Questions about medication.

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Hello,

So I just got a letter saying I've got an appointment with a psychiatrist on Wednesday next week. Apparently we're going to talk about the possibility of me starting medication for the first time. It makes me a bit anxious and I wanted to ask you a few things:

1. I've seen a few psychologists and besides suspecting ASD and perhaps ADHD they also suspect I've got depression and one or more anxiety disorders. I met a new psychologist for the first time on Monday this week and her task/role in all of this is to figure out which anxiety disorders and/or mood disorders I've got before I get to start therapy (this week we talked a lot about OCD which is one disorder they suspect I might have). Isn't it weird or a bad thing to start taking medication before I know what's wrong with me? I'd like to know what I'm getting treated for.

2. Does medication often make you gain weight? The depression is already making me gain weight since I tend to eat sweets when I feel low. Not good. Honestly disgusted with myself for it so I really don't want to gain more.

3. What's it like when starting medication? How long does it take for the body to get used to it? How do you know if it works? Etc.

4. I'm worried that I'll become a different person when on medication. That my personality will change or something. I've always been a neurotic and anxious person with depressed mood etc. That's the only me I know. Is it weird that I sort of don't want to lose it? I don't want to lose myself.

Thanks,

rebbieh

Not really, some of the meds they use are the same for each disorder. I started medication before I was diagnosed, I'm still on that medication. It's doing great.



Some can. Mood stabilizers (EG-Lithium) are notorious for making you gain weight, but they generally only use those to treat mania. Anti-depressants can do, but the risk is lower than with mood stabilizers. I wouldn't panic though, not everyone expierences the same side effects. Some people gain weight on these medications, and some don't.



Varies for medication to medication. One of mine made a change within minutes, quite literally. Others take a few weeks or so. As a general rule, I'd try medications for a month or so, and then my doctor would see whether it had worked or not. If there was no change by a month, then we'd either change the dose or try a new med.

Sometimes, the medication can also make you feel worse before it gets better. So don't panic if after three days of taking it, you feel worse. Things generally get better on it.



Not at all, my mood swings have pretty much me for a long time, and I've always been anxious. I was pretty worried I'd change after starting medications. But, you don't change in personality. The meds don't do that, despite all the myths and anti-med propoganda people put out there. You'll still be the same you, just able to cope better with life and things.

This is also in line with what I've read. Just that everyone's biochem tends to be a little different and that medication, for example for depression, is trial and error in a respectful sense. That the important thing is to have a doctor who is a halfway good listener who's willing to tinker with and adjust the medication as needed.

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I have struggled with depression. I haven't yet tried antidepressants but they are kind of my ace in the hole.

I tend to be affected by medication somewhat more than average, so I might start off on half dose, three-quarter dose, this kind of approach.

I've also read that in some cases it's important to come down from an antidepressant in steps, even if it doesn't seem to be working. (and this is exactly why I want a doctor who is a halfway good listener)

I have struggled with OCD, including with what I think is called responsibility OCD. And it's tricky issues. I have had some success---some of the time!--- what I call 'dancing' an issue to the side where I might get to the point in which I give myself permission that it's okay to take a particular precaution, and it's also okay not to, either way is fine (I guess kind of a zen approach which again, admittedly, only works some of the time). I've also done stuff like research and publicize useful information on influenza. kind of helps me address issues more realistically and then I can kind of better argue and debate with myself. And I'm sharing it with others in medium disclosure. No longer am I sharing all of the burden alone.

My meds have definitely changed my personality. They have also made me fatter. Good luck...

I want to reply to this, but am going to have to be careful for how I write my answer.......

I know there are people who can take meds with no problems and come off them with no problems. There are others (like me) who have many side-effects when starting the med, and then experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping the meds. You aren't going to know which group you are in until you try meds, which is unfortunate.

I was on SSRIs. I was not told much about them when I was put on them, and, in hindsight wish I'd researched a lot more about them before choosing to take them. Psych meds affect the whole body, not just the brain. I've been off Zoloft for over a year now and am still experiencing withdrawal effects - I feel faint, sick, and my joints feel like they are burning. My emotions are really strong too. My stomach also frequently upset. My psychiatrist thinks this is all just the old problem come back again, but I never felt like this before I was put on Zoloft.
There are many websites about effects of meds. Rxisk.org is one.

Whatever you decide to do, please make it an informed decision and research thoroughly the meds that are being suggested you go on. Good luck

Thanks for the replies.

I went to see the psychiatrist today. I could've gotten medication today but I couldn't decide what I wanted (since I'm a bit scared of medication) so we decided to wait with SSRIs until I've started therapy. That way I can figure out if therapy's enough or if I want medication as well. I did, however, get prescribed Atarax (Hydroxyzine) to take when needed. I've read a bit about it online and so far I've read most people don't think it works. Anyone here tried it?

That's an antihistamine? I didn't know they were used to treat anxiety, but I just looked it up and it seems to have been used as such for fifty years. Cool.

No, I've never tried it. You'll probably be more tired when you first start using it. I don't know if you'll gain weight, but when I was on SSRIs I lost weight because it reduced my appetite