Posted by JudyJudy on September 12, 2003, at 11:56:40
In reply to Re: Making choices with meds... » Krazy Kat , posted by Chloe on November 14, 2001, at 19:23:44
I am 59 years old. Three years ago I was diagnosed bipolar.
I wanted to share my story in hopes to motivate people to read about the medicines they take. Not to go on blind faith. I do believe there should be some kind of law to hold medical persons accountable for errors with medications along side a person that broke the law because they were on these medications.I was taking 900 mg of lithium a day, 150 mg of Wellbutrin, 7.5 mg of Tranzene twice a day and 300 mg of Tiazac each day.
I drove a car and got into a hit and run accident. No, one was hurt, thank God. I have no recollection. I did not know this happened until I found a police citation in a drawer. This is a horrible feeling.
I wanted to know what happened the day of my accident and why. My family and friends gave me my first clues. They said that the day of the accident before it occurred, my speech was slurred, hands were shaking, memory from one minute to the next was terrible and I was stumbling when I’d walk.
I had never read about my medicines. I would fill them and take them as the doctor directed, trusting that the doctors knew what they were doing. I started reading a book called, “Worst Pills and Best Pills”. I was astounded at what I read. What shocked me most was what I’ve been through is not uncommon. This miss-prescribing and over-prescribing goes on all the time. Sometimes errors with medications can be fatal. I had a memory creep back to me sometime during this time. I was on these medication. I was trying to cross the street at light. I could not remember when to cross. Was it on the green or red? I guessed and walked. This lady almost hit me. To her or anyone I caused stress at this time I’m very sorry. (In case she read this.)
I kept an old classic car of mine thinking I may go back to driving one day. The medicines just say, “Don’t drive until you know how you react to it.” I find this very deceptive too. The medicines I was on accumulate in the system. One day you are fine and the next you aren’t.
I have 2 friends that drive on medication. One is bipolar going to DUI classes over medication. The other has an anxiety disorder lost his license because of medication. I hope I have not offended anyone but this is such a serious issue.
Sincerely,
Judy F.
poster:JudyJudy
thread:84063
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030912/msgs/259373.html