Exidor
Posts: 135
Joined: 12/31/2011
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If there's a med that will handle your problem, by all means go for it.
BUT...
I suggest keeping a diary, journal, or even just a file of notes on the computer, recording your mood, attitude, energy level, etc. It's easy to lose track of gradual changes.
The doctor can't read your mind. If you want the best treatment you can get, you need to provide them with as much information as you can. Some doctors provide check sheets for you to monitor yourself day by day, others will just do a brief interview.
Some drugs take a while to build up in the system and start working. And even when they're working, it may take a while to let go of an established mindset. Don't be afraid to let the doc know when the drug or dosage isn't working... but for some of them, you have to go with it a while to see how they work over the long term.
If you think the drug is generally helpful, but too strong, try cutting the dosage or lengthening the interval.
*When* you take the drug can affect things. What time of day is worst for you? How long does it take for you to notice an effect? Adjust your interval accordingly.
If you have someone trustworthy to provide feedback, note their comments in your log too, even when you disagree. Maybe particularly when you disagree. You're on the inside; you can't always judge fine differences in behavior.
Reading up on the drugs online, or tracing the original test results on fda.gov, can be useful... but drugs affect people differently. Sometimes a *lot* differently. A lot of them come down to, "take some of these and see if they help." Don't be too discouraged; it's still the early days of learning how to twiddle brain chemistry.
Depending on what your root problem is, the right drug can make a *big* difference... but it's probably not going to to everything on its own. You have to do your part too. But at least you'll have a much better chance of being successful!
Peoples' reactions to drugs change over time. In six months, a year, five years, they might not work like they did when you first started taking them. Medication is a *process." Again, only you can really tell when things are balanced properly.
Yes, there's still some stigma. Depending on whose figures you like, between 20% to 25% of the US population are on some kind of psychiatric drug. You have a lot of company...
All drugs have side effects. With psychiatric drugs the side effects are often subtle, often manifesting as apathy or general lack of enthusiasm for life. That's where outside feedback can help.
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RE: Psychiatrist? What to expect? - 
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