Saturday, January 06, 2007
To Change Medications or Not
One of the dilemmas we all face is when do we decide to change our medications. Chances are if you've got a chronic illness or injury you're taking something every day or at least on a regular basis.
There are times when those tried and true medications turn on us. Maybe they don't work as well as they once did. Side effects may crop up. You just don't feel as good as you used to. It may be that your medical insurance has decided they know what's best for you and refuse to pay for your prescriptions anymore.
My case is a little bit of the above. I've been on Mobic for two years. Slowly I've seen little side effects pop up. None too serious, but annoying none the less. I start to wonder if this drug is worth everything else that comes with it. When you have to take something once a day, it seems that before long the honeymoon wears off.
I'm always leery trying new medications. I read all the side effects then I have myself convinced that I am going to experience all of them. And, should I take one today and then switch tomorrow? Should I give my body a day in between? I'm beginning to think I create half my problems with all this awfulizing (a term I learned in a positive thinking class--I don't think the class worked LOL)
I also worry if I'll have a flare during the transition. I have not had a serious flare in some 6 or 7 years. Between NSAIDs and hot pepper lotion, I've kept my disease in check. I always worry if the next thing I do will be worst than the last.
Is it easy for you to switch medications? Do you make it known that something isn't working for you? Do you put up with all the quirks and side effects when the meds give you relief? And, is it all worth it?
There are times when those tried and true medications turn on us. Maybe they don't work as well as they once did. Side effects may crop up. You just don't feel as good as you used to. It may be that your medical insurance has decided they know what's best for you and refuse to pay for your prescriptions anymore.
My case is a little bit of the above. I've been on Mobic for two years. Slowly I've seen little side effects pop up. None too serious, but annoying none the less. I start to wonder if this drug is worth everything else that comes with it. When you have to take something once a day, it seems that before long the honeymoon wears off.
I'm always leery trying new medications. I read all the side effects then I have myself convinced that I am going to experience all of them. And, should I take one today and then switch tomorrow? Should I give my body a day in between? I'm beginning to think I create half my problems with all this awfulizing (a term I learned in a positive thinking class--I don't think the class worked LOL)
I also worry if I'll have a flare during the transition. I have not had a serious flare in some 6 or 7 years. Between NSAIDs and hot pepper lotion, I've kept my disease in check. I always worry if the next thing I do will be worst than the last.
Is it easy for you to switch medications? Do you make it known that something isn't working for you? Do you put up with all the quirks and side effects when the meds give you relief? And, is it all worth it?
