Do medication side effects get worse if you aren't taking care of yourself?

[nellie_4132]

Just wondering if this can happen as there are exams this week so I am low on sleep right now and have had caffeine today. I am on Plaquenil and a few vitamins, I don't usually have side effects from the Plaquenil, but today I have nausea and I was dry heaving over the toilet. Thanks in advance for any replies!

[citygirl1234]

Yes, it can in my experience, but I think it’s probably stress related. (Apparently stress is a major factor associated with flares as well). I’ve had similar experiences during exam periods and particularly stressful weeks at work with long term steroids. I ended up postponing one of my professional exams last year because of it (new job + big exam + steroids = bad combination). Apologies if this is a bit graphic, but at one point I couldn’t even make it to my desk in the morning without having to stop by the loos to throw up. (I had taken steroids before in larger doses and not had that problem, and taking them with milk, different foods and omeprazole didn’t help me during this period). In the end I had to have a frank discussion with myself about how it is better to “whole ass” one thing than to “half ass” several (to quote Ron Swanson / Parks & Recreation). The side effects eased off for me as my stress levels reduced, though in the end I came off steroids as they weren’t really doing much for me. I’m about to start preparing for a second attempt at the same exam. In that horrible grey period, the only thing that seemed to help me, was getting enough sleep. That period won’t last forever though. I’m optimistic that things will improve once your exams are over. Best of luck with them, I’m sure you’ll smash it!

[Insomniacette]

Same as citygirl1234. I've found high stress, lack of sleep and caffeine is not a great combo and exacerbates my symptoms. Maybe consider taking out the one thing you can control - caffeine? Not sure how possible that is, but it might help a bit. Definitely getting enough sleep is the thing that makes the biggest difference to my feeling better.

Either way, I hope it's reassuring to know others have been there too. Best of luck with the exams! Sure you'll ace them!!