by KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC

www.DOCintheBiz.com

The Difficulties of Finding a Medication that Works for You

I had a comment from a reader who truly couldn’t understand my comment, “THE KEY IS TO NEVER GIVE UP!” And I never mind a challenge and the questioning as to what I mean by what I write in my articles. In fact, I welcome questions, comments, and/or concerns. I was referring to the testing out and trying of different medications until you find that right one that works for you, makes you feel whole and functional, and gives you the quality of life that you want and deserve!

At the same time, I completely understand doubting this process and almost feeling like a guinea pig trying all these medications and finding yourself nowhere except sick sick sick as you experience the side effects! This is not always how it works though!

I try not to think of trying new medications as “experimenting” on oneself, but in a way I can definitely see how it may seem like that. Furthermore, when a person experiences the side effects of a medication and they are rather severe, they will tend to discontinue use of the medication (sometimes prematurely because often the side effects are only for a short time and as a body gets used to the medication, the side effects fade or disappear), but the person still cannot wait that time (with good reason) and never finds a medication that does work for him/her. It’s important to know that when one tries different medications, he/she should be under the supervision of a psychiatrist who monitors closely, and when tapering them off a medication because it is not working, they do it slowly and carefully to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Doctors should taper slow enough and often add the help of another medication at times.

I know, it seems like medication overload, but most doctors (hopefully) know what they are doing and there is no reason why a consumer cannot education themselves as to the side effects of medications and the reason why sometimes combinations of different ones are used in treatment. An educated consumer is always the best one, they say.

One way I can think to relay what I meant by words “THE KEY IS TO NEVER GIVE UP” is to relate it to dating or eating. If you only went on one date and it was miserable, would you decide not to put yourself through the anguish again and never find your soul mate? If you only tried one kind of food (and it made you sick) would you never eat again? I’m not sure what good or bad kind of analogies those are, but it is not always a fiasco to find the correct medication. Some people get lucky on the first or second try, but others do have to hang in there and keep trying until something agrees with them and ultimately, changes their life. It’s like trying to see the light behind the clouds. With a positive mental attitude that you truly want to feel better and will do anything it takes, you’ll get yourself through it. It really and truly is worth the ride. And I’m not that I’m saying the process is easy in the least, but instead I do have the utmost empathy and compassion for someone going through it! I truly hope that my readers do understand that I DO understand the difficulties of finding a medication that works for you  and can only hope the process is NOT a difficult one, but surprisingly a good one! Everyone deserves that!

Without a doubt, add psychotherapy to the mix and you’re well on your way to the proper treatment and hopefully successful results to get the root of your issues and perhaps even in time, be able to taper off the medication (very slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms) and live medication free. If not, and you have to be on medication for the rest of your life, that is nothing to be ashamed of either. Instead, one should be proud to live a life of quality and happiness.

Thank you my reader who inspired me to write this article. I hope that it was helpful.

Please visit me at DOCintheBiz for mental health self help links and the opportunity to email me for professional and confidential help with any concerns you may have about your process in finding the right medication for you OR anything you are wanting to share. You are never alone!

Dr. KC
http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
http://GLCzone.com

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