[Paige008]

I have been having some nasty side effects this past week. I've just started Risperidal last Friday and just ended Seroquel two days ago.

I've been lightheaded for a few seconds, hundreds of times throughout the day. It makes my stomach flip and my fingers go numb. I thought things would get better after a few days, but they've just gotten worse. I'm now getting physically sick from the dizziness and feel really short of breath.

I've called my psychiatrist twice today, once this morning and then againg about an hour ago. All I got was a recording. I left messages but heard nothing back. I finally got up the nerve to call the urgent on call psych, but, you'll never freaking believe it, it put me back to HER message again!

I'm getting a little nervous, especially if this stuff doesn't stop or keeps getting worse. What do you do if your doctor doesn't answer? I've thpught about calling my therapist, but there's nothing she can do either. How do you know when your side effects have gone too far? And, what do you do, who do you call?

[Martina]

I'm not sure what time zone you're in, but is it getting close to 5:00? Your pdoc should call you when they're done with clients. If not, you have a crappy pdoc!

If it gets really bad, or if he doesn't call you back, the only thing you could really do is go to an urgent care medical clinic or the E.R.

[Paige008]

I'm hoping you're right. Its about 6 here now and I still haven't heard from her. Maybe she's seeing clients late tonight. ...Or like you said, she sucks.

I just wish that she would call back and tell me that this is all normal, you know?

[online user]

Could be withdrawal symptoms from the old med, new med symptoms from the new, or the combination of both. If you don't get a call back from your pscyhiatrist, urgent meds or the er room are probably your only options. Unless your general Practitioner doc might take a call...that's an option if you see him/her regularly enough. Good luck!

[Paige008]

Thanks for the advice you guys!

My pdoc finally called around 7. She thinks its all a ****** side effect from the meds. She told me to stop taking the Risperidal and we'll try to find something else that works. After this week though, I'm not so sure about all these trial and errror meds.

She didn't give me much advice to control the dizziness and hot flashes. Take another Lorazepam, lay down and stay off work, go to the hospital if you start feeling hopeless or angry. I'd like to find someone who's been on The Scambler Ride for the past week to NOT feel angry or hopeless!

Any ideas on how long this crap is going to last?

[online user]

Unfortunately, there are so many unknowns in psychiatry, that trial-and-error is the best that docs can do to address our needs. Most think that some of us definately need meds as well as behavior modifications to deal wth our depressions.

She has to caution you that you need to go to the hospital if you have severe symptoms, for her protection in case you get suicial. Yeah, I know, it does sound stupid to suggest it, as you are most likely to feel that way. You will have to be the determiner, though, if you need help if you are likely to hurt yourself.

Glad your doc finally called you. I think within a week or two you should know if the side effects are going to be acceptible or not. Will take longer--6-8 weeks they say--to know if the meds will relieve your emotional symptoms and be worth the side effects.

Sorry to be the "bearer of bad news"--on the med front, there are a lot of concerns for us, unfortunately! Hope you feel better soon!