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Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Glasgow, UK

Hi I just wanted some input on what happened with my old psychiatrist as it's really bothering me. Four weeks after my dose was increased I started to get more and more sleepy and tired to the point that I was bedridden most of the day. I also felt weak and dizzy like you do when you have a flu, but I'm certain I didn't have a virus or anything like that as this has happened to me before when I've been on too high a dose. I was like this for a week and basically couldn't get anything done and… read more

January 4, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a person whose psychiatrist dismissed serious exhaustion after a lithium dose increase, with many validating the... Read more

Members rallied around a person whose psychiatrist dismissed serious exhaustion after a lithium dose increase, with many validating the decision to go back to the previous dose rather than continue feeling like a zombie. Several members shared their own experiences with medication sensitivity, noting that four weeks is usually enough time to judge whether side effects will pass, and encouraged self-advocacy by being firm with doctors or bringing a support person to appointments. A recurring theme was that finding the right medication dose is often trial and error, and that knowing your own body matters.

A MyDepressionTeam Member

I have had to give meds 2 to 4 weeks to work effectivly or find out they weren’t the right meds for me. It’s no fun becuz I would go to my Dr each time hoping this time I was going to start feeling better only to have the meds not work again. Im finally on a cocktail of meds that are working.

March 19, 2019
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Unfortunately dear.....This is very,very common. No one cares or can follow up on there care job. You have completely done the right thing....I did exactly the same.

try brake one in half so if you're on for example 50mg and they want you on 60mg and they make you feel crap then take 55mg until you feel easy to move up. I did that recently and seems okish to be honest!

bless you

January 6, 2019
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Since you backed off the dosage have you been okay? That would be the only question I have for you. It does sound like you had too much of the med but sometimes meds take time to adjust too. Yet from what you describe it really had you knocked out.
Also everybody reacts differently to meds so keep in mind that the Drs are ‘practicing’ with the meds.
I’ve been on so many meds that didnt work and made me worst for long periods of time so I understand your being upset.

March 16, 2019
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Would love to sleep longer than 2hr bocks on/off most nights

March 14, 2019
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I'm not familiar with either drug some cannot say. Hit as for the way your Dr treated you in wouldn't be in such a rush to shove him/her off. Unless they have treated you badly before. It's possible they wanted you to give the meds a chance to work or thought this might pass. If you were still feeling like a zombie after another week I would have went in or called and been more insistent that this was not normal for you and that it had to be related to the drug change and see what the dr's reaction was then. All I know is the Dr won't be happy you went back down on your meds without consulting them first. Just my humble opinion.

January 4, 2019

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