Psychotropic medication discussion thread

Jason Vaughn482 said:We share so many similarities... I need at least eight hours of shut-eye myself... but regardless of how much I sleep, I wake up feeling completely drained and find it nearly impossible to stir myself awake... I'm not quite sure what advice I could offer you, though, because I take Ambien and half a glass of wine, so perhaps that's just leaving me feeling drugged and heavy in the morning while I struggle to drift off at night.

Honestly, I’m totally over it—going to bed like a toddler at 10 PM only to wake up feeling absolutely trashed, while everyone else stays up until midnight (getting to actually watch a movie) and finds it way easier to get moving than I do🙂

Kevin Bailey2 said:I actually walked into an exam while my Xanax was still kicking in. I have zero clue what kind of nonsense I was rambling about, but I do know one of the toughest professors on campus was absolutely cracking up. He ended up giving me an A.

I once showed up to an exam so high on everything that I wasn't even sure which class I was taking. Out of 20 of us, only 7 passed. How I made the cut, only God knows—must’ve been on my side, especially since we're talking about the Ivy League here🤣

Damn you druggies, go to hell!🤣🤣🤣

electrichound3 said:I honestly respect that you can handle exams while on them. 👍 Personally, my anxiety hits such a peak before tests that my body just loses it. Headaches, nausea... it's horrific. I know nothing life-threatening is actually happening, but I can't fight it. It's stronger than me. I made a mistake once; instead of taking some Normabel to level me out before an exam, I took nothing, and my nerves just went through the roof. I'm not making that mistake again. So, does your memory actually stay sharp while you're on Xanax?

Well, essentially, whatever you learn, the fear or the nerves—whatever it is—forces you to forget it or makes you feel like you're blanking. So, with Xanax, I just relax; I get this sort of high—kind of a "nothing matters, I'm untouchable" vibe—and then it's done. 😉
It's like just completely surrendering to the moment. 🙄
But my issue is different—I have to memorize so much stuff that doesn't even seem logical (formulas, definitions, theorems, proofs, etc.), which moves a bit slow for me. Then there's all the theory I have to grasp just to solve problems. You need long periods of focus for all that, but I... I just drift off into space, lose myself in thought, everything hits me too hard... I really overthink things way too much. 😵☕

Laura Castillo6 said:There are some things in life you just can't control, kind of like how you can't stop the rotation of the Earth or anything. It’s just the way the world turns. I was actually stuck in the hospital for about ten days recently, and they ended up discharging me without even realizing that I wasn't really "there" yet. I didn't know where I stood with myself. It felt like losing consciousness—that heavy, terrifying sensation of being right on the edge of death. Honestly, if I didn't have my parents looking out for me, who knows where I would've ended up.

I was wondering, was there actually a legitimate reason behind it? Like, was it some kind of specific incident or just someone deciding to go into rehab on their own terms?
Sending big hugs, just keep moving forward! 😘

That’s exactly where the issue lies. It wasn't some voluntary decision to seek help. In situations like this, people around you just panic—they get scared and end up calling the police or an ambulance, and before you know it, you're being forcibly taken to a hospital for treatment. 🤔

I think I might understand that feeling of losing consciousness; I've been in that state for the last 15 days. I barely remember anything. I'm just going through the motions—walking, forgetting to eat—I'm not even aware of what's happening. Panic sets in because I'm truly losing control over myself. And the worst part is, I'm supposedly still expected to keep up with my responsibilities, even though I can't anymore... seriously, I just can't. It feels awful, watching myself sink deeper every single day. 😢
I was the best at everything my whole life, and now I'm becoming a lost cause. If only I could take a little break from life... I'm already starting to cry. 🤦
I don't really have much support from my family—it feels like I’m mostly fighting this battle on my own. I'm out here navigating psychiatrists, deciding on different therapies, vetting psychologists, and bouncing between hospitals to get my lab work done... there were days when I'd be at my university classes in the morning, then head straight to the clinic for checkups and results, and then dash right back to campus. It’s all because something just isn't right; I know I'm not okay, and I'm desperate to figure out what's actually going on.
I don't even know where this ends—honestly, there are times I just wish I could die, because I've had enough of this pain in every sense of the word. 🙂

shadowbear9 said:Just make sure you don't overdo it to the point where you're practically falling asleep on us...

I know Xanax can make you drowsy... I'm just going to take a minimal dose.

Richard Diaz50 said:Well, essentially, whatever you learn, the fear or the nerves—whatever it is—forces you to forget it or makes you feel like you're blanking. So, with Xanax, I just relax; I get this sort of high—kind of a "nothing matters, I'm untouchable" vibe—and then it's done. 😉
It's like just completely surrendering to the moment. 🙄
But my issue is different—I have to memorize so much stuff that doesn't even seem logical (formulas, definitions, theorems, proofs, etc.), which moves a bit slow for me. Then there's all the theory I have to grasp just to solve problems. You need long periods of focus for all that, but I... I just drift off into space, lose myself in thought, everything hits me too hard... I really overthink things way too much. 😵☕

I think I might understand that feeling of losing consciousness; I've been in that state for the last 15 days. I barely remember anything. I'm just going through the motions—walking, forgetting to eat—I'm not even aware of what's happening. Panic sets in because I'm truly losing control over myself. And the worst part is, I'm supposedly still expected to keep up with my responsibilities, even though I can't anymore... seriously, I just can't. It feels awful, watching myself sink deeper every single day. 😢
I was the best at everything my whole life, and now I'm becoming a lost cause. If only I could take a little break from life... I'm already starting to cry. 🤦
I don't really have much support from my family—it feels like I’m mostly fighting this battle on my own. I'm out here navigating psychiatrists, deciding on different therapies, vetting psychologists, and bouncing between hospitals to get my lab work done... there were days when I'd be at my university classes in the morning, then head straight to the clinic for checkups and results, and then dash right back to campus. It’s all because something just isn't right; I know I'm not okay, and I'm desperate to figure out what's actually going on.
I don't even know where this ends—honestly, there are times I just wish I could die, because I've had enough of this pain in every sense of the word. 🙂

My college is nothing but theory... just cramming a million sentences into my head for an exam. I get that same feeling when I stand in front of the professor—that sudden sense that I know absolutely nothing, even though I know I do. I've always been a perfectionist, but sometimes life just tells you to stop. For years, I bottled up all these toxic emotions caused by people who lack empathy for themselves, let alone others. I endured human rudeness, malice, and more. Eventually, the body just breaks down. I kept it all inside for way too long—huge mistake. Now, I spit it all out, give everyone exactly what they deserve, and honestly, I feel much better. As for support, it's the same story: the moment people see you aren't functioning perfectly, they bail on you. But you have to realize you are unique. No one is worth your tears. We live in a world where everyone is calculated to the extreme. Take a break from life. Your health is the only thing that matters. Make your only goal getting back to yourself, and you'll manage the rest later. It isn't easy, but you have to fight. 🙂

fadedbear92 said:Damn you druggies, go to hell!🤣🤣🤣

Honestly, my last psychiatrist practically fell out of his chair when he saw my dosage and heard why I even bothered seeing him in the first place.😳

fadedbear92 said:Damn you druggies, go to hell!🤣🤣🤣

sorry but 😂 😂 😂
Seems like I'm the least drugged person here. Maybe I just need a little Viagra to catch up.🙂🙂😬

Richard Diaz50 said:Well, essentially, whatever you learn, the fear or the nerves—whatever it is—forces you to forget it or makes you feel like you're blanking. So, with Xanax, I just relax; I get this sort of high—kind of a "nothing matters, I'm untouchable" vibe—and then it's done. 😉
It's like just completely surrendering to the moment. 🙄
But my issue is different—I have to memorize so much stuff that doesn't even seem logical (formulas, definitions, theorems, proofs, etc.), which moves a bit slow for me. Then there's all the theory I have to grasp just to solve problems. You need long periods of focus for all that, but I... I just drift off into space, lose myself in thought, everything hits me too hard... I really overthink things way too much. 😵☕

I think I might understand that feeling of losing consciousness; I've been in that state for the last 15 days. I barely remember anything. I'm just going through the motions—walking, forgetting to eat—I'm not even aware of what's happening. Panic sets in because I'm truly losing control over myself. And the worst part is, I'm supposedly still expected to keep up with my responsibilities, even though I can't anymore... seriously, I just can't. It feels awful, watching myself sink deeper every single day. 😢
I was the best at everything my whole life, and now I'm becoming a lost cause. If only I could take a little break from life... I'm already starting to cry. 🤦
I don't really have much support from my family—it feels like I’m mostly fighting this battle on my own. I'm out here navigating psychiatrists, deciding on different therapies, vetting psychologists, and bouncing between hospitals to get my lab work done... there were days when I'd be at my university classes in the morning, then head straight to the clinic for checkups and results, and then dash right back to campus. It’s all because something just isn't right; I know I'm not okay, and I'm desperate to figure out what's actually going on.
I don't even know where this ends—honestly, there are times I just wish I could die, because I've had enough of this pain in every sense of the word. 🙂

I’m really sorry you’re going through this. I can pretty much relate to how you're feeling. Personally, I decided to step away from therapy entirely, and after taking a four-month break, I'm finally starting to make some actual plans for my life again. To be honest, I haven't found much help from the psychiatric or psychological route. I've come to believe there isn't a magic pill for this kind of mental state, so I've just started leaving things up to fate—whatever happens, happens. I've stopped letting things get under my skin.

So, here’s the deal—I’m thinking about tapering off the antidepressants.
Right now, I’m on Xanax, amyzol, and Arvind.
Arvind does the trick for me, and Xanax helps too, but honestly? I have zero clue if the amyzol is even doing anything at all. It’s just driving me nuts.

Brandon Lopez6 said:So, here’s the deal—I’m thinking about tapering off the antidepressants.
Right now, I’m on Xanax, amyzol, and Arvind.
Arvind does the trick for me, and Xanax helps too, but honestly? I have zero clue if the amyzol is even doing anything at all. It’s just driving me nuts.

Here’s what I think about treating depression as a medical condition that needs medication:

I know where you're coming from with those takes, but I'm not buying them. Not even gonna bother watching the video.

Laura Castillo6 said:I’m really sorry you’re going through this. I can pretty much relate to how you're feeling. Personally, I decided to step away from therapy entirely, and after taking a four-month break, I'm finally starting to make some actual plans for my life again. To be honest, I haven't found much help from the psychiatric or psychological route. I've come to believe there isn't a magic pill for this kind of mental state, so I've just started leaving things up to fate—whatever happens, happens. I've stopped letting things get under my skin.

Wishing you the best 🙂
but right now, professionals are my only lifeline—even if they disappoint me sometimes—since they're the only ones who actually listen and "care."
As for medication, I honestly find them helpful, though I'm not sure 🙄
if everything was sent "to the wrong place"... I feel like Sisyphus—not that I want to vent any further 😠

Richard Diaz50 said:Wishing you the best 🙂
but right now, professionals are my only lifeline—even if they disappoint me sometimes—since they're the only ones who actually listen and "care."
As for medication, I honestly find them helpful, though I'm not sure 🙄
if everything was sent "to the wrong place"... I feel like Sisyphus—not that I want to vent any further 😠

It'll pass in time. If you have people who are actually willing to listen and lend a hand, definitely take them up on it. 😉

Brandon Lopez6 said:I know where you're coming from with those takes, but I'm not buying them. Not even gonna bother watching the video.

Exactly like that, girl!🙂

fadedbear92 said:Exactly like that, girl!🙂

Maybe I’m just being paranoid 😛, but I swear there's a massive wave of banned users hitting this place lately.🥳

Brandon Lopez6 said:Maybe I’m just being paranoid 😛, but I swear there's a massive wave of banned users hitting this place lately.🥳

😲🤔

Brandon Lopez6 said:Maybe I’m just being paranoid 😛, but I swear there's a massive wave of banned users hitting this place lately.🥳

You actually made me laugh 😁

Look, I have zero beef with young John Newman, but I really don't get why this thread is being swarmed by haters acting like psych meds are straight out of hell. There are plenty of other subreddits for that; I'm sure there's at least one dedicated to Big Pharma conspiracy theories somewhere out there 👍

Anyway, the whole point here is that we can lean on each other when things get rough or swap advice about side effects and stuff. I found so much actual help and support here when I needed it most, so it honestly sucks seeing trolls and conspiracy theorists just messing around for no reason 🙄

Laura Castillo6 said:Here’s what I think about treating depression as a medical condition that needs medication:

Man... just looking at how many pills that kid was being pumped with is terrifying. It feels like America is a nation that prefers to keep its people sedated. Psychiatry is expanding rapidly, especially psychopharmacology, but it makes me wonder. It’s a field where you can't exactly peer inside a brain to verify what's happening; instead, they just rely on trial and error. We’re essentially walking test subjects. I’ve been there myself. Dealing with various medications was easily the darkest chapter of my life. I never suffered from depression naturally, but I experienced it firsthand after being put on an antidepressant. That feeling of helplessness—like you're frozen inside your own skin, unable to move—is pure horror. I truly empathize with anyone fighting this, even if my ordeal only lasted a few days. It’s impossible to tell if these drugs are helping or hurting, because everyone reacts so differently.

fadedbear92 said:😲🤔

rejo, you used to be a mod, so you know I can't say it publicly 😉

Michael Hill2 said:You actually made me laugh 😁

Look, I have zero beef with young John Newman, but I really don't get why this thread is being swarmed by haters acting like psych meds are straight out of hell. There are plenty of other subreddits for that; I'm sure there's at least one dedicated to Big Pharma conspiracy theories somewhere out there 👍

Anyway, the whole point here is that we can lean on each other when things get rough or swap advice about side effects and stuff. I found so much actual help and support here when I needed it most, so it honestly sucks seeing trolls and conspiracy theorists just messing around for no reason 🙄

I'm totally with you on that 👍.

This thread helps me, personally, and I've learned how to just tune out the haters 😁. But unfortunately, I know there are people who get really triggered by this stuff, especially if they're new to meds or dealing with disorders for the first time. I remember back in the day, I used to take everything people said so deeply to heart, like it was gospel. If someone had told me back then that I was just some "snowflake" because I was taking pills, I probably would've just quit everything and jumped off a bridge. Not naming names 😬

electrichound3 said:Man... just looking at how many pills that kid was being pumped with is terrifying. It feels like America is a nation that prefers to keep its people sedated. Psychiatry is expanding rapidly, especially psychopharmacology, but it makes me wonder. It’s a field where you can't exactly peer inside a brain to verify what's happening; instead, they just rely on trial and error. We’re essentially walking test subjects. I’ve been there myself. Dealing with various medications was easily the darkest chapter of my life. I never suffered from depression naturally, but I experienced it firsthand after being put on an antidepressant. That feeling of helplessness—like you're frozen inside your own skin, unable to move—is pure horror. I truly empathize with anyone fighting this, even if my ordeal only lasted a few days. It’s impossible to tell if these drugs are helping or hurting, because everyone reacts so differently.

I’m with you—diagnosing mental health issues is a total crapshoot.

I used to think there wasn't any objective way to diagnose anything, but I saw this killer documentary explaining that you actually *can* detect depression via brain MRIs. They showed how the amygdala—the part of the brain handling emotional responses—shows up significantly enlarged, and after the right medication kicks in, it shrinks back to a normal size.😉

Personally, I think the most important thing is finding a solid psychiatrist with actual clinical experience—someone who actually has the time to sit down and have a real conversation with you. In our healthcare system, that’s a rare find. I didn't mind paying a premium to see a private specialist because I finally got exactly what I needed: an expert who actually focused on me.

Even my doctor admitted that for any given psychiatric drug, there's only about a 50/50 shot it’ll work for a specific person. A good psychiatrist is supposed to use their experience to guess which med might fit your symptoms, but at the end of the day, it feels like a coin flip whether you land in that successful 50% or not.

I think I even read somewhere that they’re working on DNA testing here in the States to predict how someone will react to certain drugs. I can't remember if it's still in the testing phase or already being used in clinics, though.

But knowing how things work with the government around here... we probably won't see that kind of progress for another five hundred years.😵