[o.kay]

Do you ever get scared of what all your medications are doing to you? I know meds help me function and that I need them. prescribing medication is not an exact science. I've been on too many different meds to count. It seems to be trial and error. I have a friend that got extremely ill with serotonin syndrome. I'm currently on 3 antidepressants, 60mg of ritalin, And Klonopin. I've been on 2-3other antidepressants, mood stabilizers, & an anti psychotic in the past.
Ijust got back somelab results And there were abnormal results. I just wonder after reading all the warnings on meds. Am I being paranoid or are others concerned as well?

Hi O.Kay!

I personally think it's wise to consider the side effects of the meds. However, if you need them to be able to function then don't worry about it, allow yourself to function and monitor what you can. We can't control everything. Keep an eye on the dangerous symptoms like serotonin syndrome and let your doc know you're concerned.

Love and hugs,
Tara

[missbelle]

I have thought of the long term effects of being on my meds a long time. I have been on them 20plus years now. However they have changed my life from bad to good so that pleases me greatly. I would not be the same person without my meds!

[online user]

Like Missbelle, I, too, have been on meds for over 20 years. I take more now than ever before. I do get my blood checked every 3 months or oftener, so the docs are watching all my kidney and liver functions. I take meds for diabetes (insulin--two types), depression (cymbalta and remeron), blood pressure and kidney function (losartan and mitralzapine, sometimes lasix and potassium), cholesterol (simvistatin), digestive issues--GERD, nausea and vomiting, chronic diahrrea (nexium, lomotil--as needed, levsin--as needed), also sometime take ambien to sleep. And I take a baby aspirin for heart protection. For arthritis and lower back pain (broke L1 & L2 about 6-7 years ago), I take naproxen or vicodin when needed.

I'm sure I'm healthier today because of all the meds I take. I wouldn't be here today, probably, without the pysch meds. But I am glad I get things checked. I currently see regularly a family practice specialist, a psychiatrist, a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, and a knee surgeon. I have seen a urologist, podiatrist, hand surgeon, and surgical specialist in the past.

I think the standard for prescribing meds is, "Does the benefit outweigh the risk?" So, i you need it, take it. Just watch out for side effects.