Does your medication work?

[Kaytee1981]

Saw my CPN today and I think every week she asks me if my medication is working, particularly my lithium. Every week I say to her - I think so because I don't know what it feels like to not be on medication anymore I've been on that many different ones for a year now. I'm not sure what she is getting at and why she keeps asking, last time I saw a psychiatrist they didnt want to change my medication so I'm presuming its working ok?! My mood is very up and down but generally im quite flat. My other meds are duloxetine, pregabalin and promethazine. Just wondering what others experiences are?

[Spirit_Blue]

Hi! What exactly is a CPN? Therapist or Doctor? Both need to know exactly what you wrote: "My mood is very up and down but generally im quite flat." Which medication have you been on the longest?

[Kaytee1981 in reply to Spirit_Blue]

Sorry CPN is community mental health nurse, I've been on all medications the same time ish. I did have a crazy spell of not taking my meds and was started back with duloxetine and pregabalin and then when I ended up back in hospital I was put back on the lithium- so I presume as I was discharged from hospital that the lithium does help but I still have regular suicidal thoughts which lithium is meant to help with.

My nurse I see weekly, to see a doctor I have to wait for a psychiatrist appt arranged by my nurse and she wont refer me to a psychologist until I'm more stable! I tried to get private counselling but they wont see me due to my risk - it's crazy!

[Spirit_Blue in reply to Kaytee1981]

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, do you tell this to your nurse? And I have to ask, if you aren't seeing a doctor then who is prescribing your medication? And why don't you get counseling from the nurse? Sorry for all the questions but if I can help, I need to understand.

[Kaytee1981 in reply to Spirit_Blue]

So the nurse knows about my thoughts - shes managed any crisis's I've had in the past for example shes put me in a crisis house. She has supervision from a psychologist and discusses my case. I saw a psychiatrist who prescribes my meds whilst in hospital and once as an outpatient. My nurse will coordinate when I need to see the psychiatrist again for a medication review.

The questions are fine - I guess it's so different everywhere!

[Spirit_Blue in reply to Kaytee1981]

Hi. Well, it seems like you are on the right track. How are you today?

[Kaytee1981 in reply to Spirit_Blue]

Thanks for the concern. I'm generally very up and down particularly as I've had bad news about returning to work. I've started self harming again and had to get my husband to take charge of me medication my CPN is aware - I'll get by.