OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Assistance After a Potential Overdose by My Psychiatrist

I am a 26-year-old Asian female weighing 105 kg. My current medications include dosulepin at a dosage of 150 mg and sertraline at 200 mg. I have also taken Etizola Beta (0.25 mg), which I temporarily stopped for a couple of days, believing it was contributing to my issues; however, it now seems to be the only thing that has been sustaining me through this withdrawal experience. Recently, I've also been on metformin and am in the process of discontinuation. I am classified as prediabetic, struggle with obesity, and have cholesterol levels that are borderline high. My healthcare provider recently prescribed Lumateperone at 42 mg to address my depression. I don’t have bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, yet I was given this medication, and I made an effort to trust my doctor and began treatment. Although it appeared to be effective initially, it quickly became overwhelming. I experienced heightened restlessness and irritability, culminating in episodes where I would cry out during conflicts with my mother and sister, especially when I felt overstimulated. As time progressed, my situation worsened. I began to perceive conversations from my mom and sister while they were secluded in their room, despite them fast asleep. The same occurred with my uncle and aunt. At one point, I even thought I saw flashes of nonexistent things. My urge to clean became so intense that I couldn’t sleep until the chores were thoroughly completed, leading to a cycle where I would wake up and repeat the process until I ultimately collapsed from exhaustion. I took a brief break, hoping to feel better, but my mental fog intensified. There were moments when I would wake in a panic, mistaking familiar sights for something foreboding. One morning, I unknowingly spilled a powder from a sachet I had cut open, completely forgetting about it while my attention was diverted. These memory lapses became commonplace; I often lost track of what I was doing mid-task or mid-conversation and struggled to remember why I entered a room, often engaging in unrelated actions until clarity struck me. I expressed my worries to my psychiatrist, who dismissed them as anxiety and decided to double my dosage of Lumateperone while advising me to stop taking Etizola just two days before he would be unavailable for the rest of the month. To my dismay, I later learned that this medication might contribute to diabetes, weight gain, and cholesterol issues—a fact my psychiatrist was undoubtedly aware of when prescribing it and increasing the dosage. After contemplating all this, I found it difficult to continue putting my trust in him. Last night, I ceased taking even the single capsule I had been consuming, and I've since been struggling to sleep or engage in any productive activities, developing a headache in the process. I worry about how my lack of alertness could lead to dire consequences. Additionally, I have always harbored doubts about my psychiatrist's ethics—he seems overly focused on profit, almost glowing when he exploits the vulnerabilities of patients for financial gain. I previously ignored this aspect, hoping it wouldn’t compromise my care, but clearly, financial motives guided his actions. The brand of this medication is the first and only one available in my country, and it is quite expensive, suggesting that he may receive significant incentives from them. I feel compelled to take action to prevent others from experiencing similar situations. I have two potential courses of action: reporting my situation to the medical board, though I fear my complaint may not hold weight as a single voice, or contacting the pharmaceutical company directly to share my experience. If adverse effects arise, it is that company’s reputation that could suffer, potentially leading to the loss of contracts with practitioners who misuse their products, ultimately protecting future patients from harm.

Answers (1)

6/18/2025, 7:11:11 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm really sorry to hear about your overwhelming experience with your medications and the distressing effects they’ve had on your mental well-being. It's commendable that you're seeking to take control of your health and advocate for yourself and others. Here’s a structured approach to help you navigate this difficult situation:

Key Points

1. Evaluate Medication Effects: It's essential to review the medications you've been taking, especially the recent increase in Lumateperone.
2. Managing Current Symptoms: Focus on stabilizing your mental health and addressing any withdrawal symptoms safely.
3. Consider Reporting Concerns: Weigh the options of reporting your psychiatrist’s practices to a medical board or reaching out to the pharmaceutical company.

Explanation

Your symptoms—such as restlessness, increased irritability, perceptual changes, and memory lapses—are concerning, and the recent increase in medication dosage could potentially exacerbate these issues. The interaction of various medications can complicate your mental health, particularly given your history of anxiety and prediabetes. Discontinuing medications suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may explain your current struggles with sleep and headaches.

Actionable Next Steps

1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily journal of your symptoms, thoughts, and any traumatic experiences. This record can be beneficial for future consultations and provide clarity in tracking your mental state.

2. Self-Care Practices: Focus on grounding techniques to help manage anxiety and improve sleep:

   • Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your mind.
   • Regular Sleep Schedule: Try to maintain a consistent sleep routine.
   • Hydration & Nutrition: Stay hydrated and focus on balanced meals that can support your mental health.

3. Seek Support Systems: Reach out to trusted friends or family members to express your feelings. It can be beneficial to have someone to talk to during this challenging time.

4. Prepare for Further Action: Start compiling documentation of your experiences and any communications with your psychiatrist. Consider contacting a trusted healthcare professional or a different mental health provider for a second opinion about your medications.

5. Reporting the Psychiatrist: If you decide to report, gather as much evidence as possible to support your claims. You don't need to feel alone in this; many patients report similar experiences, and your voice can contribute to necessary changes.

6. Community Support: Look for support groups for individuals dealing with psychological medication issues. Engaging with others can provide both insights and emotional upliftment.

Conclusion

Your experiences are important, and it’s valid to seek a second opinion or report concerning behavior. Protecting your health and advocating for yourself is paramount, and there are paths you can take to address your situation constructively. Please focus on your well-being first, and remember—you're not alone in this journey. Reach out for the support you need.