Navigating Medication Challenges in Psychiatric Care: A Personal Journey

Q: Navigating Medication Challenges in Psychiatric Care: A Personal Journey

Hello： Based on the medication you provided, it mainly consists of antidepressants and various sedative-hypnotics. <br>I recommend that for your central nervous system medications, if possible, you should have a single physician prescribe them. <br>This is because most of the med

Is it a problem with the medication?

I have forgotten why I initially sought psychiatric care at a regional hospital.
At that time, the prescription was as follows: on June 19, 2017, I was prescribed "Xindong" Ambien 0.5 mg and Ulotin 2 mg (aluminum foil/plastic foil).
On June 28, 2017, I received "Longbo" Lipitor film-coated tablets 10 mg and Sustained Release Seroquel 300 mg.
On July 10, 2017, after arguing with the doctor, I left without my medication and later found a psychiatric clinic where I started taking these medications.
From July 2017 to April 2018, I was prescribed Sustained Release Lamotrigine 500 mg, one tablet in the morning and one in the evening; Sustained Release Quetiapine 150 mg, one tablet in the morning and one at noon; Abilify 0.5 mg, 0.5 tablet in the morning and 0.5 tablet in the evening; "Makron" Subutex 50 mg, one tablet in the morning and one in the evening; "Lianbang" Ulotin film-coated tablets 7.5 mg, one tablet before bed; and Lendormin® 0.25 mg (from France), one tablet before bed.
In addition, every night before bed, I would take an extra Ulotin 2 mg (aluminum foil/plastic foil) prescribed by an internist and "Roche" Rifampicin 0.5 mg tablets prescribed by a neurologist.
Later, I felt that the clinic doctor was trying to push products on me, and I felt increasingly dull and experienced significant hand tremors, which affected my daily life.
Therefore, in June of this year, I switched to another hospital.
The doctor at the new hospital asked me why I was seeking treatment, but I genuinely could not recall the reason.
After the consultation, the doctor prescribed Wekuan Sustained Release Tablets 150 mg, two tablets in the morning; Lendormin® 0.25 mg (from France), two tablets before bed; and Healthy Sleep film-coated tablets 7.5 mg, two tablets before bed.
I still took the "Roche" Rifampicin 0.5 mg tablets prescribed by the neurologist.
If the sleeping medication worked, I would take it as prescribed; if not, I would take an additional two Ulotin tablets.
Now, this new combination of medications is much simpler and more convenient than before.
During the first week of taking them, I felt no effects.
In the second week, my temper became extremely explosive, and I felt a deep sense of despair.
By the third week, I was still very nihilistic and irritable, often getting into loud arguments over trivial matters.

Allen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/10

Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry

Hello: Based on the medication you provided, it mainly consists of antidepressants and various sedative-hypnotics.
I recommend that for your central nervous system medications, if possible, you should have a single physician prescribe them.
This is because most of the medications you are using require adjustments based on your condition.
Having three different physicians prescribing your medications is like a three-headed horse with no clear direction, which naturally leads to poor management of your medication regimen and obscures the focus on the symptoms that need treatment.

Reply Date: 2018/07/10

More Info

Navigating the complexities of psychiatric medication can be a daunting journey, especially for individuals dealing with multiple mental health challenges. Your experience reflects a common struggle faced by many patients: the difficulty in finding the right medication regimen, managing side effects, and dealing with the emotional turmoil that often accompanies mental health disorders.

From your account, it seems that you have been prescribed a variety of medications over time, including antidepressants, anxiolytics, and sleep aids. This polypharmacy approach is not uncommon in psychiatric care, as many patients present with overlapping symptoms that require a multifaceted treatment strategy. However, it can lead to confusion, increased side effects, and the feeling of being overwhelmed, as you have described.

One of the key challenges in your journey appears to be the side effects of the medications. You mentioned feeling "dumber" and experiencing tremors, which can be distressing and may impact your daily functioning. It's crucial to communicate these side effects to your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your medication regimen. Sometimes, the benefits of a medication can be overshadowed by its side effects, and finding the right balance is essential for effective treatment.

Moreover, the emotional fluctuations you experienced—such as increased irritability and feelings of hopelessness—are significant. These symptoms can be exacerbated by medication changes or the inherent challenges of managing a mental health condition. It's important to recognize that these feelings are valid and that you are not alone in experiencing them. Many individuals undergoing treatment for mental health issues report similar emotional rollercoasters, particularly when adjusting to new medications or when medications are not working as intended.

In your case, it might be beneficial to consider a few strategies to help navigate this complex landscape:
1. Open Communication with Your Healthcare Provider: Regularly discuss your experiences with your psychiatrist or mental health professional. Be honest about the side effects and emotional challenges you are facing. This dialogue is crucial for tailoring your treatment plan to better suit your needs.

2. Medication Management: Keeping a medication diary can be helpful. Documenting when you take your medications, any side effects you experience, and how you feel can provide valuable insights for your healthcare provider. This information can help them make informed decisions about your treatment.

3. Therapeutic Support: In addition to medication, consider engaging in therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or other forms of psychotherapy can provide you with tools to manage your emotions and develop coping strategies for dealing with irritability and feelings of hopelessness.

4. Support Networks: Connecting with support groups, either in-person or online, can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences with others who are facing similar challenges can be incredibly validating and may offer new perspectives on managing your condition.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices, can significantly impact your overall mental health. These changes can help mitigate some of the emotional and physical side effects of medication.

6. Patience and Persistence: Finding the right medication and dosage can take time. It’s important to be patient with yourself and the process. Mental health treatment is often not linear, and setbacks can occur. However, with persistence and the right support, improvement is possible.

In conclusion, navigating the challenges of psychiatric medication requires a proactive approach, open communication with healthcare providers, and a willingness to explore various therapeutic options. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help you manage your mental health effectively. Your experiences and feelings are valid, and with the right support, you can work towards a more stable and fulfilling life.

Similar Q&A

Navigating Medication Challenges in Schizophrenia Treatment

Hello, doctor. Since April 2018, I have felt that something is not right with me. I have been obsessively thinking about past events or forcing myself to think about things, which has made me very unhappy upon waking up, and I realized that I was in trouble because of my compulsi...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, internet user: It is recommended to continue collaborating with your trusted physician. The effectiveness of long-acting injections and oral medications is comparable, or even better (since there is no issue of forgetting to take the medication), making it a good option. D...

Struggles with Mental Health Treatment: A Patient's Frustrating Journey

It has been five years since the onset of my illness. Before I got sick, I always thought that being ill simply meant seeing a doctor and taking medication to get better. I initially believed that I had to cooperate with my physician and that they could help me. However, now I fe...

Dr. Duan Yongzhang reply Psychiatry
Bystander: Hello! Your feelings of helplessness and confusion are truly profound. I believe this is the result of five years of accumulated experiences, and it resonates with many friends who are seeing psychiatrists. By asking these questions for yourself, you are also giving a ...

Feeling Hopeless: Coping with Mental Health Challenges and Medication

The source of stress has been unresolvable, and I've been relying on psychiatric and psychological medications to cope. How much longer can I endure this...?

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Chamg, thank you for your question. It sounds like you are currently facing some significant challenges that have led to limited relief despite medication. Since I am not fully aware of your specific situation, it may be helpful to clarify a few things, such as the type of m...

Understanding Medication Changes in Mental Health Treatment: A Patient's Perspective

Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I went for psychotherapy and then visited my attending physician. During the therapy session, I told my therapist that I sometimes have suicidal thoughts, and he relayed this information to my attending physician. That day, my attending physician decided...

Dr. Chen Wenke reply Psychiatry
MIMI faces challenges in treatment that truly trouble many people. However, one thing is certain: treatment is always better than no treatment. We must acknowledge that some individuals may experience suboptimal responses to therapy, and these individuals may require more time an...