Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

antipsychotics and the side effects

canofwormsCasual Contributor17 Sept 2023, 6:06 pm AEST

antipsychotics and the side effects

Hey everyone.

I’m a 23 yr old female and a few weeks ago i was put on antipsychotics for the first time and now I’m on my fourth medication because I haven’t been coping with the side effects very well.

The new one I’m on is definitely the best so far but I still have a really noticeable tremor (or at least it feels like it’s noticeable) and am feeling quite nauseous constantly. The nausea I can deal with to some extent, but I’m not sure if the tremor is from this new medication or another one I’m on. Either way it makes me quite embarrassed when I’m out in public.

I feel quite stressed that this may be my life for the foreseeable future, whilst my psychotic symptoms have finally started to leave, now I feel as if my body is crumbling under the pressure of all this medication. Seriously, I’m on seven pills a day. Seven!

I don’t want to change antipsychotics again because I’m too scared that the next one might have even worse side effects. I also have used up all my sick leave at my job from dealing with the previous medications and their side effects.

My psychiatrist also hasn’t been very clear in giving me an official diagnosis which is a bit frustrating.

Anyway I’m in two minds because I can feel that my head is starting to get a bit clearer but at the same time I don’t feel physically 100%

2 replies

1 - 2 of 2

In response to: antipsychotics and the side effects

tymeModerator17 Sept 2023, 6:29 pm AEST

Re: antipsychotics and the side effects

Hey there @canofworms ,

Thank you for posting. Your experiences are not uncommon. I've had my fair share of medications - some made me feel up, some made feel down, and some just made me go round and round.

Whatever it is, if you have concerns about the medications, it good to speak to your prescribing doctor. For some meds, they may help us feel better, but they also have side effects. I guess it's about making the informed decision whether to live with the side effects, or not live at all (I mean no quality of life).

Medications can be tricky. Sometimes, over time, the side effects cease.

At the same time, it's good to see what you can do in terms of your lifestyle to give you the life you want.

We're here if you need a chat!

In response to: antipsychotics and the side effects

WriterMelbSenior Contributor17 Sept 2023, 8:11 pm AEST

Re: antipsychotics and the side effects

I choose to take my three medications everyday, three times a day. Frankly for me medication sucks. The alternative is well, not safe. I like you have had to try different meds. Now life for me is very different, a new normal. I’ve spent 6-7 mths in hospital in the last three years. Meds for everyone are well…. not liked. My ongoing participation with out patient therapy has made a huge difference to me. Less meds and I’m coping heaps better. Warning it’s generally hard work but SO WORTH IT! The med symptoms don’t go away thou, I just deal with mine better. I’ve got my meds to a good point I think. Minimum side effects. It makes me v tired a lot of the time. So yeah far from perfect. Ok for the moment I think.

1 - 2 of 2