@twystd - in the interest of helping & sharing: I have a card from a Professional Organizer I did Zoom sessions with over the past year: OrganizationRules.com, Vickie Dellaquila.

She sent me this TradeMarked card, which I share here (I strongly recommend her services - she is credentialed, has 20++ years of experience, and is a very calming but insightful presence - especially since we did it via Zoom):
"Pause Before Purchase" [TM]:
1. Do I need it?
2. Is this a want?
3. Do I have cash for it?
4. Where will I keep it?
5. How do I feel?
6. Can I pause before purchasing?
_________________________________
I keep it by my computer, which I am on a lot through the day, and it has given me pause, but also thanks to her services, I got over a hump. But there is always more to deal with, and soon I will work with an organizer who can travel to my location (kind of $$$, but hard to find someone who will work confidentially in-home in my area). Will see how that goes, but I just need hands-on help getting through some of the things I really have accumulated and can donate / consign / remove to others who could enjoy them too. Seems it's an ongoing process - for me - but, with help, I am optimistic I can get "through -- beyond -- and over!"

Best wishes. I understand! 😉

I understand how frightening it can be to look at the list of side effects of nearly every medication. You can't depend on the experiences others have had, though, because everyone responds to medication differently. I would suggest discussing it with the prescriber, letting them know how you feel about taking it. If they really think that the medication will help you, you might just try it at the lowest dose, and see how it goes.

I've had serious reactions to a few meds, so I ask questions. Perhaps you could ask about taking it for a limited time to get you over the hump. If it helps you do that, it might be worth the risk. Have you looked at the interactions of the new medication with what you're already taking? That's always my first step when I'm prescribed a new medication. Another resource could be your pharmacist.

Psychotics are there for legitimate reasons. Pharmaceutical companies have to list all of the possible side effects and risks, to cover themselves legally, no matter how small a risk might be. It's always interesting to me to read the paperwork that comes with every medication. I notice that the same list of cautions seems to show up with all kinds of medications.

You have reason to be concerned. But, you can't let fear of what has happened to other people guide your decision. It could be that the medication is just what you need. Whatever you decide to do, I hope that you get help with your compulsive spending. I went through the same thing a year ago, and it's a challenge to stop. I asked my therapist to hold me accountable for my spending, and that helped.

Best wishes.

Jim