Quote:
Originally Posted by Turtleboy
hmm is the brain damage you are talking about come from taking the meds or not taking them? i often forget mine for a week at a time i only notice when i start getting dizzy spells, i wasn't aware not taking your med's could cause this problem, it seems quite alarming,
on the routine side of things i find setting a time on my phone help remind me (when i actually set it)
when i hear that tone i know its medicine time, hope it helps a little man  |
From forgetting to take them. I've heard about the theory that episodes gradually worsen the bipolar illness, and episodes, at least in my case, often come when I forget to take the meds for a few days. Also, when I tapered off Zyprexa last time I got some ataxia (spasms mostly in neck, arms, upper body) that lasted for a few weeks, so I'm worried that this could progress since my blood levels of Zyprexa are very unstable. I can't make up my mind if these meds are a good thing or a bad thing, but I remembered them the last two nights now and I do feel much better already.
I think I'm going to find an alarm clock, since I usually have my phone on silence mode or it's out of power.
Maybe that will make it a little easier. Thank you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peepshowgirl
As for causing problems by not taking your meds. Some meds take a little time before they start working... to get in your system, I guess. By skipping doses, consistently, it would seem you'd be keeping yourself from getting a regular dose, meaning getting treatment from those meds.
|
But I'm worried about the withdrawals, since they seem to cause episodes sometimes. I wonder if there have been studies on how med compliance and prognosis are related in bipolar illness? That sounds like something I should check out. Dose trays are great, I have two!
I can't do the kitchen thing though, since I take mine before bed time and don't frequent the kitchen at that hour. But thanks for the tip! I'll probably do that if I get morning meds. I think I'll try having a bowl of pills somewhere I can see them, to help remind me. I guess that could work?
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackPup
It's hard to remember to take them when you're feeling bad. I use a dossette box to hold a weeks meds. I used to have to set alarms on my phone to remember to take them. Otherwise you could take them when you brush your teeth or something. Though I often forget that when I feel bad.
There is a theory that episodes damage your brain so if that's right not taking meds could be bad for your brain. But it's just a theory.
|
Yeah I forget/skip brushing my teeth too. Maybe I should have bowls of pills everywhere, so I can't miss them.
Thanks for all the replies people!