Coming to Terms with Changing Needs

 I have tried over the years to decrease or stop taking a few of my medications. I’ve come to realize that this has been a mistake as my ability to manage life stressors decreases. I also have trouble doing all the tasks of daily living, including washing dishes, doing laundry, vacuuming, and other household tasks.

In December, my doctor began a plan to slowly decrease the dosage of one of my depression medications and then stop. I finished taking the medicine in January which at first seemed good. However, I started having other problems like not being able to sleep yet I had more energy, and I was more impulsive as well. It felt good in some ways, like I was on top of the world. I had never experienced having so much energy before during these first few months of the year, but it was a bit scary for me too.

I went on a trip with a few people to see the Eclipse in Ohio and it was a “perfect storm” of triggers for me. I was sleeping very little, hiking more than usual, and I was at a busy national park for a few days. I also was having trouble with my balance and feeling dizzy all the time. Plus, hiking is really difficult and scary for me. I had thought I could be successful going on the trip, but I was wrong. I really crashed, feeling pretty sick and exhausted by the end of the trip. Then I had a ten-hour trip home and I was in really rough shape by the time I got home that night. I called the doctor the next day to see if they could help me figure out the medication issues. I’m still working on getting back to my old “normal” self.

I have come to the conclusion that I need to give myself some grace. I won’t put down others for needing medicines. So why do I judge myself so harshly for needing the help that my ADHD and anxiety medications and other meds provide to me? These medicines help keep me healthy and my doctor prescribed them for me. I make an effort to make sure I take the right amount at the right time.

Since I have been struggling more lately, my doctor increased the number of medications I take every day. I’m hopeful that some will be temporary but if I need to take them longer, that’s okay. In order to function well and be healthy, I need to take some medications every day.

My oldest sibling is helping me organize my medicines since a few have changed recently. We just finished organizing the medicines in two pill organizers when I received the new pill organizer that I had bought online.  I forgot that I had purchased it, talk about funny timing!

I learned a lot during this time such as listening to the people close to me about their concerns, slowing down, and how important taking my medications is to my daily health. I learned that having this highly increased level of energy is not typical for me, especially if it lasts longer than a week. I had questions too like “Why did I get so hyper? How long until the new medications start working? What are the side effects of the new medications? Are there any over the counter medicines I shouldn’t take anymore?”

Here are some questions for my readers to think about as well. Was this blog useful and helpful to you? Have you ever struggled in any way with medications? Do you have someone you trust to help you with medications? As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. Sending good thoughts to all of my readers.