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Please be aware when posting about alternative medications that some meds may still be illegal in the US or other countries. When looking at posts about alternative meds, staff will give priority to US rulings. When possible, we will also mention rulings for Canada, UK, EU, Australia. If you know about a ruling for a particular alternative med in your country, that is not mentioned, please feel free to PM staff and let us know. If you could provide info links when you do, that would help. Thank you! @20YearsandCounting Drug Scheduling in the US - D. E. A. (Drug Enforcement Agency) https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling Listing of controlled substances (alphabetical, PDF file link): https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_cs_alpha.pdf Drug Facts Page: https://www.dea.gov/factsheets Drug Scheduling Drug Schedules Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential. The abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and/or physical dependence. As the drug schedule changes-- Schedule II, Schedule III, etc., so does the abuse potential-- Schedule V drugs represents the least potential for abuse. A Listing of drugs and their schedule are located at Controlled Substance Act (CSA) Scheduling or CSA Scheduling by Alphabetical Order. These lists describes the basic or parent chemical and do not necessarily describe the salts, isomers and salts of isomers, esters, ethers and derivatives which may also be classified as controlled substances. These lists are intended as general references and are not comprehensive listings of all controlled substances. Please note that a substance need not be listed as a controlled substance to be treated as a Schedule I substance for criminal prosecution. A controlled substance analogue is a substance which is intended for human consumption and is structurally or pharmacologically substantially similar to or is represented as being similar to a Schedule I or Schedule II substance and is not an approved medication in the United States. (See 21 U.S.C. §802(32)(A) for the definition of a controlled substance analogue and 21 U.S.C. §813 for the schedule.) Schedule I Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote Schedule II Schedule II drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous. Some examples of Schedule II drugs are: Combination products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin), cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Ritalin Schedule III Schedule III drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Schedule III drugs abuse potential is less than Schedule I and Schedule II drugs but more than Schedule IV. Some examples of Schedule III drugs are: Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone Schedule IV Schedule IV drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Some examples of Schedule IV drugs are: Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Talwin, Ambien, Tramadol Schedule V Schedule V drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Schedule V drugs are generally used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes. Some examples of Schedule V drugs are: cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters (Robitussin AC), Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, Parepectolin -
7 Antidepressant Side Effects That Are Weird But Completely Normal JR Thorpe If you’ve been thinking about going on antidepressants or adjusting your dosage, chances are you’ve heard about the holy trinity of possible antidepressant side affects: weight gain, fatigue and libido problems. These side effects are the most well-known because they’re the ones that cause the most complaints among sufferers. But there are other side affects of antidepressant medication that are common but rarely talked about — and they can seem utterly bizarre when you’re experiencing them. The science of side affects can be difficult to understand. But it seems, in large part, that the range and degree of antidepressant side affects you’ll experience is determined by your genetics. Scientists are now postulating that genetic testing may actually help users find the right antidepressant with the fewest side effects, but those days are still pretty far off — so for now, if you’re trying a new medication, the only way to find out what side effects will impact you is to keep a close watch on what you personally are experiencing. Though these 7 side effects are common and not harmful, the usual rules still apply: if side effects persist after the usual antidepressant adjustment period (normally several weeks) and are seriously problematic for you, you need to see your doctor and consider your options. I also have to point out that not every thing that happens to you can be blamed on your antidepressants; you probably didn’t get a wart from them, for instance. But that blurry vision you’re suddenly experiencing? Yeah, maybe you got that from your new meds. So don’t panic — you’re just undergoing perfectly normal side effects of antidepressants that nobody seems to talk about. 1. Brain Zaps If you’re lowering a dose or coming off antidepressants entirely, chances are you’ll experience brain zaps, which are like electrical shocks in your head; other names for the feeling include brain shocks or shivers. It feels as if somebody’s let off a tiny firework in your skull. It’s bizarre, but usually not particularly distressing, and not harmful. Not much is known about it, but it seems to be caused by your neural circuits adapting to their new chemical situation. 2. Night Sweats It’s estimated that between eight and 22 percent of antidepressant users experience the glory that is night sweats — and yet, nobody seems to talk about the phenomenon. Probably because it’s sticky and unpleasant. We’re not entirely sure why it happens, but one current theory is that antidepressants activate the thermoregulatory center of the brain, causing the body to over-regulate its own temperature — leaving you soaked in sweat. 3. Flatulence This is an interesting one: antidepressants can impact our bowels so intensely that we can’t possibly blame all that gas on the dog. Antidepressants have been associated with farts, bloating and digestion problems in general. But certain antidepressants are actually prescribed to people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), to reduce their stomach cramps and aches, too — so it goes both ways. 4. Dizziness Some types of antidepressants — tricyclics, MAOIS and SNRIs — are associated with dizziness and issues with balance and the inner ear. Why? We’re not sure. Vertigo usually happens when the inner ear doesn’t get enough blood, but we don’t think that these drugs create a problem with the inner ear itself — rather, it seems like they mess with the part of the nervous system that processes information about balance. 5. Bizarre Dreams It may seem far-fetched that an antidepressant could actually affect the content of your dreams, but it ain’t science fiction — it’s true. Many antidepressants impact sleep patterns, and what’s more, different ones do different things. A study found that SSRIs and SNRIs increase dream intensity and nightmare frequency, while people taking tricyclic antidepressants report happier dreams and were more able to remember their dreams in the morning. 6. Blurred Vision Blurred vision appears to be a side affect of one kind of antidepressant in particular: the tricyclic family. The probable cause? These drugs fiddle with the uptake of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps to regulate the amount of moisture in the eye via contractions of the eye muscles. If the neurotransmitter isn’t working properly, your eyes will dry out, potentially blurring your vision in the process. 7. Dry Mouth Feel like you’ve got a mouth full of cotton wool? It’s nothing to worry about: this problem has the same cause as blurred vision. Lessened uptake of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter also inhibits the proper function of your salivary glands, reducing the amount of saliva in your mouth. If you’ve just started tricyclic antidepressants and your mouth feels like sandpaper, try cutting out caffeine, and use products designed to help dry mouths, like mouthwashes and artificial saliva substitutes. So, for once in your life, being farty, dizzy, and sweaty is totally normal. Enjoy it! Images: Cartsen Schertzer/ Flickr, Giphy (7) Source: http://bit.ly/1Rzq4vH -
by Contributed | Story: 136497 - Apr 8, 2015 / 5:00 am#Schizophrenia is a very serious and disabling mental illness. Troubling symptoms including hallmark psychotic hallucinations and delusions tend to develop in the prime of life and can lead to detachment from reality and a near total loss of ability to function in society.With appropriate treatment, symptoms can be managed and some degree of function restored for many patients with this condition. Unfortunately, if prescribed treatment plans are not carefully followed or are discontinued, problems can arise. This is not an uncommon issue. For many reasons, close to 50 percent of people discontinue or fail to regularly take a prescribed anti-psychotic medication within the first year of treatment. Sometimes, as symptoms subside with a new treatment, the patient no longer feels as though medication is needed and so discontinues or becomes irregular with it. Others may discontinue because of unpleasant side effects or if the treatment is not working as well as hoped. Unstable life situations can also play a role in irregular medication usage. While psychiatrists have long advocated the importance of sticking to a treatment plan when it comes to serious conditions such as schizophrenia, a new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has shown just how important it is. Researchers from UCLA followed outpatients taking oral anti-psychotic medications and examined their adherence to prescribed treatments as well as effects for those who chose not to reliably follow their treatment plan. After 18 months, results showed even short periods of irregular medication use can lead to relapse of psychotic symptoms and a need for hospitalization. Although not totally unexpected, the researchers were surprised to learn that irregular medication use even for brief periods is associated with a significant risk of relapse. Within the study: 32 percent took their medication as prescribed; 33 percent had mild non-adherence (meaning they took only 50-75 percent of meds over a two week period); 16 percent had moderate non-adherence (taking less than 50 percent of meds during a two to four week period); and 19 percent had severe non-adherence (taking less than 50 percent of meds for more than four consecutive weeks or dropping out of treatment). Any irregular treatment compliance – even mild – was associated with a risk of relapse. Typically, symptoms would begin to show up within a couple of months of irregularity in medication usage. Although it’s not clear why even mild issues with medication compliance are dangerous, researchers suggest it may be due in part to the current practice of prescribing the lowest amount of medication that will improve symptoms while minimizing side effects – leaving very little room for missed doses. Whatever the reason, this study highlights the importance of sticking to a course of treatment and working closely with a professional when managing a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia. When it comes to psychotic symptoms, a relapse is not only unpleasant, but it can also be quite dangerous. Source: http://www.castanet.net/ Medications Drug Name (View by: Brand | Generic ) class: phenothiazine antipsychotics 9.0 chlorpromazine systemic class: phenothiazine antiemetics, phenothiazine antipsychotics 8.8 clozapine systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 8.0 loxapine systemic class: miscellaneous antipsychotic agents 8.0 lurasidone systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.8 asenapine systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.6 paliperidone systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.3 olanzapine systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.3 ziprasidone systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.2 quetiapine systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.1 risperidone systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 6.8 aripiprazole systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 6.5 thioridazine systemic class: phenothiazine antipsychotics 6.0 iloperidone systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 5.7 molindone systemic class: miscellaneous antipsychotic agents 5.5 mesoridazine systemic (More...) class: phenothiazine antipsychotics reserpine systemic class: antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting Source:http://www.drugs.com/
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Hello All, Reading through all of your posts and replies I am moved by the kindness of perfect strangers who are willing to share their experiences and support. The title kind of sums up my situation… I am in my early 30’s and have struggled with anxiety and depression since late adolescence/early teens. About 6-8 months ago I got off the medication (venlafaxine) It was the last stop on a train of various similar meds for over a decade. Felling like a slave, and tired of sexual, and other side effects... I wanted to face myself for the first time in a long time with the hopes I had developed tools to overcome my anxiety/depression that I lacked years back when I started meds… I followed a careful withdrawal over 6 weeks. As I am sure many of you know, the withdrawal was torturous once I finally stopped… Once I got out of he woods I swore I would never go back. I experienced a few months (give or take) of normalcy and I dare say “confident happiness.” Healthy diet, exercise, hope, and I immersed myself in the task of taking control of my life, health, and future. I am not sure If I ever felt better. It didn’t last… I tried natural remedies, etc… nothing really made a dent. So here I am… As much as I am conflicted on the topic, I fear medication is a must at this point. I have tried everything to avoid it and I am out of options. I have literally ground to a halt… Professionally and personally, I almost don’t exist at this point. I am looking for a Psychiatrist and it is frustrating! My therapist reccomended a few and ss of today, the soonest appointment available is 6 weeks from now! My primary care would prescribe an SSRI or something in a blink, but I am leery. So I know I have rambled a bit more than is intended in this section so I will leave it there and simply say thank you all for sharing and I look forward to learning from your experiences. Its nice to feel a little less alone in this. J
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I am on parnate, it seems to be working but if I eat something that I shouldn't I get headaches. And its the only meds that I lost weight on. Went to a reception and there was nothing I could eat. It seems there are so many different versions of what you can and can't have to eat. My psychiatrist is not really for the parnate but there is not many things left that I have not been on. I had ECT and it brought me totally out of the severe depression I was in. But I am one of those who still need AD. Thanks for listening and any input any one might have.
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Hey there, For the vast majority of my life, I have had extremely chronic and severe insomnia. I have tried Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata, Ativan, Trazadone, Benzos, Melatonin, Rozerem, Valerian, Lavender, and all of the medical (including holistic) cocktails under the "never going to sleep again" umbrella. I exercise, and no, not right before bed (i.e., I even hiked 22 miles, up and down mountains, recently, and still had to take Ambien to sleep!). I sleep in a cool, dark room. I try to maintain a reasonable sleep schedule, which I was not at all able to do when dangerously depressed. I eat...okay. Perhaps too little, but nothing like my "Ensure only" days, before being hospitalized ASAP to save my life. I have engaged CBT and DBT tactics, which help but not nearly enough. Additionally, I wake up at night even when on these medications. In short, at 29, I am SICK OF IT. So, what does one do? For me, it does not seem tenable, or at least desirable, to be on medication for the rest of my life just so I can sleep, but it's truly starting to feel that way. I have already accepted that I may be on my good old MAOI forever in order to keep from going fully bonkers again (and that's okay if it must be; only time will tell), but I would love to shove less pills into my gob every, single day. It's bad enough that Parnate only comes in 10mg pills, and that I have to take eight of those bad boys. I'd be quite keen to stop taking a hypnotic (addictive) or benzo (addictive and poor quality deep sleep) or Trazadone (nightmare city), but don't want to be semi-nocturnal again. I'm sure there are any of you in this metaphorical boat. What are your opinions of your issues with sleep and with sleep medication. Advise? Anything! I'd be very interested to learn from others. Take care and we as well as you can, Liliah
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Hi all, first time poster here. I have never taken anti-depressants until a few weeks ago. I've been going to therapy for a year and my therapist and I discussed my going on medication. He suggested Wellbutrin, as I have S.A.D. and a lot of my depression symptoms involve me having no energy. A few weeks ago I got a prescription from a gp in internal medicine (I can't afford to go to a psychiatrist, they aren't covered by my insurance which I lose in June anyway). He had me take Bupropion XL, 150mg for two weeks then going up to 300mg. I noticed an increase of energy, appetite, and anxiety in the first few days but that tapered off. I've been on it for over 3 weeks, a little over a week with the increased dose. Aside from the side effects above, I don't feel any different. I still feel worthless, no pleasure in anything, crying or being sad for no reason, little motivation to do anything or leave my house (aside from going to work). I've heard mixed things from people; some say I should feel a change by now and I should try something else. Others say it gets worse before it gets better. I have an appointment with my gp in less than 2 weeks, so I'm not sure if I should try to get on a SNRI (since I have dysthemia AND anxiety issues) or wait it out with the Bupropion. What do you all think, from your experience with this drug? Like I said this is the first anti-depressant I've ever taken so I have no idea what "better" would feel like. Thanks in advance for any replies.
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Just want to reach out to others like myself who are struggling with depression that doesn't have a trigger or a "reason." I've been depressed before--sometimes for a reason, sometimes not--but am currently battling the worst depressive episode I've ever had. I've been on Citalopram for years and that seemed to work fine until the past couple of months when my brain seems to have turned on itself. I've tried Zyprexa and Abilify (both made me gain tons of weight in a very short time), Depakote and now am titrating up to 200mg of Lamictal. My pdoc is certain the Lamictal will be very helpful but it has to be increased very slowly so even after 3 weeks, I'm still 2 more weeks away from the "theraputic dose." In the meantime, I'm missing work, unable to stop crying, and feeling completely hopeless. The thing is, I don't have any reason to be depressed. I have a nice home, a good job, a wonderful, amazing, incredibly supportive and loving boyfriend, I have three dogs who I absolutely adore, and my life, in general, is pretty dang close to exactly what I've always wanted it to be. Thus, I know it is a biological/physiological/chemical problem that's causing the depression, but having so much to be happy for and being more miserable than I've ever been just sucks. Makes me feel like an a**hole, really. Looking around and seeing so many other people with so many problems, people who have real things to be miserable about... and then there's me, with a great life, and a huge pile of used Kleenex beside me. Grrr. So frustrating. Today things started to seem a little better, Not so much crying. I talked to some friends, and my mom, all whom I have been isolating myself from. While most people don't understand the fact that it's a chemical imbalance that's causing this, it's important, I think, to at least let people know that you're struggling. My therapist insisted that I do that, even though it was very hard for me to pick up the phone. But today was a beautiful sunny day, I took my favorite dog on a long walk at the park, and the weight in my chest seems a little lighter than yesterday. So still hopeful, still waiting and trying to believe IT WILL GET BETTER. -
I wanted to share something with the forum, I have been off meds and , all markers indicating, that I am well and not suffering from depression any longer. I know its there, lurking in the background. I know it comes out when I get too stressed or tired When I don't take care of myself and eat properly When i have pms When bad things happen I started taking a supplement which is meant to be natural and raises mood I have been well, just wanted to take the edge of my anxiety. On the 7th day taking this supplement, I felt the anxiety in my head and the horrible drop in my stomach I began thinking suicidal thoughts I felt so much pressure in my head I wanted to run away. Then. . . . .it stopped. I felt relief. I felt so calm. I took the supplement for about a week, and felt the most relaxed and calm and motivated I have felt for a long time. It caused some skin irritation, so I decided to stop taking it. After about 3 days, i felt my head started to get low. I felt the depression thoughts come back, the low sad , the bad thoughts circulating my head "About how people don't like me" "how everyone laughs at me" "how kids are dying in other countries and I'm doing nothing about it" "how life is such a waste of time" I started taking the supplement again, and the thoughts slowly lifted. I felt peace again. This is my experiment on myself. I have been "Not depressed" for a long time. I feel so sorry that they may not understand, that its' not thier head and its not their lack of effort to get better. I have learned two things from this experiment: 1. That depression is an illness. It is caused by brain chemistry being sick, or becoming sicker by being mucked around with. I understand it wasn't my fault. Its just my brain that;s sick. 2. That meds, while ultimately being helpful, can be difficult starting up, so always give them the time they need to work. I understand not to take every depressive thought as gospel sad truth. It's just my brain being sick. If my leg pains a bit, that's ok, its just in pain - I can fix that pain, its just letting me know its sick. If my brain says sad thoughts, that's ok, its just being sick - It needs some help to get bettter. I hope everyone finds their help to get better. But if you feel bad doom and gloom thoughts, dont take it so seriously, its just your brain being sick. I'm sorry this is very long.. . . . .
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Hi, I've never used anything like this, but people always seem to be very helpful and I really don't know who to turn to so here goes. Nearly a year ago I was diagnosed with depression, it was a very stressful time as I was about to finish my A-levels, was undertaking a lot of duties in my role as Head Girl and my family life had suddenly got worse than usual and it came to a point where I simply couldn't cope anymore, my fuse had blown, without my family knowing a thing I went to the doctors and was put on Fluoxetine, and with much persuasion from an extraordinary head of year I was sent to counselling, both of these solutions seemed to be working well, after about 2 months my A-Levels where over and I had left school so consequently finished counselling soon after I left home to go to University and all seemed to be well. After about 6 months I was taken off medication and I seemed to be fine for about 2 months, then some of the symptoms started coming back, I feel very low, particularly when alone and I have this feeling of worthlessness, and that I don't deserve any of the positive things in life, such as good friends like the ones I have at uni. After about a month of feeling like this I went back to the doctors and was put straight back on the Fluoxetine, but although I feel horrible I don't know if it's as bad as last time because most days I will be able to be totally normal infront of my friends and they wouldn't suspect anything was wrong, it just seems to be when I'm alone that I feel at my worst. I am also finding small things such as essays which would not usually be to stressful, exceedingly stressful, and have led me to thoughts that, I am not a worthy student of my university and have occasionally had suicidal thoughts. Because I'm not sure if this is the same as last time I haven't actually taken the medication I have been prescribed, I can be fine in front of others but 'hating life' when alone. In one mind set I feel I should take the medication because I wouldn't feel so awful but do the feelings I have justify medication? Also If I do take it again, I will be on it over the summer and will have to hide it from my family again! What should I do? Anyone had any similar issues? Can anyone help? Thank you xxx
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Hi guys, I have been on different meds for years now for psychotic depression, among other things. But I try to keep smiling and to keep others laughing. So, the other evening, after reading through some of my medication leaflets, I wrote what is intended to be a humorous poem about them. I then filmed it. You can pm me for the video. I only hope it makes some of you laugh and cheers you up. Peace and love, Kris
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I'm 17 years old and I have been on Wellbutrin XL 300mg daily since November 4rth. It worked great at first! I was in a much better mood and was more motivated than anything. I was starting to play music again and actually thought I was doing great. I started doing my homework again and could actually carry on conversations with my friends and family... but now, for the past week I have been depressed again... suicidal thoughts worse than before... after months of not self harming I did it again... I have been spacing out, not wanting to talk to anyone, not doing my school work, my room is a mess but I don't want to clean it... I just don't care... I am still on my medication though... is this normal? another thing is I have been agitated, and snappy with people even when I was in a better mood... I have taken books out on bipolar disorder... Sounds like me... but I'm not 100% sure... I don't really want to bring this up to my mother because she might think that I'm "just saying this" plus, I don't want her to have to worry again... but I really want to know whats going on... so I can stop feeling so depressed...
