David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Starting Medication: What To Expect
Monday, January 15th, 2007
by G.J. Gregory
So you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and started on a med regime. What should you expect?
First, this has been covered many times before, but it bears repeating: You need to take an active role in your treatment. From diagnosis, to prescription, to follow up, you need to be fully involved. When you are issued a prescription, stop and discuss it. Ask about side effects, ask about weight gain, ask about sexual impact, memory impact, motivation impact. You need to know how your life will be affected. If you have to stay alert, you may want to negotiate on some meds. If you can?t sleep, you may have to negotiate on other meds. For example, Seroquel dulls my senses and makes me sleepy. It?s great for my manias and psychotic states, but it makes it difficult for me to work. Depending on your life, what you have to accomplish, and the demands of your work and family, you may need to compromise. But you MUST discuss these issues with your health care provider. Don?t be a passive participant. Be an active one.
Next, even though your side effects may begin on day one, it can take weeks, and maybe months, to get the full benefit from your meds. This can make for some difficult situations. If you are having issues, you need to discuss this. If the side effects are too intense, or the meds are negatively impacting your quality of life, you need to contact your health care provider. Don?t wait three weeks until your next appointment; call them now. Leave a message and ask for a return call when they have an opportunity. Succinctly explain your issues, listen to the response, and come to an agreement on your direction. With a little luck, you may hit on the right treatment the first time. But most likely it will be a long-term process of give and take: a tweak here, a change there. Don?t get discouraged ? it?s something we all go through. Be patient, stay involved, and keep striving for the best balance you can get.
You should be prepared for the changes in your relationships with others. It will most likely be gradual, but those around you may notice your change. The amount of information you give is entirely up to you - there have been several articles on ?coming out? with respect to mood disorders and mental issues. You need to decide what information, if any, is appropriate to disclose in your situation. I disclose my disorder to very few, and have several retorts stored up that I can pull out when needed. I jokingly say I?m a ?product of the seventies?, which covers virtually all scenarios. That brings a laugh, and a change of subject.
Finally, you need to be prepared for a major lifestyle change. It most likely won?t be immediate, but your life WILL change. How it changes depends on your particular symptoms and how they?re being treated. For me, I lost motivation, I lost creativity, I lost sexual interest, I lost much of my passion for the things in life that used to bring me pleasure. I lost my ?edge? in many ways. I had plans to write a book, and I don?t think I can do that now. I have a hard time finding the creativity to even blog. But this being said, I have gained in relationships. I enjoy my kids and family more. I can listen to people. I?m not as controlling as I used to be. My explosive temper is under control. For those around me, life is better. And isn?t that what it?s really about?
Find more information about what to do if you?ve just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at our Just Diagnosed page.
Monday, January 15th, 2007
by G.J. Gregory
So you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and started on a med regime. What should you expect?
First, this has been covered many times before, but it bears repeating: You need to take an active role in your treatment. From diagnosis, to prescription, to follow up, you need to be fully involved. When you are issued a prescription, stop and discuss it. Ask about side effects, ask about weight gain, ask about sexual impact, memory impact, motivation impact. You need to know how your life will be affected. If you have to stay alert, you may want to negotiate on some meds. If you can?t sleep, you may have to negotiate on other meds. For example, Seroquel dulls my senses and makes me sleepy. It?s great for my manias and psychotic states, but it makes it difficult for me to work. Depending on your life, what you have to accomplish, and the demands of your work and family, you may need to compromise. But you MUST discuss these issues with your health care provider. Don?t be a passive participant. Be an active one.
Next, even though your side effects may begin on day one, it can take weeks, and maybe months, to get the full benefit from your meds. This can make for some difficult situations. If you are having issues, you need to discuss this. If the side effects are too intense, or the meds are negatively impacting your quality of life, you need to contact your health care provider. Don?t wait three weeks until your next appointment; call them now. Leave a message and ask for a return call when they have an opportunity. Succinctly explain your issues, listen to the response, and come to an agreement on your direction. With a little luck, you may hit on the right treatment the first time. But most likely it will be a long-term process of give and take: a tweak here, a change there. Don?t get discouraged ? it?s something we all go through. Be patient, stay involved, and keep striving for the best balance you can get.
You should be prepared for the changes in your relationships with others. It will most likely be gradual, but those around you may notice your change. The amount of information you give is entirely up to you - there have been several articles on ?coming out? with respect to mood disorders and mental issues. You need to decide what information, if any, is appropriate to disclose in your situation. I disclose my disorder to very few, and have several retorts stored up that I can pull out when needed. I jokingly say I?m a ?product of the seventies?, which covers virtually all scenarios. That brings a laugh, and a change of subject.
Finally, you need to be prepared for a major lifestyle change. It most likely won?t be immediate, but your life WILL change. How it changes depends on your particular symptoms and how they?re being treated. For me, I lost motivation, I lost creativity, I lost sexual interest, I lost much of my passion for the things in life that used to bring me pleasure. I lost my ?edge? in many ways. I had plans to write a book, and I don?t think I can do that now. I have a hard time finding the creativity to even blog. But this being said, I have gained in relationships. I enjoy my kids and family more. I can listen to people. I?m not as controlling as I used to be. My explosive temper is under control. For those around me, life is better. And isn?t that what it?s really about?
Find more information about what to do if you?ve just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at our Just Diagnosed page.
