Anxiety after taking medication

Dear all,

I’ve recently started taking medication for my chronic illness. I had been preparing for it for several months and I had done extensive research on side effects. I took it yesterday (1 pill a day) and I was fine. However, I’m still waiting for side effects. I’ve been feeling a bit spaced out today (like I’m in my own head all the time) and I wonder if it could be a side effect. I know you can’t answer this question as I’m not new to head spinning feeling when I’m anxious...but how do you manage this fear when it comes to medication? Honestly, I don’t think it’s side effects but I can’t seem to convince myself of that 😂. It’s annoying how everything becomes a challenge when one has anxiety!

[Krn210]

Anxiety over medication is hard. I just remind myself that they prescribed the medication for your good. The benefits outweighed any risks. Then I remind myself that there are risks with virtually anything. Lastly I throw the side effect leaflet away. Lol. Otherwise I will convince myself of something.

[Hidden in reply to Krn210]

Thanks for your reply! It’s funny isn’t?!?! It’s my third day of taking meds and I’m still waiting for something bad to happen. But you’re so right...we need to focus on the positive side, ie why is it we do this. Hope you have a lovely weekend x

[Krn210 in reply to Hidden]

I hope you have a lovely weekend too!

[Indigojoe]

keep yourself distracted as best you can by focusing on meaningful tasks.

SO many of us have medication anxiety. I found the best way for me to get out of my head looking for every possible physical feeling was to,

Stay off of the computer and smart phone as long as possible and do things for other people.

Engage with folks, read for the blind, go to the library and read a book or magazine while there, bake a cake for someone at the local nursing home.

Go through your closet and give away what you no longer need to a thrift store or the homeless shelter.

Just stay present with other people.

[Hidden in reply to Indigojoe]

Thank you! This is a brilliant advice. I’m struggling focusing on the present and it’s something I need to work on I guess. Have a lovely weekend x