Medication vs Living Life.

I’m curious about how you guys think about this cos it’s something that I’ve struggled with for a while and I have a friend with a similar problem.

We all know the importance of taking medication as prescribed by our doctors. Regular doses at regular times and stick to the routine for maximum benefit. That makes perfect sense. Unfortunately, some medications have side effects that can make life more difficult to navigate. My example is Quetiapine. I know that this meditation has a calming effect on me and when my mind hits 0 to psycho in 10 secs it brings me back down again and stops those racing thoughts taking over. A very effective meditation for me but there is a downside. Because of the sedative effects it means I’m unsafe to drive on them. This wasn’t a problem when I only took them at night but because I also have an afternoon dose it means that I can’t drive anywhere from about 1pm onwards. Of course that’s not always practical so if I know I have somewhere to go and I have to drive I have to skip my afternoon meds which I also know isn’t recommended. There is a very good reason why that does was added.

Anyway, I’m just wondering what your thoughts are, should we rigidly stick to the medication regimen and not be able to book afternoon appointments, days out, socialise with friends or do we risk skipping doses in order to maintain some form of normality which is also important so our wellbeing?

Unfortunately, I’ve found that the effects of missing doses is far more impactful than the effects of the meds

I've found it takes a few days to feel better after a missed dose. Even if it's something as simple as an upset stomach after taking them, the missed dose hangover is terrible.

If I had a choice, would I take as many meds as I do? Probably not, but the alternative is not for me.

My friend has taken on a small part time job and is scared to take her meds because they make her really drowsy and unable to function. She needs work but she also needs to be pain free and she feels it isn’t possible to have both. I can totally relate cos I have to sacrifice my afternoon anti psychs a lot cos I can’t risk driving on them. It’s so hard to figure out the right thing when your meds leave you pretty much housebound for 12 hrs of the day.

I am on a lunchtime anti psychotic. If taken regularly the sedative effect wears off as my body adjusts to it. I get the benefit without the side effect. It took a few weeks to build up my tolerance but now I can take it as prescribed without the side effects.

Playing fast and loose with meds without consulting a doctor is never recommended. If your friend is having issues, the sensible thing to do is to talk to her GP about alternative options

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Originally Posted by Strugglingmum

I am on a lunchtime anti psychotic. If taken regularly the sedative effect wears off as my body adjusts to it. I get the benefit without the side effect. It took a few weeks to build up my tolerance but now I can take it as prescribed without the side effects.

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I wish I could say the same. Been taking my afternoon does for a while now but I still end up sleeping most the afternoon

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I personally needed help with my medications, and they have been incredibly helpful with my medication management.
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