Feeling Lost About My Medications
Hello everyone. I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but I really need to share my thoughts. I’m a 21-year-old trans woman currently residing in a society where being myself is frowned upon. I’ve recently been exposed to my family’s views, which are quite troubling; they’d rather I not exist than embrace my true self. For the past few years, I’ve struggled with suicidal thoughts and even made attempts on my life. This year, things escalated further with constant intrusive thoughts, prompting me to explore therapy and medication for the first time. I visited a psychiatrist and made the unfortunate choice to be open about my struggles. Instead of getting support, I was presented with the option of conversion therapy, which seems to be the norm here. He prescribed two medications without explaining their purpose or providing a formal diagnosis. While my therapist suspects I might be dealing with OCD and BPD, I received no confirmation of this from the psychiatrist. The medications prescribed were Cipralex (10 mg), which I presumed was aimed at treating depression, and Risperidone (1 mg). This happened about three months ago. Upon starting these medications, I experienced swift and unexpected side effects. My appetite surged significantly, while my anxiety reached an alarming level. I noticed cold sensations in my feet and felt like I was teetering on the edge of a panic attack. Eventually, I fainted due to what I believe was a vasovagal response linked to low blood pressure. This incident frightened me enough that I decided to stop taking the medication altogether, especially since I have to conceal this from my family. As I've mentioned, their support is non-existent—it’s a matter of life and death for me, and I’m not being dramatic. Fast forward to the present, and my mental health has not improved significantly. Just about a month ago, I nearly attempted to take my life again. I attempted to resume the medication, but due to the previous experience, I find myself paralyzed by fear and anxiety whenever I do. It leads to feelings of despair. The dilemma I face is immense; I cannot consult another psychiatrist. I haven’t disclosed to my therapist the gravity of my mental state, as their policies would necessitate informing my parents, which would lead to disastrous consequences and likely endanger my university education. I genuinely desire to improve my mental health, but I am uncertain about the role medications play in that process. Is it possible to recover without any medication? Are there alternative options available? I’m feeling lost and would appreciate any guidance or support.
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 6:10:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It sounds like you’re going through an incredibly difficult time, and I want to emphasize that it's commendable that you're seeking help and looking for ways to improve your mental health.
Main Points:
- Medication can be complex and is not the only option for recovery.
- It's important to manage side effects and fear related to medication.
- Therapeutic approaches and self-care strategies can also be beneficial.
Explanation:
Medications like Cipralex (an antidepressant) and Risperidone (an antipsychotic) can sometimes help people struggling with severe mental health issues. However, they can also lead to side effects that might feel overwhelming, especially when your body is adjusting to the medication. It's understandable that you’d want to avoid these feelings, especially given your experiences.
You mentioned feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts, which is very serious. While it can feel isolating, it's crucial to know that recovery is possible, and there are multiple paths to consider beyond medications. Therapy might involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms that can provide tools to help manage intrusive thoughts and emotional dysregulation without the immediate need for medication.
Next Steps:
-
Consider Alternative Therapies: Research different forms of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapy, which focus on changing thought patterns and managing anxiety without medication. Many find these approaches to be beneficial.
-
Self-Help Strategies: Engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as:
- Mindfulness or meditation techniques to help reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation.
- Regular physical activity, which can boost your mood and overall health.
- Routine Sleep Hygiene: Ensure you're getting enough restful sleep, as this is crucial for mental health.
-
Addressing Medication Concerns: If you feel like trying medications again, consider communicating your fears to your therapist when it's safe. Building a support system can alleviate stress. It may be possible to explore lower doses or alternative medications that might have fewer side effects.
-
Reach Out for Support: While it may feel daunting, seeking support groups either in person or online can help you connect with others who understand your situation.
-
Emergency Planning: If you ever have thoughts of hurting yourself, it's very important to have a safety plan. Identify what you can do to keep yourself safe and who you can contact outside of your family—for the lowest point, consider locating local crisis hotlines or text services.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and finding a community of support is crucial. Take things one step at a time, and prioritize what feels most manageable for you. If you have any further questions or need more information, I'm here to help.
Related Questions
Unexpected and Repeated Yeast Infections: Seeking Support
I am a 25-year-old woman who has been struggling with recurrent yeast infections for more than a year, coinciding with the beginning of my relationship with my boyfriend, who is 24. He maintains good hygiene and has been treated for the same issues I’ve faced. While I recognize the timing of our relationship and these infections might suggest a connection, I don’t believe he is the cause, nor do I suspect infidelity on his part. What I’m hoping for is some encouragement, advice, or just a listening ear—I'm feeling rather discouraged about this situation. Here’s a detailed rundown of what I’ve tried so far: numerous rounds of Diflucan, including both three-month and six-month suppression therapies, which unfortunately led to a resurgence of infections within weeks after stopping. I underwent a microbiome analysis, a culture sensitivity test (which confirmed the presence of standard candida albicans, known to be highly treatable with Diflucan), and comprehensive STI screenings (covering HSV, HIV, glucose levels, along with specific tests for ureaplasma and mycoplasma, where both my partner and I received treatment followed by negative results). Additionally, I’ve made changes to my detergents, soaps, clothing, and have experimented with different methods regarding underwear use, including sleeping without them and the use of condoms during intercourse (which only aggravated the irritation), various types of lubricants (water and silicone-based), coconut oil, numerous probiotics, apple cider vinegar, yogurt, garlic supplements, among many others. I had been using the Junel Fe birth control pill successfully for years without any complications but switched to a high estrogen pill recently in case my symptoms were hormone-related. I’m still on it. The only treatment option I haven’t pursued is boric acid, as both my OB/GYN and other medical providers expressed concerns it might worsen my irritation or lead to additional complications. The ongoing irritation and itchiness from these infections have been unbearable; at times, I have experienced bleeding and soreness due to them. My boyfriend has been incredibly understanding and is willing to undergo treatment as well—he often feels guilty, thinking my issues may somehow be related to him, but it’s evident it has become a recurring problem on its own. Interestingly, during college, I only faced yeast infections when I started new relationships, but they typically resolved quickly with a single dose of Diflucan, leading me to believe that I would overcome this recent occurrence just as easily. Sadly, that has not been the case. If you’ve made it through my lengthy explanation, thank you for listening! I’m open to any suggestions or experiences you might want to share. If you’re dealing with similar frustrations, know that you’re not alone in this journey, and it’s certainly a challenging one!
Understanding MRI Findings and Related Discomfort
Patient Profile: - Sex: Female - Age: 30 years - Current Medications: Lyrica, Cymbalta, and LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) Inquiry: Could my MRI results be contributing to acute discomfort resembling "coat hanger pain"? Additionally, I experience a burning sensation in the same area, along with achy legs that feel as if they're being constricted. MRI Findings: 1. At the C3-4 level: There is a small right central disc protrusion combined with a moderate bulging disc and osteophyte formation primarily on the right. This has led to mild uncovertebral osteophytes and slight deformation of the right central anterior cord, as well as mild narrowing in the central area. 2. At the C4-5 level: A moderate bulging disc and osteophyte formation is evident, accompanied by significant uncovertebral osteophytes on the right and a left central annular fissure. This situation results in mild narrowing at the center and minimal deformity of the cord, along with mild narrowing of the right neural foramen. Clinical Background: I have been diagnosed with Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN) and Fibromyalgia, and I am considering evaluation for dysautonomia.
Should I See a Doctor Soon or Wait Until Monday?
I'm really hoping this stays up because I genuinely need some guidance. For nearly two decades, I’ve battled an eating disorder, primarily severe bulimia, and I’m also diagnosed with EDNOS. Lately, however, my situation has deteriorated. Over the last eleven days, my caloric intake has dropped significantly, totaling only 5,119 calories; I didn’t consume anything for two of those days. On my highest-calorie day, I managed to eat 1,732 calories, but I also purged afterwards. I apologize for sharing so much, but I’m uncertain whether I should urgently contact a doctor or simply wait until next week since I'm not feeling unwell. There are no headaches or feelings of confusion, just a slight pressure in my chest at the moment—probably exacerbated by the fact that I've just smoked. I realize these habits are unhealthy, especially since I recently experienced a breakup, which was partly due to my eating disorder. That said, I feel surprisingly okay otherwise. Details: - Age: 36 - Height: 5'5" - Weight: 134lbs Medical Diagnoses: - Bulimia - EDNOS - Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) - Depression - Anxiety Medical History: - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Hiatal Hernia - Family history of heart-related fatalities Current Medications: - Adderall IR, 10mg twice daily - Wellbutrin, 30mg in the morning - Prilosec, 40mg in the morning - Trintellix, 20mg in the evening Supplements: - Women’s multivitamin gummies (Nature’s Bounty) - Elderberry gummies (Symbucol) Other Details: - Typically, I don’t eat until between 6 PM to 9 PM, and I drink two cups of coffee each morning with cream.
My Husband's Illness: Signs I Might Be Next?
I (29, female) hope this isn’t an absurd inquiry, but I’m in search of some advice regarding my situation. Earlier today, my spouse (28, male) woke with complaints of stomach discomfort. Initially, he thought it was simply a need to relieve himself. After visiting the bathroom, he experienced watery diarrhea and began feeling queasy. I administered 18 mg of ondansetron to help with the nausea and went out to pick up crackers and ginger ale. When I returned, he had a rather intense episode of vomiting in the bathroom. Fortunately, he reported feeling significantly improved afterward and returned to bed. Since then, he has experienced body aches, a headache, and an uncomfortable sensation in his throat, in addition to more episodes of diarrhea, but thankfully no further vomiting. He described his nausea as reduced to a 2 out of 10, a drop from the earlier rating of 7 out of 10. I’ve given him another 18 mg of ondansetron, six hours after the first dosage, and I plan to administer another dose in the next six hours. In the meantime, I've taken extensive precautions to disinfect our environment. I’ve sprayed and wiped down all surfaces, including doorknobs, latches, light switches, countertops, shoes, and even the sofa and its pillows. I also cleaned the bathroom sink and toilet with bleach, particularly after his vomiting incident. My hands have been washed so frequently today that they’re feeling tight and cracked. Currently, he’s resting in our bedroom while I’ve opted to stay in the living room to avoid close contact. Now, I’d like to ask: How can I determine if I’m going to contract whatever illness he has? If it turns out to be Norovirus, how soon would I realize if I were also going to vomit? As someone with emetophobia, the notion of being sick is terrifying for me. I’m doing everything possible to prevent it. How can I assess my risk? Am I safe from getting sick? Here’s a brief overview of our health histories: **His Background:** - Age: 28 - Gender: Male - Weight: 250 lbs - Ethnicity: Puerto Rican - Health: He has only shown symptoms today but has been around sick kids and coworkers recently. Additionally, he’s been sleep-deprived for the past three nights and consumed greasy food last night before bed. - Ondansetron Intake: 36 mg so far today, another 18 mg scheduled in approximately 2 hours. - Alcohol: Rare consumption - Smoking History: Former user of both cannabis and tobacco, currently abstinent. **My Background:** - Age: 29 - Gender: Female - Weight: 213 lbs - Ethnicity: White - Health: While I’m feeling anxious, I am not currently ill. My husband is the only sick person I’ve knowingly been around. - Dinner: I shared the same meal with him last night but am feeling fine. - Medications: Took 18 mg of ondansetron this morning for anxiety, otherwise feeling well. I also took 18 mg of methylphenidate at 9:00 AM (it's now 8:05 PM). - Alcohol: Rare drinker - Smoking and Drug Use: I have never smoked or consumed recreational drugs. Any insights or reassurance would be greatly appreciated!
Navigating Medical Ethics and Personal Choice
I'm a 22-year-old trans man weighing 133 pounds and standing 5'4". For the past two years, I've fluctuated between hospice care, occasionally feeling like I might recover and other times struggling significantly—my weight has even dipped to 70 pounds, leaving me nearly immobile. Lately, I find myself in a sort of limbo. I’ve made the decision to refuse tube feedings from now on, yet despite my repeated requests, my J Tube remains in place. It was even accidentally removed at one point, but I had to undergo surgery to have it reinserted due to the influence of my mother. My mother, who holds power of attorney over my medical decisions, has a strong hold on me, but I’m not under guardianship. I recently transitioned off hospice care, only to contract a stomach virus. For the last four to five days, I’ve barely been able to keep even water and electrolyte drinks down. I constantly worry about collapsing and being rushed to the emergency room. While I possess a legal do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, my mother retains authority over my medical choices if I become unconscious, even though I have formally expressed my refusal of tube feeding. In a hypothetical emergency situation where my wishes against tube feeding are visibly documented—like the words 'no tube feeds' written in marker along with my signatures—would ER doctors heed those wishes? I also have a legitimate DNR in place that should travel with me to the hospital. The moment I regain consciousness, I intend to assertively communicate my refusal of tube feeding while acknowledging the associated risks and benefits clearly.