Treatment

[B2B]

I have an appointment with a new psychologists tomorrow because even though I'm on medication im still feeling un motivated and down i am still cry a bit too and have exsesive amounts of worry. im not as bad as parst experiencess so I don't want to stop taking it. I was wondering is there any one out there that takes 2 types of medications at the same time?? Im really worried about getting taken off and on drugs again... this medicine im on is oknown but it needs a little push.

Any advice would be great

[Nikkir]

Hi B2B,

Thank you for your post:) and welcome ! I can understand how you would be feeling worried and uncertain of what to expect and unsure about medications. Personally I think you should check with your GP about medication and give them feedback to how you feel. Sometimes it might be the right medication but wrong dose, other times its all wrong but medication can really help people until they can manage life on their own or maybe ongoing. I don't know about 2 at a time I guess it depends on what they are and if they conflict. Whenever I get a script the pharmacist will say are you taking anything else. It might conflict or have a reaction but you could reach out to our DR Kim on Beyond Blue if you are unsure. It is hard seeing a new psychologist or therapist but sometimes it can be good. For me, I always find just having someone who is non - judgemental and confidential to talk to is really helpful. If I can learn strategies as well then its good. I would have to say maybe don't have to many expectations, just be open and see how you go. It is great that you are making that step to wellness. I am sorry to hear that you are unhappy but just know that you are not alone and please call us on 1300 22 4636 for a chat or referral or let us know how you are going 🙂 Thinking of you, best wishes Nikkir x

[MsPurple]

Hi B2B

A lot of people go through what you go through. Including me. Unfortunately finding the right medication or treatment doesn't always happen the first try. Sometimes they need to try something else (not saying that the doctor will change you but just saying a general statement). It is definitely something you should bring up with your doctor. As to taking multiple types of medication it is possible however it is up to the doctor and it depends on the type of medication. It is ok to talk to your doctor about your concerns about coming off medication/trying something different. This is normal. I have had to change before and I was very stressed. To reduce my stress I told a close family member about it and they just kept an eye out. You can always come on support forums like this one. Nikkir brings up a good point, you can always go on the Dr Kim forum or call the help line if you want to ask questions or you are concerned.

[GuestYD]

Hi B2B

I am on 2 different types of med for depression. I'm managed by a psychiatrist so they tend to be more willing to try a combination of medication than GPs which is very appropriate given the breadth of experience they have as specialists. Perhaps if you are just seeing a GP, you could ask for a referral to a psychiatrist who can oversee your medication. From experience, it is very common to go into hospital when you have signicant med changes. That's so they can watch the interactions and make sure you are ok.

Anyway hope that helped.

LC

[B2B]

Thank you for your help in this matter. im seeing my psychiatrist today. and I have written some questions for him to answer . it's so great that there is so much support out there

hopefully I'll get to enjoy life again soon

Xxx B2B

[Ellu]

Dear B2B,

I have had bi-polar disorder since I was 15 (I am 63 now) and have had every medication known over the years. At the moment I am taking a combination of 5 different medications, and I am very well on this "cocktail". Stay in close contact with your psychiatrist to report any problems or discuss the medication if you are not getting better. Don't wait for the next appointment - ring him/her up so that adjustments can be made immediately. You have to develop a working partnership with your doctor, so that he/she can understand what is happening to you and make any changes when necessary. Don't be frightened of the medications - when you hit the right combination you won't know yourself! Hope it all goes well for you today,

Ellu

[White_Rose]

Dear B2B

Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. Thank you telling us your story. Medication is a tangled issue. There are folk who believe they can manage without it, and this is so for some. Others struggle and find it extremely difficult to manage without help. I appears you are one of the people who will take meds if prescribed and be comfortable with them. Well done.

I used to see a psychiatrist many years ago and he tried me on a huge number of AD. Either they didn't work or the side effects were horrendous. Eventually he settled on one main AD which was complemented by another AD to manage the side effects. Even then I struggled with side effects. Early this year my GP prescribed an AD from a different group of medications and it has been brilliant. Oh how I wish the psych had thought of this. Sometimes I think they carried away by the wonders of a new drug and forget the older types have a good record with many people.

Perhaps you can discuss this with your psychiatrist? It's good you are being proactive about medications. As others have said, one size does not fit all and sometimes it comes down to trial and error. You said in your first post you are seeing your psychologist today but your later post says psychiatrist. There is a significant difference between the two. The most important difference for you at the moment is that only psychiatrists can prescribe medication, not psychologists. If you are seeing the latter you will need to discuss medication with your GP.

Meds take a while to take effect, often up to six weeks, which is one reason for not making rapid changes.

Mary

[B2B]

Hi Mary

Thanks for your reply. it is a psychiatrist im seeing today. that my gp has given me reference to . the meds im on are working. just not quite as well as they should. hopefully it will work out

Cheers xxx

[MsPurple]

Hi B2B just checking in to see how the appointment went? Did they answer all the questions you asked? Are you feeling more confident?

[blondguy]

Hi B2B

Forgive my late post. The early stages of being on meds can be a pain especially when we are waiting for them to kick in. I was exactly the same as you when I started my meds in 1996. I have taken 2 meds/day for 20 years and have been working in a senior role at the same time. One is an AD and the other is a small anti-anxiety dose.

The meds take the bad lows away and provide us with a platform on which we can heal & re-build our health.

Great work yesterday on the advice you provided on a difficult thread by the way 🙂

I hope your appointment went okay for you B2B

my kind thoughts

Paul