Pedagogue...got a question...if you don't mind

[historyteach]

Pedagogue;
You stated this on another thread:

The #1 cause of non-response to a medication.......non-compliance. Meds are very particular, and skipping doses, changes doses, etc....can have an effect on if a med works.

And I can completely understand what you're saying here.

But, what if the meds given to you are making you crazy?
Are making you a zoombie?
Are making you non-functional?

Is a person then supposed to continue taking them? Or say "no, this isn't working for me?"

I say this, because it's happened to me. It's happened because I get VERY effected by meds. And I know you have heard me say this before, so, I won't repeat it all again, but, I'm VERY afraid of being turned into a dysfunctional idiot again! In fact, I will NOT let that happen again! Indeed, even my counselor recognizes what happened to me and agrees that it was the meds that screwed me up completely all those years ago. So why would I comply with that?

I am trying to understand. And I don't. Cuz those docs were telling me to "trust" them. And they were NOT listening to me. They kept increasing the dose and changing the meds; not me! And the last thing that doc said was to try one more med; another stronger one. That's when I said, "NO MORE!" and got rid of them.

So, what would *you* have done in my shoes?

Sure, I was non-compliant. What would you have done differently?
Cuz, I got my life back.

And since then, when I know I can't handle a med, I don't take it. Like when my counselor suggested I get seroquel. I took it for a couple of days, and knew *right* away I couldn't handle it. I stopped. I was a walking zoombie. I couldn't function! Well, how *could* I comply with that? I work with kids for crying out loud! And have TONS of responsibility! I'm the sole support of my household! I *have* to function! I don't have a choice!

And yea, due to some extreme stress right now at work, I'm having a hard time again, but, I'm going SLOW, seeking support and medical help. S-L-O-W is the key. Would you do any different in my shoes?

I'm not challanging you, Ped. Ihope you know by now that I love and respect you. But, I'm honestly asking...how to handle this.
Cuz, I don't know...

Thanks for any thoughts you have in this matter. I appreciate it.

Shalom!

[pedagogue]

Originally Posted by historyteach

Pedagogue;
You stated this on another thread:

And I can completely understand what you're saying here.

But, what if the meds given to you are making you crazy?
Are making you a zoombie?
Are making you non-functional?

Is a person then supposed to continue taking them? Or say "no, this isn't working for me?"

This is where it is important to have a doc that will work you, as it is hard to get right the first time. A lot of the side effects can be addressed, though some are going to be there. Something like feeling tired may stick around, but maybe take it at night, so it doesn't stick around all day, etc. Or maybe take something else to off-set it. It really varies, but there *are* options, though sometimes it takes a better than average prescriber to figure it out.

Originally Posted by historyteach

I am trying to understand. And I don't. Cuz those docs were telling me to "trust" them. And they were NOT listening to me. They kept increasing the dose and changing the meds; not me! And the last thing that doc said was to try one more med; another stronger one. That's when I said, "NO MORE!" and got rid of them.

So, what would *you* have done in my shoes?

Find a better doc! Seriously though...a doc's greatest asset isn't his prescription pad, but the 4 inches between his head. Listening is an important part of understanding the situation and being able to work with it. It is a tough balance sometimes because on the one hand people don't give the med enough of a chance at the right dose, but on the other hand some docs will stick with a med too long, instead of considering an alternative and/or adjunct. Of course, if your prescriber won't listen to you....then you are already at a disadvantage.

Originally Posted by historyteach

And since then, when I know I can't handle a med, I don't take it. Like when my counselor suggested I get seroquel. I took it for a couple of days, and knew *right* away I couldn't handle it. I stopped. I was a walking zoombie. I couldn't function! Well, how *could* I comply with that? I work with kids for crying out loud! And have TONS of responsibility! I'm the sole support of my household! I *have* to function! I don't have a choice!

Maybe it wasn't the right med, maybe dosed too high to start, maybe it interacted with another med, etc. I can't speak to a specific instance, but there are many options out there (and they aren't all pharmacological).

btw...no offense taken. I'm always interested in a good discussion.

[historyteach]

Thanks, Ped!

This is where it is important to have a doc that will work you, as it is hard to get right the first time. A lot of the side effects can be addressed, though some are going to be there. Something like feeling tired may stick around, but maybe take it at night, so it doesn't stick around all day, etc. Or maybe take something else to off-set it. It really varies, but there *are* options, though sometimes it takes a better than average prescriber to figure it out.

I hear you, here. And I do take the topamax at night for that reason. It also helps me get a full night's sleep!

...Of course, if your prescriber won't listen to you....then you are already at a disadvantage.

Yea, you're not kidding here...Thankfully, now, I have insurance. I didn't then, and was stuck with what the state provided... Now, I *will* have a choice.

Maybe it wasn't the right med, maybe dosed too high to start, maybe it interacted with another med, etc. I can't speak to a specific instance, but there are many options out there (and they aren't all pharmacological).

I am a big advocate of taking care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I admit, I'm not doing so great right now. I'm not allowed to exercise due to a physical problem. And I'm stressed to the max, so the other stuff is falling by the wayside, a bit, too. I have to get my act together. Last night, at least, I made a good a dinner, anyway. Every little bit helps. This much, I do know.

Thanks for the feedback, Ped. I appreciate it.
And HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

Shalom!

[barb dwyer]

wow.

this is a good exchange.

and makes me grateful for my own doc.

and a smaller town.

and smaller clinic.

[historyteach]

Wish me luck. I've got an appointment with a doc on Tuesday!

Shalom!