Sensitive to medication… Suggestions??
Posted , 3 users are following.
I am super sensitive to medication… I have side effects to pretty much everything. You know how you hear, "in less than 5% of people, this side effect could be experienced" Well, I am that less than 5% lol. I have been taking medication on and off for the last 15 years. I have PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder. Things have gotten pretty serious with my anxiety, I am dealing with insomnia the last couple months and sometimes in the mornings, I have severe panic.
On top of this, I work in a field where I really really need to be on top of my game. I'm wondering if anybody else is very sensitive to medication and side effects and what has worked for them. I will let you all know what I have tried and what I can't tolerate. It is important to note that I have made many lifestyle changes, I am in therapy (EMDR/Trauma) and support groups as well. I am under the care of a psychiatrist, I’m just looking for some extra insight.
SSRIs and SNRIs are off the table (I develop serotonin syndrome and have serious side effects)
Buspar also gave me serotonin syndrome when in combination w Trazodone
I cannot take Beta blockers a I have low blood pressure already and circulatory issues
I had been on Amitriptyline (TCA) and had several side effects (constipation, sweating, dry mouth, urinary retention) but it was helpful with anxiety. Might go back to that class of meds to try a diff drug
Have tried ability and Latuda, too many side effects like weight gain and serious drowsiness
I cannot take any medication that has a significant risk of weight gain as I have a history of disordered eating
Trazodone is a maybe, I tried it recently for a couple weeks, but it gave me horrible nightmares
Benzos work well for me, but they are habit forming and I only take them occasionally, as I do not want them as along term option
MMJ and CBD is a maybe - considering getting my card after I get a job
0 likes, 2 replies
jan34534 beccarose777
Posted
Sounds like you and I are in the same boat. I’ve had severe anxiety disorder since childhood. As an adult I’ve tried several different medication’s and I just can’t be on any of them. I can’t take the side effects either. you’ve listed pretty much all of the categories.
I know people who swear by CBD. I’ve tried it and it helped a little bit maybe I wasn’t taking enough but it may be worth a try.
The only things I’m doing is counseling, listening to my meditations for anxiety which does help but of course it’s only temporary. and I try to exercise as much as possible because it gives me some relief from the acute phase of anxiety.
One day there will be better treatment for this i hope. so many people are suffering in silence. I hope you find something that works!
sasical72 beccarose777
Posted
I'm not great with tolerating meds either but have done very well on low dose Mirtazapine for insomnia. I have gained weight, but sometimes you have to weigh up the pros and cons and I decided I prefer to be chubby and sleep than thin and not sleep.
I think absolutely all meds have some side effect. One thing that helped me with anxiety with no side effects at all was a herbal tea called Tranquility Tea.
Good luck!