New Medication Journey
20M Diagnoses: bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Other Medications Not Mentioned: alprazolam (used occasionally for panic attacks) I have recently begun treatment with fluvoxamine, targeting my OCD, depression, and anxiety. Currently, I am on lamotrigine for managing my bipolar disorder and bupropion for my depressive symptoms. However, the bupropion hasn't proven effective, prompting my psychiatrist to advise a gradual discontinuation—starting with a reduced dose for a week before stopping completely. Last night marked my first experience with fluvoxamine, but I was awakened in the middle of the night feeling quite nauseous. I am curious if this reaction is typical. I do intend to speak with my psychiatrist about it tomorrow, but it’s late, and they are unavailable right now.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 11:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about new medication and unexpected side effects, especially with your complex history. Feeling nauseous after taking fluvoxamine can be a side effect, especially when starting a new medication.
When starting fluvoxamine, nausea is a common side effect that may occur as your body adjusts to the drug. Although this can be uncomfortable, it often improves after a few days. It’s good that you plan to speak with your psychiatrist tomorrow, as they can provide specific advice tailored to your situation.
Here are some prioritized next steps you can take:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Take note of how long the nausea lasts and any other symptoms you experience. This will help your psychiatrist if medication adjustments are needed.
-
Hydration and Light Meals: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and consider eating small, light meals to help alleviate nausea. Foods like crackers or toast can be soothing.
-
Timing of Medication: If nausea continues, discuss with your psychiatrist the possibility of taking fluvoxamine at a different time of day (such as at bedtime) or with food, which can sometimes minimize side effects.
-
Avoid Stimulants: Reduce intake of caffeine or other stimulants, as these can exacerbate nausea and anxiety.
-
Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, gentle yoga, or mindfulness can help manage anxiety and nausea.
Please ensure to communicate all your symptoms and experiences with your psychiatrist, as they can adjust treatments to better suit your needs. Seeking support from trusted friends or family during this adjustment period can also be beneficial. You're not alone in this journey, and your mental health professional is there to guide you through.
Related Questions
Recovery After 22M Orchidopexy: Concerns About Infection
I underwent surgery two days ago and I’m feeling quite anxious, particularly about the possibility of infection. Being a regular marijuana user, I am aware that my chances of complications might be elevated. I’m keen to learn the most effective methods for cleansing and caring for my wound. Additionally, should I be concerned if the incision starts to appear purple? The information I received regarding aftercare was minimal, and it has left me feeling quite unsettled!
Persistent Sharp Edges on My Big Toenails
45 years old, 6 feet tall, weighing 265 pounds. For quite some time, I have been grappling with a persistent problem related to my toenails, but it only occurred to me recently to seek advice on the matter. Following the counsel of a podiatrist who once treated my ingrown toenail during my college years, I typically aim to trim my toenails in a straight line. However, I’ve noticed a consistent issue: the inner edges of both my big toes—particularly the right side of my right toe and the left side of my left toe—always seem to become jagged and begin to dig into the nail bed. Long before I can visibly observe this development, I experience a sharp throbbing pain with each step and heightened sensitivity on the outer edge of the toe. Even the slightest impact results in excruciating discomfort. To find relief, I feel compelled to trim the nails, hoping to allow the nail bed some time to recover and develop resilience. This approach provides relief at times, but not consistently. I’ve also realized that when I do cut the nails, despite my efforts to trim them back by peeling them in reverse to avoid leaving a sharp edge, it seems like the edge grows back even more quickly than the rest of the nail, promptly acquiring a sharp point once again. After trimming today, I've noticed how my right big toe shows signs of damage from the nail pressing into the bed, and despite trying to counteract this by cutting it back, the sharp edge remains a problem. Is there anything I can do to prevent this recurring issue? What could be causing it?
My Experience with Barrett's Esophagus in Just Five Weeks
Age: 24, Female Asthma diagnosed alongside Barrett's Esophagus I’ll keep this brief, but I feel it’s important to share my experience. I met with my primary care physician yesterday, who discovered several lumps at the back of my neck; these were not causing me any discomfort. I’ve been feeling quite unwell lately; I keep experiencing fevers even though there’s no clear source of infection—last night, I visited the ER, and all my blood tests came back normal. Additionally, I’ve been struggling significantly with swallowing both medication and food. While I won’t detail every symptom, I can say that I’ve been feeling incredibly low, and it’s hard not to break down in tears because of how awful everything feels. I’m currently awaiting the results from my biopsy. On a positive note, I have a forthcoming appointment with the internal medicine department at MD Anderson, so I’m hopeful that I’ll find some answers and relief soon. I apologize for venting, but I really needed an outlet for how jumbled my thoughts are right now.
When Should I Seek Help for Ongoing Ovarian Cyst Symptoms?
I’m a 23-year-old woman living in the U.S., and I’ve been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my pelvic region accompanied by swelling since December 2024. Early in December, I underwent imaging tests that revealed the presence of small cysts measuring about 2 to 3 centimeters on each ovary. The medical professionals informed me that these cysts would likely resolve without intervention within six months, especially since I can’t use hormonal birth control due to migraines with aura, and my previous attempt with Slynd was unsuccessful. However, by January, I was grappling with pain, pressure, and frequent urges to urinate, which ultimately prompted a visit to the emergency room for a CT scan. The results were similar; the cysts remained unchanged. Eight months have passed since my initial diagnosis, and even though the discomfort has lessened, I still experience various symptoms, including pain during sex, discomfort when I need to have a bowel movement, and severe ovulation pain that feels like stabbing. I've noticed that consuming alcohol exacerbates the pain and the sensation of pressure. I am contemplating returning for another imaging test, yet I suspect I might spend another $300 only to hear that the cysts are still non-complicated and will resolve naturally. Is it worth going back for another evaluation?
Reflecting on My Mother’s Undiagnosed Cancer: A Personal Journey
My mother, who was 77 years old, stood at 5 feet tall and weighed 107 pounds. She was of Filipino descent. Tragically, two weeks ago, she succumbed to a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in the ICU for a pulmonary embolism. Just prior to her passing, we received some disheartening news regarding a recent cancer diagnosis. Reviewing her radiology reports leaves us questioning how we had overlooked the severity of her condition and how long the cancer may have been present before it was identified. During her annual health screening in February, her blood tests were within normal limits. It wasn’t until May that she began to voice concerns about pain in her back and neck. By early June, her condition had deteriorated; she had lost her appetite, felt increasingly weak, and experienced difficulty with her breathing. On her third visit to her primary care physician, she requested a CEA blood test, which had previously been part of her follow-up since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2000. The results were alarming, displaying a CEA level of 800. Shortly thereafter, the discovery of a pulmonary embolism led her to the emergency room, and within a week, we lost her. It was shocking to witness her rapid decline from a state of relative fitness to being confined to a hospital bed. **Cervical Spine MRI with and without Contrast Findings** 1. Extensive metastatic cancer involvement in the spinal column, with no pathological fractures observed. 2. Suspicion of early anterior epidural neoplasm at the T11, T12, L5, and S1 vertebral levels. 3. Possible 4 mm leptomeningeal tumor versus a benign schwannoma located at the L1-L2 level. 4. Presence of cerebellar metastasis. **Brain MRI with and without Contrast Findings** 1. Multiple small enhancing lesions dispersed throughout the cerebral and cerebellar regions, indicating metastatic disease without significant mass effect. 2. Small linear area of enhancement in the left internal auditory canal, raising concerns for metastasis. 3. Enhancing lesions within the clivus consistent with bony metastases. This experience has left me grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss and confusion about how we missed the signs, and it has prompted me to reflect deeply on the need for thorough and ongoing medical oversight, especially for patients with a history of cancer.