Dealing with med side effects

[[SundayGirl]]

Hiya,
Has anybody any advice on how to cope with side effects or has anybody ever been on valproic acid (sp?).
I'm on it for bipolar & have to take it twice a day.
The main side effect is exhaustion and fatigue but I'm also experiencing insomnia so I'm literally a walking zombie! I'm also getting palpitations & an upset stomach.

Being so tired & not sleeping can't help my mood surely though? My psyc won't change the dose or meds until after a "suitable amount of time".

I've recently had to take a lot of leave in work due to my diagnosis and I've just gone part time so I really don't want to be more of a pain & voice I'm struggling to cope taking these meds.

It's like I can't win. Don't take meds and be mentally unwell or take them and also be physically unwell.

[Fire Fly]

Hey,
Sorry you're feeling so rubbish at the moment. It's like a catch 22 for you. I've been on it before and it gave me similar side effects. It did pass though within two weeks. Keep at it. Have you tried promethazine to help you sleep? Or been to your gp for sleeping pills to help with the insomnia? X

[mikey]

Unfortunately with any meds the side-effects can be horrible and it can take a bit of time for them to wear off as your body gets used to the new medication. I would encourage you to stick with it, even though it's unpleasant, as it's a short-term unpleasantness for a long-term benefit. Does that make sense? I agree with the above about maybe getting a sleeping tablet for a short time to help you sleep.