom, particularly when it comes to the side effects, though I am under no illusions that my doctor will simply hand over a prescription once I show up for my follow-up appointment...

If only these dizzy spells would finally subside... then perhaps, just perhaps, the anxiety might follow suit. It feels as though they are inextricably linked, two sides of the same restless coin, constantly feeding into one another...

James Fowler3 said:I find myself once again contemplating the sheer absurdity of our current discourse... It seems we have drifted quite far from the initial point of inquiry, though perhaps that was inevitable given the chaotic nature of this forum. I suppose one could argue that clarity is a luxury we can no longer afford in such an environment...

Before I was ever prescribed Xanax, I used to manage by just taking a little bit of Apaurin—maybe 2mg here and there, strictly on an as-needed basis... one day I'd take it, then skip two days, just keeping things steady. But then my psychiatrist decided to overhaul everything, prescribing me both Eglonyl and Xanax to tackle these panic attacks, only to immediately head off on vacation... which is just lovely, isn't it? To be left with this new regimen while he's away. Since starting the Eglonyl, I've actually experienced some lactation, which was quite unexpected, and he told me over the phone—of course, via telephone, because why meet in person?—that I should stop taking that one immediately, though I am supposed to continue with the Xanax. Honestly, I'm looking at the Xanax and seeing very little actual relief, so it makes me wonder why I'm even bothering with the side effects... but what can you do when your doctor is halfway across the country on holiday... 🙂
I find myself gripped by a certain dread regarding the AD... it haunts me like a phantom, particularly when it comes to the side effects, though I am under no illusions that my doctor will simply hand over a prescription once I show up for my follow-up appointment...

If only these dizzy spells would finally subside... then perhaps, just perhaps, the anxiety might follow suit. It feels as though they are inextricably linked, two sides of the same restless coin, constantly feeding into one another...

I was scared of antidepressants too. I remember staring at that first pill like it was a live grenade; it took me ten minutes just to swallow it. Then I sat there like a total idiot for half an hour waiting to see what would happen. I don't even know what I expected—maybe a unicorn horn to sprout from my forehead or something. 😁

Side effects aren't a guarantee. Even if you do get them, you can pretty much count on them being temporary. Once they pass, life is actually great.

If I didn't have to take my antidepressant every night, I probably wouldn't even realize I was on it. No side effects, just a calm, happy head. 🙂

electrichound3 said:The doctor put me on it for GAD, and honestly, it’s been the best thing I've tried so far. It hits fast and doesn't have nearly as many side effects as the other meds I've cycled through. My depression—which was pretty much tied to my anxiety—just vanished. At least for me. I feel like I actually have energy again. I get a little nauseous right after taking it, but it passes quickly. When I was taking it at night, my sleep was a mess; I kept waking up in the middle of the night and couldn't drift back off, so my doctor stopped the evening dose. How are your memory and focus? I've definitely noticed some brain fog. I started taking B-complex and magnesium, and since then, my sleep has been solid. No more tossing and turning; I finally sleep like a normal person.🙂

I am actually quite happy with this antidepressant, and I don't seem to be having any issues with it now. For the first twelve days, or rather, the first twelve nights, I really struggled to sleep, but things eventually leveled out and regulated themselves.
I take zinc, Vitamin C, sometimes magnesium, and even nettle tea to help with my hair. 🙂

quietwalker5 said:Did you experience any tremors as a side effect when you first started taking it?

Mine were barely noticeable. I had massive tremors back when I was on Rispolept and... well, I couldn't even hold a fork for a while. My right hand was shaking like a leaf; I actually thought I’d been hit by something! haha. Once they lowered my dose, it finally subsided. Same thing happened with Fevarin—I felt completely weak and shaky. For me, those were definitely too intense. With Effexor, the tremor was much more manageable.

Newbie here again 😁

I just can't figure out how to handle this Misar SR. My doctor said 1-2 times a day as needed. Just to be clear, I don't get full-blown panic attacks, but there's this constant anxiety hanging over me that’s actually gotten worse since I started the Zoloft. It’s my 6th day on therapy—my first full day of Zoloft. Yesterday I took half a Misar around noon and it took forever to kick in... I felt okay by evening, but then I woke up at 3 AM with massive anxiety. I was too scared to take anything else so I just suffered through the rest of the night😢 This morning I took it—again, took a while to work and now the anxiety is creeping back in. Honestly, even if I'm not physically exhausted like those first few days, mentally I'm wiped 😢 it's just this anxiety, this pit in my stomach that tightens everything up... it sucks. Anyone got advice? I feel like that one-off dose of Xanax (0.25) worked way better
I've been doing some breathing exercises, though I skipped my walk yesterday—which usually helps a bit—and just sat out on the patio instead...

goldenbison31 said:I am actually quite happy with this antidepressant, and I don't seem to be having any issues with it now. For the first twelve days, or rather, the first twelve nights, I really struggled to sleep, but things eventually leveled out and regulated themselves.
I take zinc, Vitamin C, sometimes magnesium, and even nettle tea to help with my hair. 🙂

Hmm, interesting... I guess I need to come up with a plan for my hair too, since it started doing this...🙂

Michael Lewis5 said:Newbie here again 😁

I just can't figure out how to handle this Misar SR. My doctor said 1-2 times a day as needed. Just to be clear, I don't get full-blown panic attacks, but there's this constant anxiety hanging over me that’s actually gotten worse since I started the Zoloft. It’s my 6th day on therapy—my first full day of Zoloft. Yesterday I took half a Misar around noon and it took forever to kick in... I felt okay by evening, but then I woke up at 3 AM with massive anxiety. I was too scared to take anything else so I just suffered through the rest of the night😢 This morning I took it—again, took a while to work and now the anxiety is creeping back in. Honestly, even if I'm not physically exhausted like those first few days, mentally I'm wiped 😢 it's just this anxiety, this pit in my stomach that tightens everything up... it sucks. Anyone got advice? I feel like that one-off dose of Xanax (0.25) worked way better
I've been doing some breathing exercises, though I skipped my walk yesterday—which usually helps a bit—and just sat out on the patio instead...

Misar SR is designed for a gradual release. Your doctor probably prescribed it because you mentioned that constant anxiety, so the SR should theoretically keep you covered all day long.

Standard Xanax, on the other hand, hits you instantly—like, within 20 minutes. But the effects wear off much faster; I think I read they only last about 4 to 5 hours. That’s probably why you feel better with Xanax; it starts working fast compared to Misar SR.

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I'd stick to the regular Xanax as needed. Maybe one in the morning, one before bed, and maybe one in between if the anxiety gets really unbearable.

I don't have personal experience with the SR versions, but I've read plenty about them, and honestly, those slow-release benzos freak me out. Because they maintain a steady concentration in your system all day, you're essentially under their influence constantly, which makes the potential for addiction way higher than with regular Xanax.

Maybe someone who has actually used the SR stuff can correct me, but that's just what I've read on American forums. 😉

Michael Hill2 said:Misar SR is designed for a gradual release. Your doctor probably prescribed it because you mentioned that constant anxiety, so the SR should theoretically keep you covered all day long.

Standard Xanax, on the other hand, hits you instantly—like, within 20 minutes. But the effects wear off much faster; I think I read they only last about 4 to 5 hours. That’s probably why you feel better with Xanax; it starts working fast compared to Misar SR.

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I'd stick to the regular Xanax as needed. Maybe one in the morning, one before bed, and maybe one in between if the anxiety gets really unbearable.

I don't have personal experience with the SR versions, but I've read plenty about them, and honestly, those slow-release benzos freak me out. Because they maintain a steady concentration in your system all day, you're essentially under their influence constantly, which makes the potential for addiction way higher than with regular Xanax.

Maybe someone who has actually used the SR stuff can correct me, but that's just what I've read on American forums. 😉

thanks 🙂 I prefer the as-needed Xanax too... at least I can actually relax here and there during the day. Walks help a lot, but this fatigue over the last few days has just paralyzed me. And yeah, the SR stuff scares me, but I didn't know what it was when she gave it to me. My last big anxiety/depression episode was 11 years ago, back when I just took Paxil as needed and did psychotherapy. I stopped taking Paxil completely after a month... I carried it around with me all the time, sure, but I wasn't actually popping them... anyway, seeing a therapist tomorrow to work on this anxiety, and hopefully this AD helps move the needle a bit...

Michael Lewis5 said:thanks 🙂 I prefer the as-needed Xanax too... at least I can actually relax here and there during the day. Walks help a lot, but this fatigue over the last few days has just paralyzed me. And yeah, the SR stuff scares me, but I didn't know what it was when she gave it to me. My last big anxiety/depression episode was 11 years ago, back when I just took Paxil as needed and did psychotherapy. I stopped taking Paxil completely after a month... I carried it around with me all the time, sure, but I wasn't actually popping them... anyway, seeing a therapist tomorrow to work on this anxiety, and hopefully this AD helps move the needle a bit...

It definitely will. 🙂

I'm glad you're starting therapy. For me, combining psychotherapy + AD + Xanax at the start turned out to be the winning formula. 🙂

Good luck. 🙂

electrichound3 said:Hmm, interesting... I guess I need to come up with a plan for my hair too, since it started doing this...🙂

I was reading some interesting things recently about hair loss, and I guess it’s one of those topics where you can get really caught up in the details, though I suppose I should just share what I found. It seems like there's this idea floating around that once you finally stop a specific medication or therapy, the hair loss might just reverse on its own, which sounds almost too simple, doesn't it? But then again, I also came across the notion that we probably shouldn't just sit around waiting for a treatment to end before doing anything at all. It feels like maybe there are actually quite a few things one could start doing for their hair right this second, rather than just waiting for everything to settle down naturally.
Well, if you're looking to tackle this, I suppose there are a few different paths you could take, depending on how intense you want to get about it. You might start with some solid vitamin supplements, maybe even some specialized hair ampoules to give things a little boost, though I guess those can be hit or miss. But, if you’re looking for the real heavy hitter—the kind of thing people turn to when they really want results—then Minoxidil is probably the gold standard to consider. It’s important to remember that there really is a solution out there, provided you find the right approach for your specific situation. 🙂

electrichound3 said:Mine were barely noticeable. I had massive tremors back when I was on Rispolept and... well, I couldn't even hold a fork for a while. My right hand was shaking like a leaf; I actually thought I’d been hit by something! haha. Once they lowered my dose, it finally subsided. Same thing happened with Fevarin—I felt completely weak and shaky. For me, those were definitely too intense. With Effexor, the tremor was much more manageable.

🙂

Michael Hill2 said:I totally blanked on mentioning this in my last post a few pages back, but yeah, I definitely had the shakes when I first started on Fevarin. It cleared up after about three weeks to a month.😉

🙂

Hey everyone, has anyone here taken Cymbalta? If so, what dosage are you on?

I just got my prescription for Citadel, so I was wondering if any of you have tried it? Did it actually help you feel better, and did you run into any side effects?

Michael Hill2 said:I was scared of antidepressants too. I remember staring at that first pill like it was a live grenade; it took me ten minutes just to swallow it. Then I sat there like a total idiot for half an hour waiting to see what would happen. I don't even know what I expected—maybe a unicorn horn to sprout from my forehead or something. 😁

Side effects aren't a guarantee. Even if you do get them, you can pretty much count on them being temporary. Once they pass, life is actually great.

If I didn't have to take my antidepressant every night, I probably wouldn't even realize I was on it. No side effects, just a calm, happy head. 🙂

That is quite a comforting thing to read... 🙂
It isn't necessarily all the minor side effects that give me pause, but rather things like depersonalization, derealization, hallucinations, or seizures... oh dear...
Honestly, if I could just be rid of these dizzy spells... 😢

Has anyone here tried Cymbalta? Please let me know.
I’m having major issues with it...
I feel exhausted all day long, almost like my head is foggy or drunk—it's hard to even describe.
I have to use the bathroom constantly, sometimes up to 20 times a day.
I've gained weight too... though that's the least of my concerns right now.
I get incredibly irritable; most of the time, I don't even want anyone talking to me. 🙂
I can't focus on anything at all.
Basically, everything just gets on my nerves and I feel like crying.
I've been on this for 11 months and I've never felt this way before.

Sean Howard2 said:Has anyone here tried Cymbalta? Please let me know.
I’m having major issues with it...
I feel exhausted all day long, almost like my head is foggy or drunk—it's hard to even describe.
I have to use the bathroom constantly, sometimes up to 20 times a day.
I've gained weight too... though that's the least of my concerns right now.
I get incredibly irritable; most of the time, I don't even want anyone talking to me. 🙂
I can't focus on anything at all.
Basically, everything just gets on my nerves and I feel like crying.
I've been on this for 11 months and I've never felt this way before.

It seems unlikely that these specific side effects would suddenly manifest after you've already been on the medication for eleven months.
It is entirely possible that your underlying condition is resurfacing. You really ought to see your psychiatrist and
lay out every single one of these symptoms—they might decide to adjust your dosage, increase it, or perhaps
switch you over to an entirely different prescription. Don't sit around waiting; go see your doctor immediately.!!!

jadehawk8 said:I just got my prescription for Citadel, so I was wondering if any of you have tried it? Did it actually help you feel better, and did you run into any side effects?

Honestly, it was the worst medication I’ve ever taken. It just left me feeling completely wiped out and lethargic—totally miserable.😲

I don't really get how they prescribe this for depression or anxiety. Instead of lifting your mood, it feels like it drags you straight into the basement. I've heard from plenty of people that it just didn't sit right with them. If you don't mind me asking, what's your actual diagnosis?

In my opinion, this seems more suited for sedation or maybe for patients dealing with extreme aggression, because its effect is purely downer-centric.

Sean Howard2 said:Has anyone here tried Cymbalta? Please let me know.
I’m having major issues with it...
I feel exhausted all day long, almost like my head is foggy or drunk—it's hard to even describe.
I have to use the bathroom constantly, sometimes up to 20 times a day.
I've gained weight too... though that's the least of my concerns right now.
I get incredibly irritable; most of the time, I don't even want anyone talking to me. 🙂
I can't focus on anything at all.
Basically, everything just gets on my nerves and I feel like crying.
I've been on this for 11 months and I've never felt this way before.

I have to admit, I haven't come across that specific medication before. It might be a newer one, or perhaps you're just experiencing burnout after 11 months on it. How was your experience when you first started taking it, and what was the original reason it was prescribed to you?