WHAT ABOUT MEDICATION? WHERE DO THEY FIT INTO MY CARE?
There are times when taking a medication is the best fit for your symptoms and needs. The important thing is to consider how we can reduce any side effects and support the medication’s effectiveness.
WHAT TO KNOW
If you’re taking a medication, here are a few things to keep in mind:
All medications have some side effects – because they use up more nutrients than normal. Think of it like this: When you're taking a medication, your body is like a car that's going faster than it usually would. The gas tank empties faster. Similarly, with medication, specific nutrients are used up and depleted more quickly. Common medication side effects (like dizziness, loss of appetite, loss of energy, and feeling achy) can increase when some of these nutrients are used up.
This effect on the body doesn't mean taking medication is bad; instead, we need to weigh the positives against the negatives.
Sometimes, as these nutrient pathways get low, a medication can stop working appropriately.
A PATIENT STUDY: MOOD MEDICATION
We had a patient come to us at Hope Clinic whose psychiatrist had recommended a specific mood-stabilizing medication.
After a couple of weeks on the medication, the patient started experiencing aches, headaches, and fatigue — all very common side effects of this medication. At that point, we began supporting their nutritional base with specific nutrient and herbal supplements, including a very specific B vitamin intervention because the medication was overusing that nutritional pathway. With this type of support, they did not need to change medication, the patient felt much better, and the medication was able to work effectively.
If a psychiatrist you're seeing recommends a medication, we encourage you to bring it to your next appointment with Dr. Brad. We’d like to help you get the best results possible.
ALTERNATIVES TO MOOD MEDICATION
Studies are showing that psychotherapy can be much more effective than medications. The trick? Find a therapist that’s the best fit for you. You might need to try several different people. If you don't know where to look for a psychotherapist, ask Dr. Brad during your visit. We can try to connect you with a fit.
If someone says to us, "I tried therapy, but it didn't get me anywhere," we often suggest giving homeopathy a try. Constitutional homeopathy can open things up to let you see to help you see a more complete picture of where you might be stuck. Understanding what lies beneath an ongoing struggle can be extremely helpful for anyone feeling "stuck".
To learn more about homeopathy, join us at one of Sue's classes. See her class details here! For more reading, check out her website here, homeopathicremedieswork.com.
Share this article with a friend that comes to mind! To start care with Dr. Brad, attend his next Hope Class, details are here.