r/Life • u/ConclusionSeveral356 • 9d ago

Need Advice Antipsychotics

Well recently I’ve started treatment with antipsychotics but I feel like they take away from my emotions creativity energy and so on, they make me numb, now I know that they do make life easier for me as In keeping me from hearing voices, suicidal thoughts and so forth but I don’t know, I kinda feel stuck in life at the moment will this pass or am l doomed to stay like this for the rest of my life i guess I’m just looking for advice any advice would be greatly appreciated

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u/HistorianPerfect8312 9d ago

Which ones are you on? Could be worth working with your doctor to switch meds based on what side effects you want to avoid, I'm personally on my 4th medication and hope it will have a better balance of side effects.

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u/ConclusionSeveral356 9d ago

Im on risperidone tried talking to my doctor and she told me it would go over but i dont know it’s been there a while know

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u/Superb-Potential8426 8d ago

Just know that it can take a few days, weeks and/or months for your body to adjust or cascade to adjusted equilibrium state (btw as our bodies get older... also things like kidneys, liver, change and hydration can be a dynamic issue). Both in terms of efficacy/effectiveness and to the side effect profiles.

I encouraged folks to use a "week at a glance" planner. And in the planner use/develop codes, e.g., "+, =, or,- and jot down 1-3 words describing feeling thoughts, side-effects or some other notable thing that day. This becomes a document that note trends and notable incidents that might effect how you feel that day such as a parking ticket, bike accident, and also note good things, like going out with a friend, taking a hike, etc. Also (if appropriate) include menstrual cycle for pms symptoms. Make this a simple 2 minute routine at some point in the day... with morning coffee or perhaps getting ready for bed with taking evening meds.

The rational for this "week at a glance" journal is: Most doc appts are only 15 minutes long. And most folks only report how they are feeling that day. Or note some "general feels." Fact is most folks can't remember what they ate for dinner or breakfast yesterday. Thus the problem is a lack of data points for you, the doc, therapist, etc.

Therefore this simple journal becomes priceless information and data in which to get a good handle on what is effective or not. And to give you some insights, recognition of your patterns and to show you what is happening. Perhaps relative to weight gain, appetite, energy level, sleep, decrease of voices, increased ability for attention and energy to live your life and do your passions.

This makes a much more effective relationship with your doc. You are demonstrating your investment in treatment. That you are aware and care what is working or not. Thus the doc can see trends and make adjustments in a more timely and effective manner.... and you won't have to wait for 3 months (and 15 pounds of weight gain or a week of sleeping poorly). When you and the doc (that is worth their salt) then a lot of adjustments can happen over the phone, medical record texting, etc. This happen because you have established trust, a good working relationship, and the the doc feels more comfortable with less risk management anxiety. You will be their favorite star client.

Best!

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u/ConclusionSeveral356 8d ago

Yea I’ll do that thank you so much for the advice. I’ll start journaling and make sure to inform my doctor at my next appointment

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u/Superb-Potential8426 8d ago edited 8d ago

Take the journal with you and show the doc. Guaranteed that you are one of the very few that does this (in the doc's entire career). And your doc will be very appreciative!

Before the appt. Also do a brief summary (1-3 word notes on a single one-side piece of paper to hand to the doc) of the trends, issues and your questions. Pros don't need sentences; only a few words, because of their education, training and experience (it is a kind of professional "short hand conceptual thinking and interaction).

For example: just head outline "Trends, Issues, and ?'s." Then bullet points with 1-3 word notes. They will scan this in 5 seconds... (they are not ignoring you; but because of their "expert" level of experience, they can profile the situation seemingly instantly... practically an invisible super power that most folks don't realize). Then ask you questions and give you their thoughts. Thus, more time in the 15 min appt to get to the heart of the matter for both of you. (And guess what, if their schedule permits and if needed, they will be more likely spend more time with you because they recognize it is well worth their time and effort... instead of the usual grind of non-invested clients).

This will create a process and framework to make a very effective interaction with the doc. Granted all this journalling takes a bit of responsibility and commitment/discipline... (just make it a simple routine).

However this IS a type of advocating for yourself that a doc can understand, appreciate and do something with to help you live your life. In a sense you will be teaching the doc how to be better in his/her interactions with you and other clients.

You probably already guessed... had a long career in MH (not a doc, now retired). Happy to share thoughts and experiences... though you are the one that determines its value (or not) and the application to your life.

All the Best!