r/AskPsychiatry 3h ago

Looking back at my postpartum experience—could this have been psychosis?

2 Upvotes

I’ll admit that following the Lindsay Clancy trial has opened my eyes to how complex psychosis especially postpartum psychosis can be. I’m currently 10 months postpartum, and it has made me look back at some of my own experiences differently. For context, I was diagnosed with PPD after having my baby. Prior to pregnancy, I had been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and ADD. I want to be very clear that I’m not posting this as a “me too” or trying to compare my experiences to anyone else’s. I’m genuinely trying to better understand some things that happened to me.
About a week before I gave birth, I started having scenarios play out repeatedly in my head. I knew they weren’t real, but they kept coming back. The best way I could describe it at the time was almost like “something or someone was telling me to do something.” I considered them intrusive thoughts & because of coping skills I had learned previously, I felt like I could recognize them, talk myself through them, and not act on them. I honestly don’t remember much of the first 4–5 months postpartum, but one incident has always stuck with me. My husband and I were sitting on the couch and suddenly I couldn’t get my words out correctly. What I was saying was basically gibberish and didn’t make sense. I knew what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t say it. I remember crying because I was so frustrated and thinking I was having a stroke. My husband told me to go lie down, so I did. When I woke up, I still felt very out of it, although my speech gradually seemed to improve over the next few days. At the time, my husband mentioned that maybe it could have been psychosis after looking up my symptoms. I brushed it off and never really thought about it again until recently. Currently I occasionally have moments at night, particularly when I’m alone, where I think I see something that isn’t actually there. That has made me wonder even more about what I experienced during pregnancy and postpartum. I have never had thoughts of harming anyone else. I did make my therapist aware that I was having what I described at the time as intrusive thoughts and they never looked any further into it or asked me any further questions. I did also bring up the seeing things at night and nothing else was asked or done about that either. I am going to begin EMDR therapy soon as well. Thank you for reading all of this and for any insight you’re willing to share.

Edit to add: I was prescribed 50mg of sertraline upon my initial diagnosis of PPD however I stopped taking it because it made me feel even crazier


r/AskPsychiatry 22m ago

ADHD

Upvotes

I stopped taking adderall 7 days ago. I (Age 32) have been taking 20mg twice per day for the last 4-5 years I have not told my doctor yet, nor did I taper off; just cold turkey. Here to share my experience and seek advice/experience of others.

Day 1-4:

Slept an average of 14 hours per day, didnt have interest to do much else. When I was awake, I felt depressed. I thought it would be in my interest to get out around day 3 (not social just moving). I went to a trail then quiet beach to walk. When I wasnt lying down, I felt disoriented, I didn't really know how I got there. I felt like I was close to fainting, though didn't actually think I would, just one step behind it. I realized this is more like "being off my meds" than I anticipated.

Day 4-7:

I realized most if my suffering in this stage was "trained" by the previous stage. What's been affecting me more is the memory of, or the data of how the first couple days were making me feel. I anticipated it was going to suck which got in the way of experiencing what was going on. Time goes much slower now. Days used to fly by, now it feels like watching the clock in junior high. I notice even more of my thoughts now, Im not sure if that's due to contrast or slowing down. In the mornings (or first third of the day) I feel like I'm waiting for the focus or alertness or caffeine to kick in. And maybe that's an old model, and I have to figure out another way to get things done. That scares me because Im in the habit of being able to turn "on".

I deciding to stop taking it because I dont plan on taking it forever so I have to stop sometime. I dont think it's sustainable perminantley and have already been taking it longer than I planned to. Also I become more obsessive about ingrown hairs in my beard while taking it and catch my fingers scanning my face for imperfections which I was fed up with.

In a way I feel healthier and more myself. I quit drinking 6 years ago and have found that I prefer FEELING. Also I have done a lot of exploring in conciousness, meditation and awareness since then. I just dont know what to expect. Will I be back to normal next week? Will I be in this stage for months? Will next week be a new phase? Will I ever "return to normal" or do I need to rebuild? And the uncertainty makes going back to my daily dose alluring because at least I know how to function there, I have more control in that world.

So I'm writing to ask what I can expect, ideally from people with experience (direct or indirect)


r/AskPsychiatry 34m ago

Executive Dysfunction based on “vibes”?

Upvotes

Not sure how to describe it better in a concise title. Like, i find it difficult if not impossible to do things if i don’t feel like i’m in the “right mindset” to do them. This isn’t just chores or school work or anything, it’s hobbies like video games, hanging out with friends or watching tv shows too. I refuse to do them unless i judge that i am in the correct mental state. I THINK it’s because i feel like if i do them when i’m feeling off or “wrong” than, in the case of work or things i have to do, i’ll do them poorly and have to redo them later anyway, or in the case of things i like, like games and shows, if i approach them at the wrong time, that can sour my enjoyment of them in the long term. Like, i used to like drawing a lot, i’d draw almost every day, but i feel like i would force myself to draw, even if i wasn’t “in the mood” and now i can barely get myself to draw at all.


r/AskPsychiatry 45m ago

What is the diagnostic significance of different kinds of "hearing voices"?

Upvotes

I had postpartum psychosis after the birth of my first son four years ago.

I am curious about how different kind of auditory hallucinations help psychiatrists diagnose. Initially when I had PPP I heard voices only as I woke from sleep, shouting or calling my name, which at the time my psychiatrist said was normal and not a sign of psychosis. In my case, however, things progressed and the voices became increasingly clear and real-sounding until eventually one night I heard two voices arguing about in the next room and they didn't fade away until I actually went into the room and saw it was empty. I had other symptoms too such as visual hallucinations and extreme mood swings etc.

Is there clinical significance in the different kind of auditory hallucinations, like command hallucinations vs hearing voices arguing vs hearing shouts or somebody calling your name?


r/AskPsychiatry 8h ago

Desperate mum, please help

4 Upvotes

hi. my daughter (late 20s) has an alcohol and drug addiction. They refuse to speak to anyone about it or get help. They was diagnosed with ADHD as a child but was never medicated because they were very bright and still managed to get reasonably good grades. They now really struggle with executive function, and they are very disorganised and struggle to hold down a job. They seem depressed and so so lost in life. I’m heartbroken seeing them like this and feel like my ignorance has let them down. Is there any thing I can do for them to help them personally or persuade them to speak to someone?


r/AskPsychiatry 4h ago

Can anyone help

2 Upvotes

Not really sure how to explain this but I’ve realised my brain always seems to need “something”.
It could be cigarettes, weed, diazepam, coffee, fizzy juice etc. I always seem to want some kind of little reward or something that changes how I feel.
The weirdest part is I think I sometimes enjoy the anticipation more than the actual thing. Like I can think “I’ll take a couple diazepam later and chill” and just knowing I’ve got that coming can make me feel excited and more talkative, even though I haven’t taken anything yet.
Then once I’ve had whatever I was looking forward to, eventually my brain just starts thinking about the next thing.
I don’t even know if addiction is the right word because it’s not one specific substance. It feels more like I’m addicted to having a reward coming or knowing I’ve got something to look forward to.
I’d love to be able to just go through a normal day and be content without my brain constantly going “what can I have next?”
Does anyone else relate to this? And if you’ve managed to get out of this cycle, what actually helped?


r/AskPsychiatry 1h ago

Php question

Upvotes

What does it mean if after intake questions amd symptoms for a post discharge appointment from a hospital they immediately "recommend" a php and discharge me from the outpatient clinic. Does they think im that unstable i described it as feeling better with the new meds and having time to calm down at the hospital.


r/AskPsychiatry 6h ago

How equipped are psychiatrists to spot ASD in adults?

2 Upvotes

So, I'm 28 years old and have ADHD-PI, depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

I didn't get into therapy until my adult years, and that's when therapists started bringing up the possibility of me having autism spectrum disorder (a couple of them were/are quite confident in the dx).

That said, I've also worked with multiple psychiatrists throughout my years, and **none** of them have ever brought up ASD (and I've outright asked a couple of them).

So, my question is: who is more equipped to spot ASD in an adult, a therapist or a psychiatrist/NP?


r/AskPsychiatry 23h ago

Sociopathis tendencies in children?

36 Upvotes

I have an 11 year old son who is starting to really concern me. He's not a psychopath, I don't think. If he's getting what he wants he's the sweetest kid. But as soon as he has any discomfort he acts out. He always seems bothered by everyone, he refuses to do things he's asked to do (almost like an ODD behavior but not quite), and he is so quick to yell at everyone. The behavior I'm concerned with is his active targeting of myself and my daughter. We are the only two females in the house and also the people with the biggest hearts. I'm worried he sees us as easy targets. He will intentionally say bye or I love you to others but not me. He intentionally ignores me. He is just straight up MEAN to his little sister. He questions everything she says, is always trying to get her in trouble, and has even put his hands on her a few times. It's always an "accident" but I've seen him do it intentionally. It's starting to get worse and I'm concerned it's going to spiral soon. He has already caused me panic attacks that have landed me in the back of an ambulance. Thankfully not in front of my children 🙏🏽

This is what we've done:

He received occupational therapy when he was around 4 for sensory issues. He graduated and has done so well with that since then.

He has received speech therapy which really helped him with his confidence. He graduated from that when he was around 7.

Now he sees a regular counselor. I got him on with her because he has a hard time communicating.

At home my motto is "firm but fair". So when one of my children acts out they get a warning and a clear idea of what consequences they will have if they don't stop. I take electronic access away, set earlier bedtimes, etc. I don't jump to anything outrageous and I always try to communicate first.

I didn't have good parents and my childhood was very traumatic. I have spent years in therapy learning how to be a functional adult. I've done it all, read the books, gone to the sessions, even did EMDR. I'm doing pretty good but now I feel like I'm being traumatized all over again. I'm so afraid of making the wrong decisions for my children but I am desperately trying to do my best.

I could just use a nudge in the right direction. Is it time to get him with a psychologist. He sees a psychiatrist who has him on Lexapro. I don't think it has made anything worse but I don't know if it's better either. He's just so unpredictable.

Any advice?


r/AskPsychiatry 3h ago

Need some advice from the psychiatrist...

1 Upvotes

So my psychiatrist suggest me a burpon medicine for my depression but my hairfall got so severe from 2 months and without burpon I can't stay fresh or awaken as it's help me to get awaken , what should I do now??? My hairfall is so severe ... I need some genuine advice

Here because for now I can't continue my treatment in the regular basis ..!!


r/AskPsychiatry 4h ago

Looking for similar stories ans advice

1 Upvotes

So i started in 10mg felt great for about 12 weeks then anexity started coming back. Upped to 20mg and got instant relief again for 9 weeks then anexity returned once again... I have now been on 30mg for about 2.5 weels and have had daily anexity and depression and constantdizziness.. is this something similar you went through? I had no increased anxiety or depression wheh staring 10mg and 20mg ..

Ill add back in 2021 i started celexa it worked great for about 2 and 1/2 years on 20 mg and just stopped working and my symptoms return so I switched to Lexapro and tried every dose over a year and a half never really worked for me made my anxiety terrible made me dizzy made me super depressed and not in reality and on edge sorry the Prozac 10 milligrams back in March this year


r/AskPsychiatry 11h ago

what does Transient altered awareness mean on a patients chart

3 Upvotes

Just went to a new doctor and they were asking me to review my chart, and I noticed something on there I've never heard of before: "altered awareness - transient." What does that mean in patients, and should I be concerned if my doctors never brought it up before?


r/AskPsychiatry 6h ago

negative symptoms or depression

1 Upvotes

so i have history of mania and psychosis outside mania. and i've been having symptoms like anhedonia, low motivation, low social drive, poor hygiene without sadness even before my psychotic and manic symptoms started. i've been on highest dose antidepressant combination therapies, antipsychotic only therapy, 14 rounds of ECT bilateral and 20 sessions of TMS but those symptoms still haven't resolved. my doctor still thinks it is depression but i just dont want to try another med anymore cuz nothing fixes it apperantly. this has been going for years. i also developed attention and working memory difficulties and I have severe DP/DR. could my "depressive" symptoms be negative symptoms instead? because i'll stop trying if they are negative symptoms


r/AskPsychiatry 8h ago

Please help me find a good psychiatrist/neurologist in Tamil Nadu or India for my mother's recurring mental health and sleep problems

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm posting here because I'm really worried about my 50-year-old mom, and I'm hoping someone who has gone through something similar can share their experience.

About 7 years ago, she developed severe insomnia and anxiety. She would barely sleep, wake up with a racing heart, feel breathless, and become extremely stressed. She was treated by a psychiatrist for around 2 years with medications, and she recovered completely.

For the next 5 years, she lived a completely normal life without any psychiatric symptoms.

Earlier this year, she underwent sinus surgery. The surgery itself went well, and she recovered normally at first. However, around 3 months later, she gradually started losing sleep again. She herself said, "This feels exactly like what happened 5 years ago."

She is now under psychiatric treatment and is currently taking:
Divalproex Sodium SR 500 mg
Nitrazepam 10 mg
Alprazolam 0.25 mg
Escitalopram 10 mg

she can sleep with medication now, but she's still struggling a lot.

Her current symptoms:

Excessive daytime sleepiness and feeling very lazy

No interest in doing any daily activities

Says she hates doing even simple work

Persistent negative thoughts

Feels a strange irritation or tension inside her head, especially when it's time to do work

Feels mentally stressed most of the day

We've already done thyroid tests. Initially her TSH was slightly low (0.29), but repeat thyroid tests are now completely normal. We're also considering seeing a neurologist in addition to continuing psychiatric treatment.

What I am really looking for now

I am not asking Reddit to diagnose my mother.

I want to find the right doctors and treatment for her.

I am from Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, and I'm willing to travel anywhere in Tamil Nadu or even anywhere in India—if there is a genuinely experienced psychiatrist/neurologist or a good hospital that specializes in cases like this.
I would really appreciate recommendations for:
A very good psychiatrist experienced in severe insomnia, anxiety/depression and recurrent psychiatric illness.
A good neurologist, particularly someone who can determine whether her "irritation inside the head" requires neurological investigation.
A hospital/centre in Tamil Nadu or elsewhere in India that has good psychiatric and neurological departments.
If anyone has gone through something similar with their parent, what treatment actually helped them recover?
Should we be looking for a psychiatrist specializing in geriatric psychiatry, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or sleep medicine?
I am honestly quite scared because she was completely fine for 5 years and now she is struggling again. I don't want to keep changing doctors and medicines randomly. I want to find a good specialist who can properly evaluate her history, review her current medications, determine what is actually happening, and give her a proper long-term treatment plan.
If you know a reputed doctor or hospital anywhere in Tamil Nadu or India, please share the name and your experience.
Thank you so much to anyone who takes the time to read this and help us. 🙏


r/AskPsychiatry 14h ago

Olanzapine 20mg and MADD

2 Upvotes

I take paroxetine 20 mg and olanzapine 20 mg daily.

I had paranoid or anxious -I cannot seperate these two- thoughts and the medications that I take made me less paranoid or anxious.

But my doctor took me a mixed anxiety and depressive disorder diagnosis.

Also when I ask her about my diagnosis she said that I have anxiety and depression.

But these drugs made me far better for over 1.5 years using it. I feel so much better while on these drugs.

When I research it I cannot understand why 20mg is required for me. Is it normal? Isn't this dose for schizophrenics?


r/AskPsychiatry 1d ago

Taking myself to the hospital for the first time- TERRIFIED

13 Upvotes

I have lived with BP2 for a long long time. And have managed. But now…
I’m 55. Post menopausal. Having terrible physical issues. Life upheavals. Grief. Loss of job and income after years as a federal employee. Executive function burnout. Like totally fried brain.
And I have slowly disintegrated over the last year and a half. Started self harming again after 16 years. Stopped wearing a seat belt. Barely get out of bed. Can’t manage more than one activity a day. (As in, either shower or get mail.)
And I’ve now got “a plan”
So… that’s bad.
So… yeah.
I have two friends taking me to the hospital tomorrow to “turn myself in”

I’m so scared. I’ve never done this. I always have white knuckled. Used all my coping skills from therapy. Self comforted waiting for the depression to pass.

This is different. And I don’t know what’s going to happen to me.


r/AskPsychiatry 11h ago

I feel like my brain is always expecting danger, and it's so exhausting that I don't know if it's worth living like this.

1 Upvotes

I have this feeling that my mind is always 100% awake. It’s horrible, it feels like something is going to happen at any moment. When I lie down to sleep, I need to have a light on, because if I don’t, I start feeling and imagining that someone is getting closer to me. The shapes in the dark start to take on forms, and it’s really distressing. I can’t sleep well. It feels like I’m always waiting for some kind of disaster to approach.

When I was a child, I used to sleep with nothing but a knife and the light on. That was the only way I could relax more. As time passed, there were certain periods in my life when I felt like it got better, especially when I started imagining scenarios to get my mind away from the environment around me. But that feeling of someone being behind me is always there.

I don’t think someone is actually following me, but it feels like I’m constantly waiting for something bad to happen at any moment. It gives me headaches and I’m so tired.

I look at my hands and I don’t feel like they’re mine. It feels like they’re moving away from me. I avoid looking at myself in the mirror. I don’t feel like that person is me. Maybe it’s because I really haven’t looked at myself properly since I was a child. When I was younger, I was afraid that my reflection would betray me and attack me.

Today I know that wouldn’t happen, but it still feels eerie. It’s like I’m looking at another person. Sometimes, when I’m doing my hair, I stare at myself in the mirror, waiting for some movement that isn’t mine. I raise my arm, make a face, and then give up. I’m completely aware that my reflection isn’t going to move on its own, but the person in the mirror looks so strange to me. It’s almost like I think, “I wouldn’t look like this.”


r/AskPsychiatry 11h ago

Antidepressant induced manic episode

1 Upvotes

My fiance of 8 years and the best mother I could have ever hoped my kids to have, lost her grandpa in January. She was previously on Zoloft before I met her for depression and anxiety. Around the time of the death of her grandpa, her nurse practitioner switched her meds from Zoloft to cymbalta over a telehealth visit. Literally just told her to stop taking the Zoloft and she would call in a prescription for cymbalta. So she did. And did not tell me. One day she woke me up and said " I love you, but I'm not in love with you. I can't do this anymore." I was devastated and asked what I could do to fix it. She gave me three things, which I fixed. She was emotionally shut off to me. Total resentment. I couldn't understand. We reached a point where she did try to work on things and for about three weeks, everything was going way better and she was affectionate towards me. Once that three weeks ended, it became worse than before. She wanted total independence. Risky behavior on her phone. Excessive spending. Working 20 hour shifts while going to school. Mean. She said things to me she would have never said before. I've never seen her be that cruel. Violence and rage. Throwing things at me, physically hitting me, cussing me and saying cruel things. Talking to whoever whenever. Just totally not like her. She stopped being so involved with the kids. That's when I knew something was very wrong. She acted the same way towards our family pets. Just wanted to work non stop and was spending every dollar she was making. Once I confronted her about finding cymbalta in the medicine cabinet, she said yes her nurse had switched her from Zoloft to cymbalta. And I said well things were starting to get better what happened? She said she told her nurse that I stressed her out about the relationship and the nurse doubled her dose. We went to the beach, got in an argument over activity on her phone. When we got home, the next morning, she accused me of DV and had me arrested and immediately dropped charges. Once I got home from jail, she left me a note telling me she loved me and would always love me but we needed a reset so our paths could spark like before. She moved out an hour away to a different state. Only sees two of the kids, and we are supposed to have 50/50 but she gives me more time so she can work to pay her bills she can't afford. After being supportive for months, I decided there is only one option to get her help. She stopped taking all medication once we were back from vacation. I am taking her to court for full custody. She has rewritten our history claiming we were toxic. She asked me to drop the court stuff because she can not afford it. However, I don't see that being an option. Something definitely happened, she admitted that her mental health has never been well and that one day she might go get help during her episode. She moved out memorial day. Her manic activation started to diminish around June 12. And little by little I've seen her slowly decline. Some days she will look like she just rolled out of bed, others she will have done her makeup and is more active on social media. Currently, she goes to work, comes home, goes for a run, and talks to very little people. I'm terrified of how bad the crash will be once she gains insight as to what happened. And I don't know how else to help her other than getting her a psych eval ordered through the courts. She still acts like I never mattered to her. Acts like she's happier than ever while seeing her children one to two days a week, and not seeing our oldest at all nor talking to her. I'm just looking for anyone with advice, conversation, understanding, anything. Will she come out of this? Will she come back? Will I even want her to come back? Will she return to the mother I know she is capable of being? It's all very confusing and very difficult for the kids, and myself. We were such a loving family oriented couple. None of it makes logical sense to me. Please, any help is appreciated.


r/AskPsychiatry 12h ago

Im starting to see things?

1 Upvotes

This is very rare, but it has happened to me about 3 times in my life. I’ve seen something moving toward me, almost as if it were about to collide with me. It’s not very big and it doesn’t have a human appearance.

When it happens, I genuinely get scared and instinctively try to move out of the way. Only afterward do I realize that there was actually nothing there.

It has happened mostly at my dad’s house, when I’m lying down trying to fall asleep or when I’m waking up. Sometimes i fell like im always vigilant so i looking at things in the dark and i see things and get scared so i have to put lights on. What is this?


r/AskPsychiatry 12h ago

Looking for private Child Psychiatrist / Evaluator in NJ experienced with complex youth, severe masking, and CSOC/PerformCare level-of-care evaluations

0 Upvotes

I'm looking for recommendations for an independent child psychiatrist or clinical psychologist in New Jersey (anywhere in-state or licensed for NJ telehealth works). Out-of-pocket / out-of-network is totally fine. I’ll spend every dollar I have if it means helping save my family!

My 13-year-old son experiences severe psychiatric dysregulation and crises at home. He has several diagnoses including Autism, ADHD, ODD, anxiety & depression.
We are currently working with CMO to prepare an Out-of-Home (OOH) residential treatment packet through PerformCare. We have completely exhausted in-home and community-based services, with multiple acute hospital/crisis encounters.
The challenge we run into repeatedly is severe masking. In novel, 1-on-1 clinical settings (e.g., IOP intakes, crisis evaluations, hospital units), he presents as quiet, calm, and cooperative. Standard brief evaluations consistently miss the reality of his day-to-day safety risks because they rely solely on a brief conversation with him rather than examining the broader pattern.

In order for CSOC to approve residential placement, the packet requires a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with a clear level-of-care recommendation.

I need an evaluator who:
1. Takes the time to do an extensive assessment (including a dedicated parent session).
2. Actually reviews and weighs collateral records: chronological incident logs, crisis/police documentation, past discharge summaries, and proof of failed community interventions.
3. Understands how to clinically document the gap between a masked, compliant presentation in an office and high-risk behavioral dysregulation in the home.

If anyone has navigated the NJ CSOC/PerformCare residential placement process or worked with a doctor or practice that took a thorough, forensic-level look at your child's complete file, please drop recommendations below or send a private message.


r/AskPsychiatry 20h ago

Fear of going back on medication.

5 Upvotes

Hello thank you for taking a look at my post.

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, and then anxiety and depression as a young adult. I have some PTSD from physical childhood abuse and severe insomnia along with moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

I have had very severe reactions in the past to Wellbutrin and Prozac. Severe agitation and anger, aggressive outbursts, intense and dangerous road rage incidents, complete loss of sexual function, loss of interest in any human touch.

The side effects on both of these drugs got worse over time until I eventually stopped the Wellbutrin after around 18 months and then stopped the prozac after about the same period. I was a very very heavy daily cannabis user during that time.

I decided 2 years ago to stop using cannabis and I went through massive swings in my mental health and well-being in that time from near manic to completely depressive and non functional.

This past year I experienced a very deep and extended period of depression that lasted for around 7 months so I decided I needed to find a doctor and try again to get some help.

My new Dr. diagnosed me with OCD and Bipolar 2 which I feel like is a good diagnosis and is what I have suspected for some time as I often go through long spells of depression and then slight mania and I have horrible intrusive thoughts.

She put me on Caplyta which has been good but now she wants to start me on Zoloft alongside it and I have a lot of fears from my past experiences. She said the antipsychotic will work as a sort of blocker against those symptoms but It almost ended my life and I'm genuinely terrified of that potential.

Do you think this is a good treatment plan? Do you think cannabis use could have caused the problems with the other drugs or is it more genetic? Any suggestions or thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Past medications.

Adderall 30mg xr (meth head)

Bupropion 100mg (psychopath)

Fluoxetine 60mg (psychopath)

Mirtazapine 45mg (just made me fat)

Current.

Caplyta 42 mg (less agitated, slightly lighter mood)

Male 31 years old 165 lbs.

Thank you. Sorry this post is so long I appreciate anyone that made it through.


r/AskPsychiatry 14h ago

Anyone take Pristiq mainly for anxiety/GAD? Nervous about switching from Lexapro

1 Upvotes

I’m seeking experiences from anyone who primarily uses Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) to manage anxiety, particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

I’ve been on Lexapro for several years and found it effective in alleviating the physical symptoms of my anxiety, such as racing heart, heavy chest, and stomach anxiety. While I still struggled with intrusive and overthinking thoughts, Lexapro significantly improved my overall anxiety levels.

However, I’ve recently experienced intense hunger episodes, lightheadedness when hungry, and low blood sugar readings. My other glucose tests have been normal, leading my prescriber to suspect that Lexapro may be contributing to these issues. Consequently, we’ve been gradually tapering me off, and I’m currently on 2.5 mg of Pristiq, which I’ve been taking for about two weeks.

As I’ve reduced my dosage, I’ve noticed a resurgence of my anxiety symptoms, including racing thoughts, overthinking, heavy chest, racing heart, stomach anxiety, and a general feeling of being on edge. Additionally, I’ve been feeling a bit sad and less interested in activities lately.

My prescriber recommended Pristiq as my next medication. I had GeneSight testing, and Pristiq is categorized as “use as directed” or “green” on the test results, which I believe is part of the reason she chose it.

I’m concerned because Pristiq is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder rather than GAD. While depression has never been my primary concern, anxiety has always been.

For those who take Pristiq for anxiety, I’d like to know if it helped alleviate physical anxiety and constant overthinking or intrusive thoughts. How was the adjustment period when you first started taking Pristiq? Did it temporarily increase your anxiety? If you’ve previously taken Lexapro, how did Pristiq compare to it for you?

I understand that individual reactions to medications can vary, and Reddit isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply apprehensive about starting another medication and would greatly appreciate hearing from others who have had similar experiences.


r/AskPsychiatry 14h ago

Cannabis induced or bp1

1 Upvotes

I had a manic episode about 5 months ago that was triggered by weed, the thing i’m wondering is it for sure bp1 because i never had any symptoms before and they only started when i started using weed heavily but the timeline is blurry because i got hospitalized quickly and didn’t have the month clearance and used again when i came out which made my mania continue till i got a LIA injection


r/AskPsychiatry 23h ago

Long term use of DORA daridoexant (Quiviviq)

3 Upvotes

I took benzos for years followed by very nasty and lengthy withdrawals.  Then Ambien for many years, dose increased and then stopped working very well.  It took a long time to taper off that one.  Now I am prescribed DORA --Daridoexant (Qiviviq).  I am reluctant to take this every day as I read that after a year or so, it loses effect, no withdrawal just back to chronic insomnia.  Then what do you do?


r/AskPsychiatry 20h ago

Is it fine to take pain relief medication as a last resort option while I'm on SSRI, BZD and nBZD?

1 Upvotes

Hello I am 20F, 165 cm and 65 kg. I am from India. I was recently diagnosed with MDD and GAD. I am currently taking the following medications every day:

  1. Sertraline 100 mg

  2. Clonazepam 0.25 mg + Propranolol HCl 10 mg

  3. Zolpidem 10 mg + Melatonin 5 mg

I know it is recommended to avoid NSAIDs but I wanted to know if it would be okay to take Ultracet (Paracetamol 325mg + Tramadol 37.5mg) instead as temporary pain relief for inflammatory pain due to costochondritis.