Would this be a red flag for you?
TLDR: Would you consider it a red flag that a doctor would start you on a high dose of Caplyta without mentioning any negative side effects may occur? Especially when you are med sensitive and have expressed that?
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I guess I’m having trouble trusting my instincts lately, mainly because I’m severely depressed and anxious. I’ve been this way for a while. In my entire medical history prior to being placed on Caplyta, I was on one AP (Abilify) and I was on the lowest dose available as an adjunct to my antidepressant. I’ve actually been told by my primary doc that the dose was too low for me to even notice it.
Well fast forward, new doctor, aware I tried that combo in the past and aware it didn’t work for me. She made the decision after I wasn’t getting better on my med regimen to have me quickly taper my antidepressant (Auvelity) and place me on 21mg of Caplyta, with the expectation that I would titrate up to 42mg in just two days. I am diagnosed with Major depression and anxiety. No other mood disorders. The only thing she told me when I started Caplyta is that she think it may help with my depression and that it is “great” for anxiety and sleep. Trust me, I asked plenty of questions.
Well, I ended up having a HORRIBLE reaction to Caplyta. From this thread alone I know this is not uncommon either. Stuck it out for 7 days before I couldn’t take it anymore. She’s out of town so the on call doc told me to just stop, no tapering. Now I just feel angry. I feel like I am 10x worse off than I was before this medication change. I know there is trial and error involved in my diagnosis but I think what bothers me the most is that I have emphasized to her several times how scary med changes are to me and how apprehensive I was about this switch. She never once mentioned any negative side effects. Even the minimal ones people report.
I’m thinking it’s time for a new doctor but I thought I’d see what other people that have to go through several drug trials think. Especially those on Caplyta.
I appreciate that she has tried me on medications I’d never tried and I will acknowledge she’s very quick to respond to concerns I have. I just feel like there is now a lack of trust I’m not sure I can shake.
**Just want to add: I hope my experience doesn’t scare anyone interested in the drug. I’ve read here that several people thrive on it. It just wasn’t for me.**