Job search and meds

[SeekingAfrica]

Hi everyone, I am having actually a practical question. I am on these new med stabilizing meds because I've been really depressed. I've been on them for about 3 days, and this is the second time I have a nap around the same time of day. Like literally. I sleep regular amount of hours, wake up at my regular time refresh, but somewhere between mid-morning and noon fatigue hits me.
That means I lose exactly time in the middle of my regular day, some for dosing off and some for feeling drowsy for a while after waking up. I am just wondering whether I should stick it out or if I should rather adapt my schedule to that?? Something like wake up super early to use the time to apply, or stay up late and then be okay sleeping mid-day? Most likely the early one. I mean it's not ideal and I was finally feeling like I was getting a good routine down... But then again, I can't lose all that time either. But I am so drowsy exactly at that time. Like I would be on my computer and then I just dose off...

But, if I don't get more work soon I will run out of money and options. I need to work on whatever work there is and be applying too. Should I adapt my schedule, try to be flexible?

 

[Kubash16]

I would stick it out, let your body have some time to adjust. I think fatigue is a pretty common side effect that will ease away. If it doesn’t in say, a week? Talk to your doc about it. But for now, just work your day around a nap and don’t beat yourself up for it.

 

[EveHarrington]

I wouldn’t count on it going away in a week.

My body took at least 3-6 months to work through my drowsiness that hit at the same time every day. Yes, it was caused by my mood stabilizer. Other than stopping the drug, there’s not much a doc can do to help.

 

[SeekingAfrica]

I wouldn’t count on it going away in a week.

My body took at least 3-6 months to work through my drowsiness that hit at the same time every day. Yes, it was caused by my mood stabilizer. Other than stopping the drug, there’s not much a doc can do to help.

That does not sound good:(. I don't want to stop it, because I definitely need it right now. I need to figure out how to adapt and still have a full day of work or job search.

 

[joeylittle]

You can adjust your routine, or you can tweak the time you are dosing. I think you're working with Lamictal right now? Talk with your doc about the issue. Think about the number of hours between when you dose and when the crash hits, and whether or not you can move that so the crash is at a more manageable time of day for you.

You can also anticipate the crash, and plan a physical activity for about the same time- see if it helps you get over the hump.

 

[EveHarrington]

Is it a twice a day med?

If it’s once a day, the adjustment should be easier. Mine was twice a day, hence the 2pm crash.

 

[SeekingAfrica]

Is it a twice a day med?

If it’s once a day, the adjustment should be easier. Mine was twice a day, hence the 2pm crash.

It's 3 times a day, 25mg. I seem to have surpassed the 11am crash, and things are starting to seem slightly less on sideeffects. But then my doc says that the dose they would usually give for stabilizing is 100mg x3 times a day. So she wants me to build towards it. She wanted me to try 50x3 times from this week, but I wasn't sure I have quite adjusted to the 25 so we are waiting another week. But I expect there will be few adjustment days each time the dose increases so advice is still appreciated.

@joeylittle I will see how the increase goes and talk to my doc about that for sure. Thanks for the advice! (and yes, lamictal)