Fear of taking medication of any kind.

[deborah27]

Anyone have advice about fear of taking medication of any kind? I need to take an antibiotic and have them here. I have put off taking any of them even though I know that I really must. It is so terrifying for me due to last experiences.

[b1b1b1]

If you are prescribed an antibiotic, I assume you have an infection of some kind. If you don't take them the infection is likely to get worse and you will be in an even more serious situation. You may have to take more and stronger antibiotics and you will be even more scared. If your doctor prescribed them you should take them. In general antibiotics have few side effects, and if your doctor did not think they were safe for you he would not have prescribed them.

[deborah27 in reply to b1b1b1]

I know, the sensible and rational me is telling to take the tablets. The frightened me is saying 'what if ' I will get my head around it... I will maybe ask a friend to be around when I take first one, just to feel safer.

[Agora1]

Hi deborah27, Is your doctor aware in what you experienced last time. They usually ask if you are allergic to anything before prescribing. Depending what medication you were given as well as what your symptoms were, I would say your doctor is the best judge in your health history. When I take antibiotics, I had been told to stay away from Quinolones, which is a certain type of antibiotic that tends to exaggerate anxiety disorder.

There are plenty other choices out there that your doctor can give you making it a safe choice. Good Luck Deborah. It's important to start on the medication as soon as possible before the infection gets worse. xx

[deborah27 in reply to Agora1]

I know, so worried. I will get my head around it. I am usually so sensible and can cope with most things, this fear has a real hold on me.

[Agora1 in reply to deborah27]

I'm the same way Deborah, we all really are on this forum. I've learned over time to trust the judgment of my doctor. I write down the name of the drug, the dose and the time I took it. I usually have someone around who knows that was the first dose.

You will be okay. We've got to keep you healthy xx

[deborah27 in reply to Agora1]

Thankyou, I will do it. Will wait until morning and rope my poor unsuspecting friend into the drama of it all.

[Agora1 in reply to deborah27]

Good choice, morning. One other thing Deborah, make sure you have something small to eat with the pill. It not only works better but isn't as harsh as on an empty stomach. Drink lots of water during the day. Feel better You can do this. xx

[b1b1b1 in reply to Agora1]

I did not know quinolones can exaggerate anxiety. I was prescribed them once for a UTI. I suffered from extreme anxiety while and shortly after taking them. Very good to know this. Thanks.

[Agora1 in reply to b1b1b1]

Someone who use to post on this forum regularly, couldn't say it enough every time she saw that someone was given that form of antibiotic. I now have it on my chart, allergic to Quinolones.

[b1b1b1 in reply to Agora1]

I will put it on my chart too! I do know that they more frequently can lead to c. diff. (although still rare.)

[deborah27 in reply to Agora1]

What are quinolones ?

[b1b1b1 in reply to deborah27]

A newer type of antibiotic.

[Lilly5 in reply to Agora1]

Fluoroquinolones are Cipro and Levaquin (they have others), I don't do well on them, and if asked to take them I ask for something else.

[Lilly5]

If you have an infection you should take them because if not it's going to get worse. Take them thinking that you will feel better. If you have a bad side effect, which is not likely, then tell your doctor and he'll prescribe a different one. I'm allergic to sulfa, it gives me a fever, and I don't do well with Levaquin. But other people have no problems with those. After you finish taking them make sure you eat yogurt and other probiotics to fix your gut.

[Hidden]

Hola deborah27,

This is my first reply-post in months, but clicked on your preview thread because at first glance I assumed it was a 'brain' medication like the high dosage I take everyday.

Antibiotics are taken normally to fight some type of infection. Infections happen and unless steps are taken by the sufferer to kill the infection through natural or medicinal means, the infection gets worse.

I get that was a big batch of common sense ^ but I do completely understand firsthand how reluctant you are about antibiotics due to the 'hmmm well who knows'.

Antibiotics are not taken for the rest of your life or even for longer than the suggested cycle/term.

Once they do their job - that is it and the very tiny risk of side effects and even tinier risk of 'psychological effects' will in a short time subside.

Genuinely, good luck and all the best

[deborah27 in reply to Hidden]

not sure what ' hmmm well who knows ' is all about. i think you missed the point of my request for support. i am nervous about the act of taking ANY tablets regardless of what they are for, not just antibiotics. this is due to past very bad experiences with other meds. if all of our fears could be dispersed by a dose of common sense... there would be no need for support groups, forums etc...

[Hidden in reply to deborah27]

Deborah, I am sorry for coming across in a bad way to you because genuinely that was NOT my intended tone.

There are of course natural ways to fight infection like the human race did for hundreds of years before the invention of antibiotics.

If you have an infection though it's best you combat it and get your health back.

I did a quick search for alternatives:

foodsmatter.com/natural_med...

again Deborah I am really sorry for putting your back up

[deborah27 in reply to Hidden]

no worries. i do challenge responses from time to time if i believe there is a need to protect my personal need for space to ask for support. thanks for getting back to me. i value the forum too much to stay upset at comments, you are entitled to your opinion.