why wont the meds work?

Question

i have been on lithium, xanax and effexor? my mind races and i feel like i am gng nuts...why arent they helping?

Answer 1

I don't know. Are you in good communication with your doctor? Have you ever tried zoloft? There are lots of meds. out there, you just have to keep trying to find the one that helps you best. Good luck!

Answer 2

Don't listen to the Jesus cure person, continue taking your meds and talk to your doctor about your symptoms so he/she can make any dosage adjustments.

You don't say how long you've been on them. Drugs take at least a few weeks to take effect (except xanax which works right away). If you're on lithium, you've probably been on Effexor for a while. Has your doctor recommended any psychotherapy? Any cognitive-behavioural therapy? Talked about any personality traits? Maybe another brand of meds might help.

Also, think of the things going on in your life. Are part of your worries normal to worry about? If so, pills can help some symptoms, but sometimes it's best to let yourself feel your emotions when you're going through a rough time. We are human, we feel, it's normal. And yes, it sucks sometimes.

When your mind races, try to find ways to ground yourself. Play solitaire, go work out at the gym, watch TV, hug your pets, go run outside. Racing thoughts are probably anxiety. Learn to manage anxiety. Try doing yoga or learn how to meditate, talk to friends and family, write in a diary. Take care.

Answer 3

For starters those may not be the right drugs for you. They may be having a reverse effect. Also anytime you start a new med. it takes up to 8 weeks to get enough in your system to level you out. That's why a lot of people think they don't work.. There is a new drug that works within 2 days or so ...it's called Lexapro. I took it and had no side effects at all... You really need to consult a doctor..and SOON.

Answer 4

First, don't listen to Candy because people who forgo treatment for religion often dig themselves into a much deeper hole than before. It happened to my second cousin, as well as many other people I've known. Religion is not bad, but using it as a substitute for much needed mental health care is.

As for the issue with your meds, everybody's body reacts differently to different types of medicine. If the medicines you have been on haven't worked, you may need to keep trying with others. It's very frustrating, I know. I've been on meds since I was a kid, and I've had to live through symptoms and side-effects that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. But the only way to win this battle is to hang in there and know that you're not alone. Also, along with the meds, you may need counseling as well. Cognitive-behavioral counseling is very good, so be sure to ask about that.

Answer 5

Medication affects everyone differently, especially the kind that affects brain chemistry. I think you should have your doctor prescribe something different, and also go to a regular medical doctor and have some bloodwork done to rule out an underlying medical illness . You are probably just taking the wrong medication for you. The doctors should try to find something else for you if not, get a second opinion from another doctor. Good luck, be strong, and don't give up.

Answer 6

If all those meds are for anxiety, you might want to look at some non-drug alternatives and programs. Just google alternative anxiety treatments. Your doctor probably wouldn't agree, so you have to make a decision how to proceed on your own.

I saw recently on an infomercial with Kevin Trudeau that his newest book has some kind of cure for anxiety and phobias. I haven't got it yet so I don't know what it is or anything. I hope you find this helpful.

Answer 7

I'm guessing you're bipolar. Effexor might be the problem. It has a stimulant effect to it. The stimulant might be making you more restless or may be causing the racing thoughts. I have bipolar and I cannot take Effexor anymore for the same reason. In essence, it makes me manic or hypomanic. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

though the answers you get will likely be more than you bargained for, I would suggest reading Robert Whitaker's Mad in America which details, with sited sources, how we came to be a nation that bought into medications that are not curative and that very often cause more symptoms than they control... no medication on God's given earth will fix what's wrong with someone diagnosed with a mental situation unless the person works to invite mental wellness into their life... might keep the symptoms at bay for a bit but you have to keep on taking them... the alternative or complement to meds is the movement to recovery - taking back our power and the control of our lives and inching forward, baby step by baby step...

reliance on psychiatric medications is akin to addiction imho... both are a ***** to shake and leave lasting, often debilitating, residual effects

as hard as it might be to "fix" what's wrong, it is the best way to lasting success at mental wellness... worth the struggle... and the feeling of euphoria at mastering a facet of life that previously gave you grief is the best high in the world

consider, please, checking out the site below for more of an idea of what I am talking about...

good luck... I hope you find peace and the happiness you deserve

Answer 9

If you are taking lithium no doubt you doctor thinks that you suffer from a bi-polar condition. Many times anxiety attacks are associated with this. It may simply be that you are worrying to much about it. RELAX but tell your doctor.

Answer 10

It takes time to achieve a chemical balance that works for you as an individual.

It is important that you regularly let your Doc know how you feel.

But be hopeful, most get a good balance eventually, you just need time and a little faith.