Posted by ClearSkies on March 6, 2006, at 8:42:48
In reply to Having problems with meds, posted by sibemom on March 5, 2006, at 19:26:02
Hello, and welcome!
The main Psycho-Babble medication board is a great resource for feedback. Many knowledgeable people there!
I've had a real merry-not go-round with medications. My psychiatrist and I were finally able to talk about the balance of benefits versus adverse side effects.
I chart my negative symptoms in a diary in addition to my mood, and take it to my appointments. If I am having a bad experience with a medication, I call my doctor's office to either speak with her about it or get an early appointment. I do understand that some side effects are really pronounced initially and eventually subside. For me it's a matter of what I can put up with and whether I feel better overall. It's difficult for me to be objective, but that is where the diary notes help. I can see if the unwanted effects are lessening or not. If I didn't write it down I'd probably not try ANY of the medications for longer than a week!!
Anyways, this is what I've done.
I have bipolarII, GAD and panic attacks. The side effects I've experienced have included night sweats, day sweats, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, increased appetite, lethargy, trembling, headaches, blurred vision, insomnia, sleepiness... you get the idea :-)It's so much better now than it was a few years ago. It's so important for me to be able to talk to my doctor about how the medications affect me, in both positive and negative ways. I'd say - don't give up! If you aren't satisfied with your communications with your doctor, try another one.
Good luck, and welcome to babble again!
ClearSkies
poster:ClearSkies
thread:616341
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20060108/msgs/616539.html