Mental health problem - Page 8

Originally posted by: Chameli_billi

I wonder why they didn’t just add melatonin to your antidepressant as a first line. I barely see mirtazapine being used for depression in young people even for insomnia or appetite loss. No I haven’t taken any of them but I’m a psychiatry pharmacist so I see these often in the patient population I manage. It’s interesting you had that reaction to Prozac. Usually Prozac is the one that doesn’t cause withdrawal symptoms due to it staying longer in the body. Have you tried escitalopram/Lexapro?

not too sure about melatonin. but I was given a lot of benzos and insomnia tablets, and none of them worked too well. And it's not just withdrawal -- I guess I do have chemical imbalance and needed the pills. So my doctor thought since I had sleeping issues, I need one for sleep. And since using 1 drug is better than using 2, he suggested Mirt. I mean, if I took SSRI again I am pretty sure I'd need another drug for the sleeping problems, so it's like killing 2 birds with one stone.

I tried going off Mirt and trying Prozac again but ... alas it didn't go too well. Even benzo couldn't solve the sleep issue. Overall Mirt worked for me.

What about wellbutrin/bupropion? Since it works on dopamine, I am really interested in it.

Have you ever taken amphetamine like adderall?

Originally posted by: Blood_Sacrifice

not too sure about melatonin. but I was given a lot of benzos and insomnia tablets, and none of them worked too well. And it's not just withdrawal -- I guess I do have chemical imbalance and needed the pills. So my doctor thought since I had sleeping issues, I need one for sleep. And since using 1 drug is better than using 2, he suggested Mirt. I mean, if I took SSRI again I am pretty sure I'd need another drug for the sleeping problems, so it's like killing 2 birds with one stone.

I tried going off Mirt and trying Prozac again but ... alas it didn't go too well. Even benzo couldn't solve the sleep issue. Overall Mirt worked for me.

What about wellbutrin/bupropion? Since it works on dopamine, I am really interested in it.

Have you ever taken amphetamine like adderall?

Benzodiazepines in general are bad news unless you are using it as needed for severe anxiety. I’m not sure why providers prescribe benzos for insomnia in today’s day and age. It’s really hard to come off of them.

Would not recommend bupropion for people who have insomnia since bupropion itself can cause insomnia. It is weight neutral though/ may even cause weight loss. So it’s an option if there are no other contraindications.

Nah I haven’t taken amphetamines. Why?

Originally posted by: SmittenKitten

Panic attacks start suddenly for no apparent reason. You could be sitting somewhere comfortably and suddenly, your heart starts beating really fast, you feel your own pulse, with a hoard of other intense physical symptoms that threatens to take over your entire body.

Your arms might go numb or tingle, you might get electric shock like zaps/tremors too in your hands or abdomen or even your head--some do, not all. But you won't pass out.... you'll be very much alive to feel every bit of it cuz your adrenaline (flight/fight response) will have shot up by twice or more the regular level.

A lot of people also have IBS/reflux if they have unaddressed anxiety disorders that progress into full blown panic attacks. So, it can interact with all those other symptoms (like heartburn that causes chest pain/tightening, for example).

You might think that you're having a heart attack and dying if you've never experienced it before but you won't die. But you will definitely feel like you're dying when you're having one ....and you might live in constant dread after you have your first panic attack, obsesses over it and the thought of it might hang over you like a dark cloud. Some people will never have another one again while some people's bodies will continue to misfire till they address the underlying source of the problem. Some people will have so many of them that they can see it coming before it blows up fully and know to just let their body do its thing till it passes. A panic attack can last 5-10 mins.

You don't wanna guess and should always go for an actual diagnosis from medical professionals though. There are all kinds of nutritional deficiencies that can amplify these symptoms too, so make sure you get a routine checkup to rule out other possible causes.

I never knew what panic attacks are until the last 6 months ago ... for no reason or rhyme my heart would start beating out of my chest and I would feel like a tiger's been chasing me or sthng... pretty sure the pandemic had a lot to do with it

Originally posted by: Blood_Sacrifice

Well….you stated that you have insomnia so amphetamines can be concerning since they can cause hyperactivity, worsen insomnia. But what you could do is take the short acting amphetamine (avoid the ones with CR/XR in their names) early in the morning like at 7 am and then just rely on coffee for the later part of the day. This way your ADHD and insomnia can both be managed. But again you should definitely discuss all of this with your doctor.

I have severe OCD, Anxiety and tad bit of depression. Never taken any medication for these.

I recently started seeing a therapist. I have been very fortunate that the sessions are free. Mental health services should be completely free everywhere. It's sad that most people don't even go get checked because it rips your pockets out!

Originally posted by: SmittenKitten

Panic attacks start suddenly for no apparent reason. You could be sitting somewhere comfortably and suddenly, your heart starts beating really fast, you feel your own pulse, with a hoard of other intense physical symptoms that threatens to take over your entire body.

Your arms might go numb or tingle, you might get electric shock like zaps/tremors too in your hands or abdomen or even your head--some do, not all. But you won't pass out.... you'll be very much alive to feel every bit of it cuz your adrenaline (flight/fight response) will have shot up by twice or more the regular level.

A lot of people also have IBS/reflux if they have unaddressed anxiety disorders that progress into full blown panic attacks. So, it can interact with all those other symptoms (like heartburn that causes chest pain/tightening, for example).

You might think that you're having a heart attack and dying if you've never experienced it before but you won't die. But you will definitely feel like you're dying when you're having one ....and you might live in constant dread after you have your first panic attack, obsesses over it and the thought of it might hang over you like a dark cloud. Some people will never have another one again while some people's bodies will continue to misfire till they address the underlying source of the problem. Some people will have so many of them that they can see it coming before it blows up fully and know to just let their body do its thing till it passes. A panic attack can last 5-10 mins.

You don't wanna guess and should always go for an actual diagnosis from medical professionals though. There are all kinds of nutritional deficiencies that can amplify these symptoms too, so make sure you get a routine checkup to rule out other possible causes.

Thank you for the reply

Now I understand completely wat panic attack is

How do these medications work? Do they really change our thoughts, mood, behaviour?

Originally posted by: Just_Say_Cheese

How do these medications work? Do they really change our thoughts, mood, behaviour?

They all work differently depending on the class of drug they belong to. The most commonly used/first line for anxiety and depression are SSRIs. These increase serotonin in your body which helps regulate your mood, in general. So you end up having no to low anxious thoughts such as worrying, constantly ruminating, lack of sleep as a result of it etc. They’re also great for depression. But SSRIs don’t work right away so it’s important to keep taking at recommended dose for at least 4-6 weeks to see symptom improvement. Some people may see improvement sooner than later based on various factors including their genes (a gene has been found to predict which individuals may or may not respond to SSRIs quickly, although the studies are limited). They’re also not side effects free. For men, sexual dysfunction is a common side effect they complain of when they take an SSRI. For women, they might feel like they’re gaining weight. But for the majority it works really well so it’s the go to first line choice for anxiety and/or depression.

This article below is written for layman audience and I think is a good read to get an understanding of what they do.


https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/ssris-and-benzodiazepines-general-anxiety

Originally posted by: Chameli_billi

They all work differently depending on the class of drug they belong to. The most commonly used/first line for anxiety and depression are SSRIs. These increase serotonin in your body which helps regulate your mood, in general. So you end up having no to low anxious thoughts such as worrying, constantly ruminating, lack of sleep as a result of it etc. They’re also great for depression. But SSRIs don’t work right away so it’s important to keep taking at recommended dose for at least 4-6 weeks to see symptom improvement. Some people may see improvement sooner than later based on various factors including their genes (a gene has been found to predict which individuals may or may not respond to SSRIs quickly, although the studies are limited). They’re also not side effects free. For men, sexual dysfunction is a common side effect they complain of when they take an SSRI. For women, they might feel like they’re gaining weight. But for the majority it works really well so it’s the go to first line choice for anxiety and/or depression.

This article below is written for layman audience and I think is a good read to get an understanding of what they do.


https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/ssris-and-benzodiazepines-general-anxiety

Thank you so much❤️!!

I dont have any disorder but I know people who are struggling with depression or anxiety disorders. All of them have designated doctors and therapists team to help them and rely on meds (allopathy/ homeopathy) and therapy sessions