Side Effects

Side effects are the pesky things that come with feeling better. Some people get them worse than others. In fact some people don’t get them at all it just depends on how you react to the medicine. Tell your doctor about any side effects you’re having. Your doctor may change the dose of your medicine or add on a medicine that’s meant to help get rid of the side effects. I had to do that with mine, which was good because I stayed stable and minimized the side effects. Always consider the pros and cons of the effect your medicine is having on you. If the pros out way the cons then you should consider staying on your medicine if the side effects are livable. Never stop taking your medicine without your doctors approval Only your doctor should change anything that has to do with your medicine. When you start messing around with it you just make it worse. He knows what he’s talking about so you should listen.

Be Patient with Your Medicine

It may take a few weeks to start feeling better. It may take even longer for the medicine to work all the way. It’s important to stick with your medicine even after you find the right one and feel better. Keep taking your medicine as directed to prevent the bad symptoms from coming back. During stable periods you may be tempted to go off your medicine because you feel good but if you do that you will quickly be right back where you were without the medicine and have to start all over again. Because the medicine you’re taking is what’s making you feel better, because as you read Bipolar Disorder doesn’t just go away once you have it you have it. When I first started taking medicine it was a trial period. Some of the medicines worked and others didn’t when they didn’t I would try a new one which 9 times out of 10 made me feel better. Some people have more trouble finding medicines than others do, but if they stick with it they’ll feel better in the long run, which makes it worth the while.

Medicines for Bipolar Disorder- How Do They Work

Some people are skeptical when it comes to taking medicine, but I’m living proof that no matter what anyone says taking medicine works. But it only works if you make it work. When your doctor prescribes medication to control your moods and make you feel better than you have to follow the doctors instructions for them to work. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. Take it from me it can be really hard during the transition to a certain medication, but look at the big picture. It’s better for you in the long run to stick with it then to give up and be worse later on. My advice is for you is stick with it, and always consult your doctor.

Tips for Remembering to Take Your Medicine

Taking medicine is hard enough to remember but especially if you take more than one medication at different times of the day. Here are some tips on how to remember. 1. Take your medicine at the same time you do other things every day. For instance taking your morning medicine with your breakfast or coffee, will help you get in the habit. 2. Us a pill box marked for the day and time of day so you know which ones you’ve taken and which ones you still need to take. 3. Leave yourself a note. If I start forgetting I’ll put a sticky note on the mirror so it’s one of the first things I see in the morning. 4. Keep your medicine in a place you can see it every day easily. I put mine on top of my dresser so I can see it clearly and that makes it harder to forget. 5. Set your watch alarm if you take a medicine at a different time. Or you can put it in your calendar in your phone so it rings to remind you.

You and Medicine Segment

Usually I try to stay neutral in talking about traditional medicine and homeopathic medicines because I don’t want to offend anyone, but I’m going to write a few articles on both. Bipolar Disorder is not something people do to get attention. Despite what some think Bipolar Disorder isn’t something the person can change it’s not something people do to act out it’s a real health problem , and just like any other health problems it needs to be dealt with properly for you to feel better. Bipolar Disorder can’t be cured but the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can be managed. Taking your medicine prescribed by your doctor is one of the most important things you can do, which sometimes is easier said than done.

Stress and Bipolar Disorder

Stress is one of the few things that every person on the planet has experienced. Everyone agrees it’s a pain. Stress affects people differently. Some people yell and stomp around. Some cry and some are grouchy (kind of like the grouch from Sesame Street, except they don’t live in a trash can, and hopefully don’t have green fur!) I tend to be all of the above. For people with Bp stress can and usually does cause temporary instability. It makes you irritable, snap easier, and cry easily. There are however things that you can do to help prevent and lessen the affects of stress.

Stress Relief Suggestions

Here are some tips on coping with stress that I have found particularly helpful. 1. Focus on one thing at a time. Apply the age old saying, “Don’t borrow trouble”. I have to admit this is the one I have the hardest time applying, because I’m a natural worrier. I worry about unnecessary things, which raises my stress level. My mother gave me this tip, and when I apply it I’m not as stressed out than if my mind is occupied with worry. From my first hand experience with this tip I would recommend it, because it helps and can be applied to everyone. 2. Breathe- It sounds dumb and cliché, but studies have proven that the more oxygen you have the better you can handle situations. You don’t have to start hyperventilating, just take a few breaths. It may sound childish but there’s no harm in trying it, especially when hundreds of people have tried it, and it’s worked for them so chances are it will work with you. 3. Relax A.S.A.P- The best way to squash stress is catching it in time to do something about it. You don’t have to spend a day at the beach or go to some exclusive spa (which lets be honest costs way more than it’s worth usually, but that could be just be me) just do what you normally enjoy when your not stressed to the point of possible total grayness by the end of the day. Listening to music helps me. I find it enjoyable, and it clears my head. You may feel the same way or you may find it annoying; it’s a personal preference. Reading helps some people escape the pressures of this world, and temporarily step into another one. Unfortunately only about 50% of people truly enjoy reading. (Only the book worms, which I am proud to admit I am.) 4. Step Out of Your Zone- get away from it all for a few minutes. I find work and school the most stressful. When I feel myself start to go into overload I ask to go to the bathroom. It’s a small quiet place where you can feel like you’re alone and reset your stress button. If there’s no bathroom nearby (which is highly unlikely I mean No Bathroom, what are we in the dark ages? I mean we have cell phones now get with the times people!) The hallway works just as well. These are just a few of the things that work for me, but if you’ve read any of my previous blogs you know I believe every person is unique so what works for me may or may not work for you. But chances are at least on of them will, besides what’s the worst that can happen?