Change of meds

[Benjamin85]

Hello. I just started my first day on a new medication, after coming off another over the last 5 weeks. Its been probably the worst few weeks of my life i havent been able to go to work for the last three weeks and was just wondering how long does it usually take to feel the effects of the new meds. I also to take an antidepressant which i am also reducing and coming off of, plus other medications. Im having trouble sleeping and cant really afford to miss anymore work after this week. Im just abit lost at the moment

[blondguy]

Hello Benjamin85

Welcome and thankyou for being a part of the forums too!

I understand where you are coming from as I have been in the same situation and it can be hard work for sure

Can I ask you if you have called and left a message with your GP (doesnt have to be a specialist) to talk about what you have been going through? You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by doing so

We know that the forums have protocols about discussing meds and thats okay. I also take a SSRI every day to help with my anxiety & depression.

I hope this can help you Benjamin....My sleep was very bad even with my antidepressants a few years ago so my GP's (I have two) both decided to prescribe me a low dose of a benzo (specific anti anxiety med) which provided a sound restful sleep....(it worked well for me with my own sleep issues) without waking up feeling dopey or drowsy

Of course there are many helpful techniques that can help us obtain a quality sleep. At your stage with being off work for three weeks....I would strongly suggest that you mention your sleep issues with your GP in a double appointment. Even if you print out this thread and just give it to your doctor.

I have had similar issues for a few years and still see/call my GP every 4 weeks for support

Just a note Benjamin....the forums are a safe and judgement free place where you can post!

You are not alone

I hope you can post back when convenient for you

my kind thoughts

Paul

[MsPurple]

HI Benjamin and welcome to the forums

I personally know the struggle of having to change from one medication to another and having that transition period.

I found with trying to help with my sleep is to practice sleep hygiene. This is getting into a healthy sleep routine. I would turn off technology an hour before bed (meaning no tv, watching movies, yes I would still text), having a warm shower, read a book for half hour. I also turned off the blue light on my phone from 10pm (there was a setting on my phone).

I also found with this medication transition that eating healthy (fruit, veg and wholegrains) and regular exercise helped. I found exercise was a way to help me get endorphins which helped increase my mood in the moment.

These are just some tips. They won't solve it all. It may just help while waiting for the new medications to work. Remember medications alone are not the cure, but instead a tool to help

[Benjamin85]

Hello and thanks for the advice. I currently an seeing my doctor weekly and my psychiatrist about every second week. I was planning to return to work next week but at this stage i cant see it happening. As soon as i wake up in the morning i have severe anxiety and only after taking my medication do i see a slight decrease.

[Benjamin85]

Hello and thanks for your advice. My anxiety seems to increase alot around the time i go to bed. I try relaxation and meditation but it does not seem to make much of a difference. I have changed bedrooms the last two nights and seem to be getting to sleep alot earlier than in my normal bed

[blondguy]

Hi Benjamin

Thanks heaps for posting back to us!

MsPurple is spot on with her excellent post about short to long term techniques where sleep is concerned

I understand the urgency about getting back to work....no worries there. Can I ask if your GP/Psych has provided any short term low dose anti anxiety meds to help you make the transition back to work easier?

You are amazing where you health is concerned Benjamin and good on you! Have you let your GP know that your anxiety is still an issue where returning to work is concerned?

I hope you can post back when its convenient for you. We are only trying to support you more effectively 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Doolhof]

Hi Benjamin,

Sleep certainly is important isn't it! Have you Googled Sleep Hygiene? Yo may find some suggestions there that are very helpful.

Regarding your anxiety, would it help to sit down and write out everything that is bothering you a couple of hours before you plan to go to bed or even right after your evening meal. That way you get all those negative thoughts and issues out of your mind way before it is time for bed.

Lately I have been wearing ear plugs and that has been helping me to sleep. I had not realise how sensitive I was to sounds that happen during the night.

Reading before bed is supposed to help to relax you as well, as long as it is not one of those books you get hooked on and want to keep reading until you have finished it!

All the best with the medication changes.

Cheers from Dools