What happens when we take our medication at the wrong time of day? If we skip a dose, should we double-up? Are there any medications that a woman can take which will not harm the unborn child? Can medication prevent relapse?
Talk to Your Doctor
These are just some of the questions we should ask our doctors to gain clarity. I've learned first-hand the trials and errors of not comprehending the facts and making poor decisions. Often, we wonder what the fine print says but don't investigate. Therefore, we ask our doctors questions without understanding what language they're speaking and leave their office with the same questions.
My medication cocktail changed over the years. In the past, I've been fortunate to be on a single medication to effectively treat my schizophrenia symptoms. While other times I've had to work diligently with my doctor to adjust my medication cocktail. For example, dealing with two anti-depressants or anti-psychotics at once in addition to a mood stabilizer and take as needed treatments to overcome anxiety and medication side effects.
Take Your Medicine as Prescribed
Testing these medications, I've learned the hard way what happens when you don't take them at the proper time of day. Medication management is important to me because of the results I've had. However, as you can imagine taking a handful of medications an individual can innocently mix doses.
Most times when I visit my pharmacist, they reiterate the importance of taking the medicine as prescribed. Taking morning meds in the morning and evening meds at bedtime. What happens when you mix the two?
I skipped a dose of medicine and when I recognized it, I took my morning dose with the nighttime meds. This was a horrible mistake. I thought everything was fine until chaos broke out in my relationship. We had a huge argument.
Eventually I asked if the events I argued were real. Finally, we realized I was delusional and enroute to psychosis. I experienced medication-induced symptoms. It was severely problematic. Fortunately, we discovered the root cause of the raucous I was creating. All because I mixed my morning prescriptions with the nighttime meds. After realizing the problems, I felt terrible. It was a harsh lesson but I'm grateful I have a strong partner who aims to gain insight.
Pregnant on Medication is Possible
Pregnant on medication could be a significant problem. Some medications are detrimental to the unborn baby. If you're not informed, or misled by the wrong people, a woman could make poor choices. A lot of people in the healthcare field are not aware of the different types of medication management.
However, a specialist with experience can help people make informed decisions. There are a slim few meds a mother with child can manage through the pregnancy. She doesn't have to stop treatment through the pregnancy. This information helps but must be discussed with a psychiatrist or specialist. As you know, I'm not a doctor and am talking from my experience.
Problems on Meds
Living with schizophrenia, it's best to be self-aware of our triggers and warning signs for relapse. While medication can be effective in controlling symptoms there's no guarantee against relapse. In fact, some symptoms may linger.
Although I've stayed on medication for years, I experienced problems in spite of being medicated. Once I became psychotic despite being on medication. Still, aware of my diagnosis I didn't realize I was in trouble because I wasn't hallucinating. I was delusional and on course to the downward spiral of worsening symptoms and eventually hospitalized.
Also, being on the same medication for years a person can seemingly become immune to treatment. It's important we communicate with our doctors to catch the symptoms creeping in. To make necessary adjustments to manage symptoms and life. Throughout my recovery journey I had to tweak doses, change treatments and add medications to maintain effectiveness.
Conclusion
These were just some of things I gained insight through hard lessons. I encourage you to take your medication as prescribed. Ask your treatment team and pharmacist questions with understanding to gain insight. Should you skip the missed dose? Double-up? - This varies. In addition to learning the side effects of your prescriptions ask your doctor and pharmacist more questions.
If pregnant let your psychiatrist know immediately to ensure wellness for you and your baby. Don't make decisions without your specialist. A lot of healthcare providers may share their opinions and not understand the facts- there are medications you can stay on through pregnancy.
Being on medication doesn't make us immune to the problems of having a brain disease. Yes, we can have symptoms on medication. Yes, we can still be at risk of relapse on medication. Yes, there is such as a thing as medication-induced psychosis.
However, this doesn't mean we should give up on treatments. Still, a lot of medication cocktails will keep symptoms at bay and minimize the risk of relapse. I had a setback after being on medication for 11 years- that was my second hospitalization. I've been hospitalized three times. Medication works just be mindful of your triggers and warning signs. Be properly informed and follow your doctor's recommendations.
Comments