Let's check out the side effects on the daily medications that I take.
Many of us take medications every day for our mental health. Have you ever looked at the side effects on the paperwork from the pharmacy? Personally, I never have. But I got to thinking today, I wonder why I keep clinching down on my jaws now for months, and why can't I lose weight? I know I don't overeat! So, let's go ahead and dive right in. Maybe I can talk you into looking at the side effects on your prescriptions too.
I'm not going to list the drug name that I take every day on these, but I will go through the side effects and hopefully I can learn some things.
First, I'm just going to start with my basic 3 allergy medications that I have to take every morning, or I won't be able to breathe. And just to note, I've been taking these 3 allergy medications now for 3 or 4 years every day.
I'm going to list, what the drug is used for and then the side effects.
1) Basic Prescription Nasal Spray taken daily: Used to reduce inflammation. It is effective in treating nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by allergies. Additionally, it is used in inhalers for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Common side effects may include nasal irritation, headache, and throat discomfort. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and dosage
2) Antihistamine Pill taken daily: Commonly used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is effective for conditions like allergic rhinitis (hay fever), dermatitis, and urticaria (hives).
Common side effects - While it is considered safe and effective, some users may experience drowsiness, although it is less likely to cause this side effect compared to other antihistamines.
3) Asthma and Other Allergy Blocking Pill taken daily: Used primarily for the long-term treatment of asthma and to prevent symptoms of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and allergic rhinitis. It works by blocking substances in the body called leukotrienes, which cause asthma and allergy symptoms.
Common side effects may include headache, stomach pain, and fatigue.
So, the first 3 medications for my allergies may be some of the cause for my constant tiredness. But I don't experience any of the other side effects.
Now I'm going to check my medication for my cholesterol.
4) Cholesterol Pill Taken daily: Used to treat high cholesterol and prevent heart disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
Common side effectscan include muscle pain, weakness, and digestive issues, among others.
I will say that this medication has made my cholesterol at almost perfect numbers. Something I've been struggling with now for years.
I have been experiencing some digestive issues, but I haven't told my dr LOL. I do experience muscle pain and weakness at times, but I just figure that's because I'm over 50.
Now let's check my Menopause medication.
5) Menopause Injection used once every 3 months: Note: I've been taking this injection now for over 3 years! Used to treat certain menstrual problems or prevent thickening of the uterine lining in postmenopausal women taking estrogen. The injection is used to prevent pregnancy or relieve pain from endometriosis.
Common side effects include menstrual changes, nausea, and weight gain.
Soooo, I just found out why I can't lose weight!!! It really stinks being a woman sometimes haha.
Now let's check out my medication for my severe anxiety.
6) Anti-Anxiety Pill taken 3 times a day or more as I need: Helps treat symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, tension, irritability, and physical symptoms like dizziness and pounding heartbeat. It works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which are hormones that help regulate mood. It's generally well tolerated and is not associated with sedation, cognitive impairment, or physical dependence, making it a safer option compared to some other anti-anxiety medications. It is important to note that this drug is not a drug of abuse and does not produce euphoria.
Common Side effects may include allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome, anxiety or nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, trouble sleeping.
Sometimes I do experience muscle stiffness, nervousness and I always have trouble sleeping at night!
Now let's check out my depression/ptsd medication.
7) Anti-Depressant/ptsd Pill taken 2 times a day: This antidepressant belonging to the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily used to treat various mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood.
Common side effects may include nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.
Another reason why I have a hard time falling asleep at night!
Now I have only 1 last medication to check and that's my nightmare medication.
8) Nightmare pill taken one time before bed: This medication is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and it can help alleviate nightmares associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prazosin works by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily, which can lower the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Common side effects may include dizziness,drowsiness, headache, feeling weak or tired, or nausea.
I am tired a lot most of the day and sometimes I get quite dizzy and drowsy. But other than that, this drug has helped tremendously with my nightmares and PTSD along with the anti-depression medication. I'm mostly tired all the time because I babysit every day though.
This was a really interesting little experiment on my medications. Though I don't understand why I'm biting down on my jaws so much, it's annoying when I catch myself doing that. I'm pretty sure that's an actual side effect of having anxiety and PTSD. Also, large amounts of caffeine will cause that. Though I'm not grinding my jaws together, I'm only putting pressure down on them.
So here was to a fun, relaxing Thursday night!
I will see you all tomorrow and I hope you also get the chance to go check out the daily medications that you take too!
See you all tomorrow.
xoxoxo, Michelle Neal