Are we over medicated. I sometimes feel like I am. Here is a list of the medicines I am on and the dosages:
- Arthrotec 75 mg- for my arthritis in my knee 2 a day at least 8 hrs apart
- Lipitor 20mg-for my high Cholesterol once at night before bed.
- Avalide 300/12.5mg- for high blood pressure once at night before bed.
- Omeprazole 20 mg- for heart burn 2 tablets once at night before bed.
- Norvase 5 mg- another one for my high blood pressure one at night before bed.
- Abilify 2.5 mg- for my bipolar disorder. 1/2 pill every 3rd night.
- Atavan take as needed for anxiety.
My reason for even bringing this
up was because of an article I just read over on CNN Health it is an article well worth reading if you even feel like you might be being over medicated. I know for a fact that when I take the Abilify I am grogged out for at least a day sometimes two and that is only on half doses. So if any of you out there might think you or a loved one might be affected by this let me know in the comments. It makes you wonder doesn't it? Sure some of the "conditions" I have I may have brought on by my lack of taking care of myself over the years. Like High Blood pressure and High Cholesterol. But then again some tell me it may be heredity. Gee thanks Mom and Dad!
I know for a fact the Bipolar isn't
something I signed up for. It is a chemical imbalance that my body has. It has probably always been there it is just manifesting itself more as I get older. Not only that, the medical establishment isn't prepared at all for the Mental Health issues our society faces today. My blogging buddy Stan has a rather long winded article on this that is well worth reading on his blog click on over here to read it if you have time. It just makes it so imperative that we self educate as it may be the only way to truly get the right answers.Everyone has an opinion about medicine somewhere in the middle lies the truth.
6 comments:
Dearest Mark:
Sounds like you’re going through those medication/bipolar blues right now! I wish I had a simple answer that would make this easier for you during this time in your journey and struggle. But I know how hard that road can be going from one medication to another and never getting the results you had wished and hoped for.
All I can say is you are incredibly strong person with great character, and you will overcome this time one way or another.
You have good friends and a strong family that will always be supporting you through these rough times. So hang in there and fight the good fight. The light at the end of the tunnel isn't a train speeding your way (I promise {smirk}). There are no easy or pat answers for these situations. It's really unfortunate that the medical community isn't more helpful when you need them.
But life is just what it is. Sometimes we just have to ride the tide and survive until the sun shines upon our lives once again.
Please always be aware of all those new stressors in your life Mark. Moving and a new job may not seem like a lot, but those are factors that you need to keep in check as you move on through these changes. I hope you get into see your Pdoc soon. Stephany and I left a few pointers in the comment section on my blog for you.
I believe I hear the rooster getting ready to start crowing, which means I need to start preparing myself for work this morning. I hope you have a great day and that fog of bipolar lifts a little today.
Your Blog buddy and friend:
Stan
Thanks for the blog plug by the way {laughing}. I don't have many answers, but I'm definitely committed to creating a more compassionate environment for those of us that live with mental health disorders.
Hey Mark,
Thank you for visiting my blog! Your comment was really encouraging. I don't know how you found me but you did and I always welcome new blogging buddies.
As for your post, I took a look at your meds and I don't think you're "over medicated" however if you're feeling lethargic or sedated from the Abilify, you should talk to your doc about it and perhaps consider alternatives...
I can relate to the over medicated thing because I'm going through a med change so i'm on EVERYTHING! Med changes are the worst. But, I know there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I see it people get well from meds all the time.
Good luck with everything. I'll be back to visit again. :)
Jena
Jena,
Thanks for stopping by New blogging buddies are always welcome. Especially those that understand the hard times we all go through.
Stan,
You are real people. Thanks for your comment it really lifted my spirits when I read it. My blogging buddies are helping me everyday. It's comments like yours that make it easier to come back and try again tomorrow. Thanks
Blimey that is a lot of medication, do you have a pill tray aswell, I find it helps when I try to remember which ones I have to take.
I hope the grogginess doesn't cause you too much hassle I know it does take some of the day away from me and prevent me from getting up as early as I would like to. But try and think of the benefits they are giving you in comparison to if you didn't take them.
I bet the move is wreaking havoc on your moods sometimes.
Hello? I'm ashamed of you Mr. Krusen. At your age, still blaming your problems on Mom and Pop, lol. Yes, many of us are over medicated or we are on medications that interact badly with each other. Make sure that when you visit the shrink you take a list of all the million meds you are on so that he can try to avoid putting you on a bad mix. And, don't stop taking any of your meds......it would appear you have a lot of "conditions". I just hope it wasn't me that gave you the heartburn, lol.
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