Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Michael Lewis5 said:If it's at the ER, then yeah, probably... 😁

Is he seeing patients at Dr. Kuzman's office? 😬

HAHAHAAHAHHAHA!

Chris Robinson25 said:Is he seeing patients at Dr. Kuzman's office? 😬

HAHAHAAHAHHAHA!

that ain't Kuzman😁 sucks we can't swap stories😢

Michael Lewis5 said:that ain't Kuzman😁 sucks we can't swap stories😢

Be glad we can't. Her place is always packed. You'll be stuck waiting in line for at least an hour and a half.

Michael Lewis5 said:Hey guys, I need some help.
I honestly have no idea what to do... 😢
I'm on 50 mg of Zoloft plus Xanax 2x0.25; it'll be three weeks tomorrow. Diagnosis is anxiety and depression, but the depression is hitting hard—like, full-blown major depressive episodes. Basically, after three weeks, I don't see any progress. Maybe the anxiety calmed down a tiny bit, but it's still there, and emotionally I'm just sinking deeper into apathy and total lack of motivation. It makes this whole fight feel impossible... had a phase last week where I felt absolutely nothing, just pure emotional emptiness, and I really don't like that 😢 Some physical stuff settled down, but I'm still struggling with sleep, no appetite, and constant fatigue. I went in for a checkup at the two-week mark and my doctor (and I) both agreed there’s zero movement—so we decided to stick with the meds and give the antidepressant more time to kick in. This rough patch has been going on for two months, though I've been dragging this depression and anxiety around for months before that... everything just peaked back in July. Yesterday my sister and a friend came over, and for the first time in two months, I actually felt okay. I feel most relaxed with them, and I even managed to fall asleep peacefully and catch some decent hours 🙂 but then the next morning, it's all over again. Anxiety, heaviness, apathy, exhaustion...
I'm seeing my old therapist this week once she gets back from vacation, and I'm waiting for my psychotherapy session at the Mayo Clinic on 9/16 to see how things go. My psychiatrist who handles the diagnosis and meds has me scheduled for 9/16 too.
I'm supposed to head back to work next week, but right now, I don't see myself being able to do it 😢 It scares me that there's almost no change when it comes to my willpower, which is exactly what I need most right now. I'm just scraping together enough strength to keep fighting. Of course I want to function normally again ASAP, or at least be able to get to work... the job itself isn't stressful, but dealing with a crowd of people is. Luckily, I have colleagues there who care about me and know what I'm going through.
This is my first time on antidepressants, and it's tough to judge if I should give this one more shot or switch things up...
I know I have to make all these calls myself—both regarding therapy and returning to work—but does anyone have suggestions based on their own experience?
Ask away if you need more info...
Thanks 🙂

Look, drag Baby, if I were you, I’d give it maybe two more weeks tops. Don't spend all your energy wondering if you should have just waited around for the antidepressant to kick in. If you don't see any real movement toward feeling better in two weeks, just go see your doctor and have them switch up the prescription.

It took me a solid month and a half before my antidepressants actually kicked in. Around week three, I was hitting a real low point—just feeling miserable because it felt like nothing was changing. Then I stumbled upon a post from this girl who was on the exact same medication as me. She basically told me to hang in there and just be patient for a little longer. Honestly, I’m really glad I listened to her.

I wouldn't wait longer than a month and a half if I were you.

Regarding your job situation—honestly, if I were in your shoes, I’d probably force myself to just show up. Keeping your mind occupied is key. It stops that endless loop of overthinking whether you're feeling anxious, depressed, or whatever else is weighing on you today. Plus, you mentioned having good people at work who actually have your back. Having that kind of support makes a huge difference; it’s enough motivation to help the clock move a little faster.

Look, if you think staying home on sick leave is what you need right now, go for it. But honestly? I think isolating yourself is a bad move. You need to get out there and actually engage with the world a little—anything to give your head a distraction from everything you're feeling.

Good luck, 🙂

Michael Lewis5 said:Hey guys, I need some help.
I honestly have no idea what to do... 😢
I'm on 50 mg of Zoloft plus Xanax 2x0.25; it'll be three weeks tomorrow. Diagnosis is anxiety and depression, but the depression is hitting hard—like, full-blown major depressive episodes. Basically, after three weeks, I don't see any progress. Maybe the anxiety calmed down a tiny bit, but it's still there, and emotionally I'm just sinking deeper into apathy and total lack of motivation. It makes this whole fight feel impossible... had a phase last week where I felt absolutely nothing, just pure emotional emptiness, and I really don't like that 😢 Some physical stuff settled down, but I'm still struggling with sleep, no appetite, and constant fatigue. I went in for a checkup at the two-week mark and my doctor (and I) both agreed there’s zero movement—so we decided to stick with the meds and give the antidepressant more time to kick in. This rough patch has been going on for two months, though I've been dragging this depression and anxiety around for months before that... everything just peaked back in July. Yesterday my sister and a friend came over, and for the first time in two months, I actually felt okay. I feel most relaxed with them, and I even managed to fall asleep peacefully and catch some decent hours 🙂 but then the next morning, it's all over again. Anxiety, heaviness, apathy, exhaustion...
I'm seeing my old therapist this week once she gets back from vacation, and I'm waiting for my psychotherapy session at the Mayo Clinic on 9/16 to see how things go. My psychiatrist who handles the diagnosis and meds has me scheduled for 9/16 too.
I'm supposed to head back to work next week, but right now, I don't see myself being able to do it 😢 It scares me that there's almost no change when it comes to my willpower, which is exactly what I need most right now. I'm just scraping together enough strength to keep fighting. Of course I want to function normally again ASAP, or at least be able to get to work... the job itself isn't stressful, but dealing with a crowd of people is. Luckily, I have colleagues there who care about me and know what I'm going through.
This is my first time on antidepressants, and it's tough to judge if I should give this one more shot or switch things up...
I know I have to make all these calls myself—both regarding therapy and returning to work—but does anyone have suggestions based on their own experience?
Ask away if you need more info...
Thanks 🙂

It feels like you managed to ask a question and provide the answer all in one single sentence, didn't you?
Depression is such a brutal, absolute nightmare of a thing; unfortunately, it doesn't just vanish easily—if it ever leaves at all.
It always seems to be lurking somewhere deep inside your system, just waiting for us to screw something up, and let's face it, we are quite good at doing exactly that.

Yes, you simply have to give it more time—give yourself more time, and give the Zoloft time to actually start working. Once that happens, you won't need the Xanax nearly as much, or maybe not at all.

I suspect you might be dealing with some stress that you think you're handling fine in your own way, making you believe it isn't actually part of the problem.
But it is. It absolutely is.
Or perhaps you went through some sort of shock in the past, something you shoved deep into your subconscious and are desperately trying to forget.
Since you didn't mention that, I'm just shooting in the dark here, but it's never impossible, is it?

The medication is essentially trying to pull your head above water just enough so that your body can start fighting its own battles, if it's even capable of that.
In a hypothetically "normal" situation, that's usually how it goes, but when a crisis takes over, the anxiety—acting like a shield against everything—fails to navigate the circumstances and instead "flees" into depression.
And once that happens, things have become very serious indeed.

So, there isn't much for you to "do," since you already mentioned you don't know what to do...
Right now, you are in a waiting game, and there isn't much anyone else can do for you either. As soon as the medication starts taking hold, you will notice it quite quickly.
And once you do, your doctor will know exactly how to proceed.

Look, you aren't just dealing with a common cold here; you are facing a dangerous, malicious disorder. You might be able to lessen it or "freeze" it somewhere in your mind, but you also have to change your lifestyle, your work habits, your relationships with others (and I would certainly have plenty to say about those...) and, most importantly, your relationship with yourself.
I have this nagging feeling that your self-confidence is plummeting, though I truly believe it is completely unjustified.

restlesstrucker15 said:Do you absolutely have to move to Ambien? If possible, I would suggest trying to go without it entirely. I was on it for a very long time, and lately, I find it hardly has any effect at all, so I eventually found myself returning to Valium.
Regarding the cost, it usually comes in 10-count packs for about $8.25. Insurance typically won't cover it unless you are actually admitted to a hospital and they administer it prior to a procedure.

Send me a DM

Well, it's not strictly mandatory, but my therapist suggested I switch things up after I mentioned how much I've been struggling to sleep. But honestly, for 10 tablets, $8.25 is just way too much. I tried Flurazepam before and it was expensive garbage—just like Xanax. In my opinion, Valium is the only one that actually works, and since it's covered by my plan, it’s basically free. Talk about irony... though, I suppose I still want to try that famous Ambien eventually. I can always just tell my primary care doctor to put me back on Valium whenever I want, right?

Michael Hill2 said:Look, drag Baby, if I were you, I’d give it maybe two more weeks tops. Don't spend all your energy wondering if you should have just waited around for the antidepressant to kick in. If you don't see any real movement toward feeling better in two weeks, just go see your doctor and have them switch up the prescription.

It took me a solid month and a half before my antidepressants actually kicked in. Around week three, I was hitting a real low point—just feeling miserable because it felt like nothing was changing. Then I stumbled upon a post from this girl who was on the exact same medication as me. She basically told me to hang in there and just be patient for a little longer. Honestly, I’m really glad I listened to her.

I wouldn't wait longer than a month and a half if I were you.

Regarding your job situation—honestly, if I were in your shoes, I’d probably force myself to just show up. Keeping your mind occupied is key. It stops that endless loop of overthinking whether you're feeling anxious, depressed, or whatever else is weighing on you today. Plus, you mentioned having good people at work who actually have your back. Having that kind of support makes a huge difference; it’s enough motivation to help the clock move a little faster.

Look, if you think staying home on sick leave is what you need right now, go for it. But honestly? I think isolating yourself is a bad move. You need to get out there and actually engage with the world a little—anything to give your head a distraction from everything you're feeling.

Good luck, 🙂

dear Lady, thanks for the reply—really helps 🙂 I'm thinking the same thing regarding therapy and getting back to work. I think I'll head in next week and just "push" myself back into life. I need that nudge. Even with all the fear and feeling so fragile, my gut tells me that's the way to go—fear is part of the path, right? 😉 And patience, obviously...
I'll definitely talk it over with my therapist. She's known me for years, so hopefully she can help me prep.

Anyway, I can't figure out how to post a hug icon, but just imagine it's here 🙂

Kevin Nguyen3 said:It feels like you managed to ask a question and provide the answer all in one single sentence, didn't you?
Depression is such a brutal, absolute nightmare of a thing; unfortunately, it doesn't just vanish easily—if it ever leaves at all.
It always seems to be lurking somewhere deep inside your system, just waiting for us to screw something up, and let's face it, we are quite good at doing exactly that.

Yes, you simply have to give it more time—give yourself more time, and give the Zoloft time to actually start working. Once that happens, you won't need the Xanax nearly as much, or maybe not at all.

I suspect you might be dealing with some stress that you think you're handling fine in your own way, making you believe it isn't actually part of the problem.
But it is. It absolutely is.
Or perhaps you went through some sort of shock in the past, something you shoved deep into your subconscious and are desperately trying to forget.
Since you didn't mention that, I'm just shooting in the dark here, but it's never impossible, is it?

The medication is essentially trying to pull your head above water just enough so that your body can start fighting its own battles, if it's even capable of that.
In a hypothetically "normal" situation, that's usually how it goes, but when a crisis takes over, the anxiety—acting like a shield against everything—fails to navigate the circumstances and instead "flees" into depression.
And once that happens, things have become very serious indeed.

So, there isn't much for you to "do," since you already mentioned you don't know what to do...
Right now, you are in a waiting game, and there isn't much anyone else can do for you either. As soon as the medication starts taking hold, you will notice it quite quickly.
And once you do, your doctor will know exactly how to proceed.

Look, you aren't just dealing with a common cold here; you are facing a dangerous, malicious disorder. You might be able to lessen it or "freeze" it somewhere in your mind, but you also have to change your lifestyle, your work habits, your relationships with others (and I would certainly have plenty to say about those...) and, most importantly, your relationship with yourself.
I have this nagging feeling that your self-confidence is plummeting, though I truly believe it is completely unjustified.

Thanks, Kevin Nguyen3🙂

I agree with everything you said. It actually helps. I think I realize how I ended up here, and I get that I've been clinging to old coping mechanisms that worked for a while but just don't cut it anymore. 😢
Everything you pointed out needs to change. No point in blaming myself or making excuses, just gotta move forward... Like you said, depression is a nasty thing and it's gone way too far this time... I'm not expecting my meds to do anything more than push me enough to function so I can actually start changing, but even this current state is demanding that I make those changes...

I know I'm probably going off-topic here, but I just felt like I needed to say this and thank you.

"Quote:"

shadowbear9 said:Well, it's not strictly mandatory, but my therapist suggested I switch things up after I mentioned how much I've been struggling to sleep. But honestly, for 10 tablets, $8.25 is just way too much. I tried Flurazepam before and it was expensive garbage—just like Xanax. In my opinion, Valium is the only one that actually works, and since it's covered by my plan, it’s basically free. Talk about irony... though, I suppose I still want to try that famous Ambien eventually. I can always just tell my primary care doctor to put me back on Valium whenever I want, right?

You can always revert to Valium if you need to. Using Ambien will simply knock you out, which isn't necessarily the goal. If you finally decide to make a change, try not to let the transition stretch beyond three weeks; that should cover about two bottles.

Skickas fr

restlesstrucker15 said:Tox and quietwalker5,

It is true, that level of stimulation can be quite intense. Perhaps you should reach out to your physician and see if they would permit you to take your entire dosage in the morning specifically to address your insomnia.

Sent from my iPhone

At 37.5 mg, my heart rate is already elevated. I can only imagine what happens at 75.😕

"Quote:"

quietwalker5 said:At 37.5 mg, my heart rate is already elevated. I can only imagine what happens at 75.😕

Most likely... nothing at all.☕

I’m currently on 75 mg, plus 45 mg of Calixta, then there's the 200 mg of Q-pin, along with 25 mg of Lamal... and then Zonadin, though honestly, I can't even remember the dosage anymore. And the result? Absolutely nothing. Not a single thing! Does anyone else feel like they're just throwing pills at a wall at this point? It feels completely futile.

Does an organization eventually just... get used to the nonsense? Is that how it works? You start out with such high ideals, such a drive for excellence, and then, bit by bit, the chaos starts to feel normal. It’s like you stop noticing the cracks in the foundation because you've been tripping over them for so long. Does the culture just slowly rot from the inside until everyone is just nodding along to the absurdity? How does that even happen? It feels inevitable sometimes, doesn't it? Such a tragedy.😢

I find myself contemplating the essence of Monoke lately. It is a concept that demands a certain level of introspection to truly grasp. kaže:
I am currently at 37.5 mg, and so far, the only side effect I’ve experienced is an elevated heart rate. I can't help but wonder what would happen if I were to move up to 75 mg.😕

Well, I honestly can't say for certain. I never actually experienced any issues with my heart rate, so they just instructed me to take all my medications in the morning to help deal with my insomnia.
We finally called it quits because I was acting like I was on a non-stop bender of cocaine and speed all day long; it was just too much to handle. At least I wasn't dealing with the anxiety. 🙂
I suppose I am not the best case study here. Many people speak highly of Effexor, and in my estimation, it would be an excellent solution. Unfortunately—and it truly is a disappointment—my medical profile strictly prohibits any medication that affects norepinephrine or dopamine levels. If that restriction weren't in place, Effexor would be the ideal choice for me. I faced a very similar predicament when I was evaluating Cymbalt, and to a slightly lesser extent, Lyric.
I would strongly advise against consuming coffee or tea first thing in the morning.

Skickas fr

Kevin Nguyen3 said:"Quote:"

Most likely... nothing at all.☕

I’m currently on 75 mg, plus 45 mg of Calixta, then there's the 200 mg of Q-pin, along with 25 mg of Lamal... and then Zonadin, though honestly, I can't even remember the dosage anymore. And the result? Absolutely nothing. Not a single thing! Does anyone else feel like they're just throwing pills at a wall at this point? It feels completely futile.

Does an organization eventually just... get used to the nonsense? Is that how it works? You start out with such high ideals, such a drive for excellence, and then, bit by bit, the chaos starts to feel normal. It’s like you stop noticing the cracks in the foundation because you've been tripping over them for so long. Does the culture just slowly rot from the inside until everyone is just nodding along to the absurdity? How does that even happen? It feels inevitable sometimes, doesn't it? Such a tragedy.😢

Taylor Swift, you're loaded with pills. I’m not criticizing you; on one hand, I’m glad you finally found a regimen that works, but on the other, I’m almost envious that you're still functioning despite all that. If you don't mind me asking, what is your diagnosis? With the Lamal and Q-pin, there must be some psychotic elements involved.

I actually have an old box of Calixta and Q-pin sitting at my house. I tell my doctor that whenever I lose touch with reality, I take them to sleep. You might think I'm lying, but two nights ago I took 7.5 Calixta and it took me two and a half days to fully come to.
I was already called in for an appointment at that sleep clinic over in Seattle, but I didn't go. Honestly, I was afraid the doctor there would disappoint me; my psychiatrist knows him, and she was hoping he might be more insightful regarding sleep issues than she was, but it turned out to be nothing. Just keep taking those (Elicea in the morning, and Pfizer for years at night).
Even John Doe didn't work for me; I’ll talk to my doctor about perhaps giving it another shot.
By the way, I was in contact with my former psychiatrist, and she mentioned that if she were treating me, she would put me on Elicea along with Seroxat, and perhaps Prazine or Ziprex for sleep.

Why prescribe two nearly identical antidepressants? I didn't follow through with that. Aside from Prazine, I tried it and tossed it.

Maybe try Ambien for sleep? I have so many questions...
Or perhaps some intense relaxation exercise before bed, and then let the Pfizer do its job.

I know I'm being tedious, but what can I do.

Send it to you

restlesstrucker15 said:

I find myself contemplating the essence of Monoke lately. It is a concept that demands a certain level of introspection to truly grasp. kaže:
I am currently at 37.5 mg, and so far, the only side effect I’ve experienced is an elevated heart rate. I can't help but wonder what would happen if I were to move up to 75 mg.😕

Well, I honestly can't say for certain. I never actually experienced any issues with my heart rate, so they just instructed me to take all my medications in the morning to help deal with my insomnia.
We finally called it quits because I was acting like I was on a non-stop bender of cocaine and speed all day long; it was just too much to handle. At least I wasn't dealing with the anxiety. 🙂
I suppose I am not the best case study here. Many people speak highly of Effexor, and in my estimation, it would be an excellent solution. Unfortunately—and it truly is a disappointment—my medical profile strictly prohibits any medication that affects norepinephrine or dopamine levels. If that restriction weren't in place, Effexor would be the ideal choice for me. I faced a very similar predicament when I was evaluating Cymbalt, and to a slightly lesser extent, Lyric.
I would strongly advise against consuming coffee or tea first thing in the morning.

Skickas fr

I'm not sure either. My check-up isn't until Friday, and it's only day 20. Jane Doe helps my mental state; I feel better. I did deal with headaches as a side effect, but magnesium citrate and ibuprofen (is it safe to take ibuprofen for pain while on ADs?) cleared those up.

I've cut out coffee, and tea is next.

restlesstrucker15 said:

I find myself contemplating the essence of Monoke lately. It is a concept that demands a certain level of introspection to truly grasp. kaže:
I am currently at 37.5 mg, and so far, the only side effect I’ve experienced is an elevated heart rate. I can't help but wonder what would happen if I were to move up to 75 mg.😕

Well, I honestly can't say for certain. I never actually experienced any issues with my heart rate, so they just instructed me to take all my medications in the morning to help deal with my insomnia.
We finally called it quits because I was acting like I was on a non-stop bender of cocaine and speed all day long; it was just too much to handle. At least I wasn't dealing with the anxiety. 🙂
I suppose I am not the best case study here. Many people speak highly of Effexor, and in my estimation, it would be an excellent solution. Unfortunately—and it truly is a disappointment—my medical profile strictly prohibits any medication that affects norepinephrine or dopamine levels. If that restriction weren't in place, Effexor would be the ideal choice for me. I faced a very similar predicament when I was evaluating Cymbalt, and to a slightly lesser extent, Lyric.
I would strongly advise against consuming coffee or tea first thing in the morning.

Skickas fr

You would have been the perfect candidate for the night shift back then.😉
Why didn't they try tapering off the Jane Doe, or maybe just taking it every other day to see how it worked?

Kevin Nguyen3 said:"Quote:"

Most likely... nothing at all.☕

I’m currently on 75 mg, plus 45 mg of Calixta, then there's the 200 mg of Q-pin, along with 25 mg of Lamal... and then Zonadin, though honestly, I can't even remember the dosage anymore. And the result? Absolutely nothing. Not a single thing! Does anyone else feel like they're just throwing pills at a wall at this point? It feels completely futile.

Does an organization eventually just... get used to the nonsense? Is that how it works? You start out with such high ideals, such a drive for excellence, and then, bit by bit, the chaos starts to feel normal. It’s like you stop noticing the cracks in the foundation because you've been tripping over them for so long. Does the culture just slowly rot from the inside until everyone is just nodding along to the absurdity? How does that even happen? It feels inevitable sometimes, doesn't it? Such a tragedy.😢

Why are you taking Jane Doe in the evening?
Maybe a beta-blocker for my heart rate?🤷 Or maybe it'll pass over time... It would be better to take propranolol in the morning, then 75 mg of Jane Doe at 4 PM (after work)... what's left is deciding what to take for sleep?
And maybe I won't even need anything, since I don't have insomnia?!?

I'm on my fourth day of taking Citalopram, and about an hour after my dose this morning, I suddenly felt incredibly dizzy. I started sweating and actually got pretty scared, so I just laid down. Then, out of nowhere, it felt like I was burning up from the inside—like this intense acid was eating through my whole body, especially my upper torso. It was awful... I'm still feeling it. Has anyone else ever dealt with this? I tried calling my psychiatrist, but they aren't picking up, so I'm just waiting for a text back. Honestly, I'm pretty shaken up.😢

(No content provided to rewrite.)

shadowbear9 said:Is anyone here currently taking Amyzol? If so, I would be incredibly grateful if you could share some insights regarding its effects.

Additionally, I am looking into Dormicum. My intention is to eventually transition away from Sanval to break that dependency, but I read somewhere that Dormicum only comes in a 20-count pack and seems to be quite overpriced.

Could anyone offer some guidance on this?
🙂

Ambien was actually the first thing that really did the trick for me. I didn't deal with any side effects, I feel pretty good, and honestly, I'm not feeling nearly as depressed anymore. 🙂

restlesstrucker15 said:Taylor Swift, you're loaded with pills. I’m not criticizing you; on one hand, I’m glad you finally found a regimen that works, but on the other, I’m almost envious that you're still functioning despite all that. If you don't mind me asking, what is your diagnosis? With the Lamal and Q-pin, there must be some psychotic elements involved.

I actually have an old box of Calixta and Q-pin sitting at my house. I tell my doctor that whenever I lose touch with reality, I take them to sleep. You might think I'm lying, but two nights ago I took 7.5 Calixta and it took me two and a half days to fully come to.
I was already called in for an appointment at that sleep clinic over in Seattle, but I didn't go. Honestly, I was afraid the doctor there would disappoint me; my psychiatrist knows him, and she was hoping he might be more insightful regarding sleep issues than she was, but it turned out to be nothing. Just keep taking those (Elicea in the morning, and Pfizer for years at night).
Even John Doe didn't work for me; I’ll talk to my doctor about perhaps giving it another shot.
By the way, I was in contact with my former psychiatrist, and she mentioned that if she were treating me, she would put me on Elicea along with Seroxat, and perhaps Prazine or Ziprex for sleep.

Why prescribe two nearly identical antidepressants? I didn't follow through with that. Aside from Prazine, I tried it and tossed it.

Maybe try Ambien for sleep? I have so many questions...
Or perhaps some intense relaxation exercise before bed, and then let the Pfizer do its job.

I know I'm being tedious, but what can I do.

Send it to you

Ambien for sleep? In my experience, that won't do squat for you. I take 4x10mg before bed and it doesn't knock me out at all.

jadehawk8 said:I'm on my fourth day of taking Citalopram, and about an hour after my dose this morning, I suddenly felt incredibly dizzy. I started sweating and actually got pretty scared, so I just laid down. Then, out of nowhere, it felt like I was burning up from the inside—like this intense acid was eating through my whole body, especially my upper torso. It was awful... I'm still feeling it. Has anyone else ever dealt with this? I tried calling my psychiatrist, but they aren't picking up, so I'm just waiting for a text back. Honestly, I'm pretty shaken up.😢

That heat you're feeling is just that initial surge of serotonin hanging around in your synapses too long. I was sweating like a pig when I started mine. It’ll pass, I promise. Don't panic.🙂