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Anxiety, medication side effects

Lisa77
Community Member

Hi, I started a new medication only 4 days ago after being on another one that gave me bad side effects so the Dr switched me over to a new one. Having a few of the side effects with this medication aswell and it's hard for me to work out if my anxiety is making the side effects worse, or they're just side effects and from the medication and I should just try and go with it. I feel like I just want it to work straight away and I don't want these side effects as they worry me as much as my anxiety does. It's just like my mind is in overdrive and I can't think straight or relax. Just a very confusing time at the moment. Sorry if this is one big ramble, just having a bad morning so far.

4 Replies 4

white knight
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hi Lisa, welcome

 

The common action is to ring up or visit your doctor that administered the medication.

 

We here are peer advisors in that we are like you but with lots of experiences with out own mental health issues.

 

We have a large library of threads on every topic so if you want to read up on anxiety for example just type the topic in search. Eg

 

https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/anxiety/anxiety-how-l-eliminated-it/td-p/183873

 

Regards TonyWK

Summer Rose
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Lisa77

I can certainly understand why the side effects are making you anxious. Sorry to hear about what you’re going through.

You could try going back to the doctor to discuss. Some side effects are more worrisome than others and your doctor can talk you through it.

I often call Nurse On Call about things like this. The number is 1300 60 60 24. It’s the cost of a local call. If you do call, I encourage you to explain the whole story—I have found them to be very kind and caring.

Do you have any strategies to reduce your anxiety? I’m thinking about things like deep breathing, meditation, exercise or journaling.

You take care and please post any time.

Kind thoughts to you

 

tmas
Community Member

Of course, I recommend a call to the doctor. From personal experience, the first week or so of certain medications can have not only physical, but emotional side effects too. I remember one medication making me extremely agitated and anxious, my doctor told me to try a few more days, and the symptoms abated. My longest-term medication took about a month to even start working properly - I was extremely anxious during this time but stuck it out once my doctor explained the waiting period and am glad I did!

 

What's most important is that your prescribing doctor is aware of the issue, and your next course of action is fully informed - should you choose to discontinue the medication, the doctor will be able to help you execute this as safely as possible. Meds are a tricky journey, I was on nearly twenty in about 5 years! Some of them, for only a fortnight due to bad reactions. In the meantime, it might just be a waiting game (with a doctor at your back). 

Learn to Fly
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hi Lisa77, 

Thank you for your post. This is a very valid question as any medication, especially if taken for the first time might give us different side effects.

They have been 4 days only but if you feel uncertain or very anxious about this, contact your GP again, and ask them for clarification. They should be able to ease your concerns as they should be familiar with the drugs they are prescribing. 
Take care there.