This pill is changing my life
I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder years ago. I’ve been a guinea pig for so many different meds. I’ve gained weight, lost my libido and still not felt any better. My doctor felt that I’ve become treatment resistant and I was looking into alternative treatments because I kept saying to my sad self “this CANNOT be it for me!” My doctor suggested Vraylar. Vraylar is an antipsychotic which is not what I needed, but when used in low doses it can work hand in hand with whatever depression med you’re currently on to give it a boost. I skeptically and reluctantly agreed to try it like “what’s one more try??” It has been two weeks and I cannot believe the difference I feel already. I’ve cried from the relief I feel from my symptoms. I’m tremendously LESS sad, I’m not as overwhelmed by EVERYTHING, and even my social anxiety is starting to die down. I can go out to a store without overthinking myself to the point of not wanting to go.
Long story short, don’t give up. Mental health issues are very hard and very real. I’m still skeptical that this med will work for me in the long term, but I’m moving forward with hopeful caution. Don’t give up, don’t be ashamed for not being able to control it. You’re not broken, you’re not defective or weak. You’re stronger than you know ♥️
When my doctor first mentioned Vraylar, also known by its generic name Cariprazine, I admit I was hesitant. An antipsychotic for depression? It felt counterintuitive. However, learning that it's often used in low doses, perhaps even a specific strength like 1.5mg or 3mg (or even up to 6mg for other indications, though my doctor prescribed a low dose for augmentation), to boost existing antidepressant therapy made more sense. For those wondering, Vraylar typically comes in capsules, and my current dosage feels just right – a small white capsule, sometimes marked with a '5' or other numbers depending on the strength. I pick it up from my local pharmacy, like WALGREEN EAST, always safely tucked into its orange prescription bottle. It's a small detail, but sometimes seeing what your medication looks like can make the journey feel more tangible and less daunting. My mental health journey before Vraylar was a relentless cycle of trial and error. I’d been diagnosed with major depressive disorder years ago, and it felt like I was constantly a 'guinea pig' for every new medication on the market. From SSRIs to SNRIs, I’d tried so many, often experiencing disheartening side effects like weight gain, a complete loss of libido, or just a general numbing sensation without any true relief from the crushing sadness. I remember trying medications like Sertraline (Zoloft) and others, hoping each one would be 'the one,' only to face disappointment. My doctor eventually labeled my case as 'treatment-resistant,' which felt incredibly defeating. I was looking into alternative treatments, constantly thinking, 'This cannot be it for me!' The initial weeks on Vraylar were a mix of cautious hope and anxiety. I was constantly checking for side effects, remembering past struggles. Thankfully, for me, the side effects have been minimal compared to the profound relief. I started noticing a subtle but significant shift. The constant heavy fog that enveloped my mind began to lift. I wasn't just 'less sad'; there was a genuine lightness returning to my days. The feeling of being overwhelmed by even simple tasks, like doing laundry or making a phone call, diminished significantly. And my social anxiety, which used to paralyze me before even grocery shopping or meeting friends, became much more manageable. I could go out without overthinking myself into staying home. It’s like the volume on my negative thoughts and anxieties has finally been turned down. It’s incredibly important to have open and honest conversations with your doctor about your experiences, dosage adjustments, and potential side effects. What works for one person might not work for another, and everyone's brain chemistry is unique. I’ve learned that advocating for myself and being persistent in finding the right treatment is crucial. This journey isn't just about taking a pill; it's about reclaiming parts of yourself that depression tried to steal. If you’re feeling unheard or hopeless, remember that there are always other options, other pathways to explore. Don't be ashamed for needing help, and don't be afraid to discuss advanced treatments or adjunctive therapies with your healthcare provider. My personal experience with Vraylar has genuinely felt like it has 'saved my life' by giving me back the capacity to live it more fully and joyfully.
If insurance allows ask your psychiatrist, therapist, and primary care to request a gene sighting. This is a report that tells you every drug that works for your body. Green, yellow, and red zones. I only have like 10 in my green list if that and I have tried at least 5 still doesn’t work. But did find out I’m drug resistant to most drugs. I take cymbalta and clonazepam. I terrified to take the vraylar because I have had such a horrible time with meds. Feel like a Guinea pig!!