1. < Depression & Anxiety

Downward spiral

Posted by twystd @twystd, Apr 10 11:35am

I have been on a downward spiral since the end of 2023 and it just continues to get worse and worse. I have Bi-polar II my weak link to say when it comes to bi-polar is spending money, most of the money I spend is on myself and for things I quite frankly do not need in the least little but. I have been talking about it a bit with my therapist but haven't been able to see them since the end of March due to a training that I have to take for my current job. Even when I talk to her about it, she's sympathetic and says she understands and in some aspects I feel like she find reasons for me to excuse my behavior. I don't ever have to be held accountable with her and quite frankly I think that helps me to feel alright for my shopping. That's not what this post was suppose to be about, I finally came clean to my psychiatrist about my spending/shopping and she wants to add a medication to what I already take and the medication is trileptal(?) It's an anti psychotic and I looked online at all the possible side effects and it scares me to take it. I stopped taking kolonopin because all I wanted to do was sleep, and that is one of MANY side effects of this new medication. I thought may e I was overreacting and looked at another medication I already take but the list wasn't nearly as long or severe as this new medication. I don't know what to do! Any help, insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Apr 13 9:10pm
In reply to @twystd "It makes total sense. I just don't know where this stops. I used to be so..." + (show)
@twystd

It makes total sense. I just don't know where this stops. I used to be so responsible with my money and my accounts and now I'm like throwing it in the wind, not that I'm rich or anything, I just can't seem to stop

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
2 replies
twystd | @twystd | Apr 13 11:26pm
In reply to @jimhd "I understand how frightening it can be to look at the list of side effects of..." + (show)
@jimhd

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

Jump to this post

Thank you Jim for the optimism on the new medication, it is really scary when you see things like rapid weight gain especially when you are battling losing weight and also skin pulling, and severe sleepiness when you are finally awake more. I will definitely discuss it with my pharmacist. I am absolutely going to check on the interactions it could have with my current meds!

REPLY
brandysparks | @brandysparks | Apr 14 6:01am
In reply to @twystd "I will definitely have to print a copy of that. Thank you so much for wanting..." + (show)
@twystd

I will definitely have to print a copy of that. Thank you so much for wanting to help.

Jump to this post

You are most welcome.

Feels like you are open to options and have some momentum going here!

Hugs!

REPLY
sharing | @sharing | Apr 14 8:00am
In reply to @jimhd "I understand how frightening it can be to look at the list of side effects of..." + (show)
@jimhd

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

Jump to this post

I do understand that one size doesn’t fit all and that goes for medications as well. However, the companies are pumping out new meds and have you looked at how many people were in the tests groups, before it went to market, and just how long have these newer meds been tested…I just am sorry it has come to this: I can no longer totally trust any doctors with prescribing.

Quite a few years ago when the osteoporosis prevention drugs were coming out. If allergic to any injectable meds just think: if you have side effects, there is no antidote. As with facial fillers…once in, too late. The only antidote for injectable facial products is for hyaluronic fillers. Otherwise…..I just say, think hard first. My symptoms with lupus I am not willing to sign up with possibly DOUBLE TROUBLE if you know what I mean.

But, bottom line, not one size fits all and the complications could hurt you more. Just my thoughts.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Apr 14 10:56am
In reply to @sharing "I do understand that one size doesn’t fit all and that goes for medications as well...." + (show)
@sharing

I do understand that one size doesn’t fit all and that goes for medications as well. However, the companies are pumping out new meds and have you looked at how many people were in the tests groups, before it went to market, and just how long have these newer meds been tested…I just am sorry it has come to this: I can no longer totally trust any doctors with prescribing.

Quite a few years ago when the osteoporosis prevention drugs were coming out. If allergic to any injectable meds just think: if you have side effects, there is no antidote. As with facial fillers…once in, too late. The only antidote for injectable facial products is for hyaluronic fillers. Otherwise…..I just say, think hard first. My symptoms with lupus I am not willing to sign up with possibly DOUBLE TROUBLE if you know what I mean.

But, bottom line, not one size fits all and the complications could hurt you more. Just my thoughts.

Jump to this post

And that is why I read the paperwork carefully when I get a new medication, and I also research online. I'm sure that there are lots of people who would refuse to take some of the medications I take out of fear, and even some out of misinformation, but I have to weigh the benefits with the risks. I have several drug allergies, so I have to pay attention to what I'm prescribed.

Jim

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