Medication Side Effects: Stomach Problems

Did you know that there is Serotonin in our stomachs? It has the second highest concentration of the neurotransmitter after our brains.

 This is why SSRI drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft and many others can cause stomach problems. As my coauthor Dr. John Preston says, “There’s no way to harpoon a drug straight to the neurotransmitters in your brain. They have to go through the whole body which is why they cause so many side effects.”

I remember being so sick I couldn’t work. I was always in the bathroom. That may be more than you want to know about me! but it’s important to know that you’re not alone if drugs are making your stomach rumble.

Side effects can include nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, bloated stomach, acid reflux, etc. etc.

Lovely!

Here are some tips on keeping your stomach happy:

1. First of all, talk with your doctor if things are really bad. It’s [ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder Medication Tips: Travel

Hi, I’m up early here on the west coast. I go to Virginia tomorrow and spent the last three days switching over to east coast time. It really helps.

The traveling makes me think of my meds. Here are some tips on travel and meds:

- Put your meds in three places.  On your body- purse, pill box in wallet, etc.

- Put meds in your carry on- I have enough for the trip in my bag- it’s about 15 pills.

- Put meds in regular suitcase.

That way I have meds no matter what happens. I can’t miss doses, so I overprepare when it comes to travel.

Julie





Bipolar Disorder Medications – Lamictal Side Effects

Bipolar Medications: Lamictal Side Effects

I love Lamictal. That could be a bumper sticker on my car. I hope you have a medication that you love.

Unfortunately, I have some pretty tough side effects. Right now I’m dealing with the super stiff neck that often comes with the drug. It disrupts my sleep, which isn’t good! It’s like nighttime whip lash. I’ve found that stretching my neck and then using an ice pack helps. I try to get a massage as often as possible. I find myself moving my head over and over again to try to find a comfortable place on my pillow. There usually isn’t one! My side effects come and go, so hopefully this will be gone soon.

I’ve probably written about this on the blog- but I had to write it again to remind people that we may have to live with some side effects if the medication works [ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder and Tegretol

When I was on Tegretol, I had a lot of trouble with my eyes. I lost my depth of perception! I actually wore an eye patch for awhile in order to walk without tripping.

 So, if you’re on Tegretol and have trouble with your eyes. It’s normal. Not cool, but normal.

 Julie





Bipolar Disorder Medications: Mood stabilizers

I’m going to talk about side effects and withdrawal possibilities of bipolar medication. [ Read More ]





Posted on May 31st, 2008 | Tags: , , , , | Category: Medications