I’ve been on mood stabilisers for a while now, and I’m starting to notice some side effects. One of the most common complaints is dry mouth and thirst. It affects me too, leading to dehydration if I don’t keep track of how much liquids I take in throughout the day. Unexpected weight changes can also occur- either loss or gain depending on the individual- but luckily that hasn’t happened with me yet. Additionally, sometimes my meds can make me a bit fatigued and low on energy throughout the day. Lastly, constipation is a potential issue though it doesn’t affect me too often thankfully.
These side effects can be inconvenient at times, but overall, I recognize that they are better than the emotions I feel when not taking the medication, so I stay positive and proactive in minimizing their impact as best I can!
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Hi! As a 21-year-old woman, I can definitely relate to the side effects of your medication. When it comes to dry mouth and thirst, I find drinking plenty of water throughout the day has been extremely helpful in keeping myself hydrated. I also try eating foods that are high in water content like cucumbers and melons. Unexpected weight changes can be really discouraging but you can keep track of how your medications are affecting your diet and physical activity levels and make adjustments as necessary. To reduce fatigue, I’ll take breaks throughout the day to give my body a chance to rest, and developing healthy habits like eating well balanced meals and exercising often can help with energy levels too. Constipation is one of those pesky side effects but for me there have been lots of solutions available- with tips from my doctor about fiber rich food sources combined with over-the-counter remedies (like stool softeners) when needed - that make it manageable.
At the end of the day, remember that even though these side effects may be keeping you busy sometimes managing them is worth it if it brings you more peace and wellbeing overall! Hang in there!