Should I take my medication or try and live with it?

[Anonymous]

I have really bad shakes in my hands, to the point where people look at me really strange. I can't really hide it. It just started getting bad the last few months and I finally went to a neurologist and he gave me a script for meds until my tests come back. He said it's possible I may have parkinsons. I'm a talented artist and currently in art school and I can't afford to have this happen to me, art is the only thing I've ever been good at. The medication makes me feel really sick and depressed. Also I can't drink alcohol which might not sound like a big deal but I really enjoy going out with my friends. I feel so rotten and none of my friends understand how I'm feeling. I know I should take the medication but I really hate it and it makes me feel sick. I'm also worried that no guy will ever want to date me again if it does turn out to be the worst.

[Longshot]

1) You are young to have Parkinson's. Even if this neurologist diagnoses you with it, I STRONGLY suggest you get a 2nd opinion. Neurologists tend to specialize in areas like Parkinsons, seizures, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), etc. If this doctor says it is Parkinsons, then you should search for a Parkinsons specialist and get another opinion.

2) Most neurological meds produce side effects, some more severe than others. You may have to switch drugs or even classes of drugs to get one you can comfortably live with (assuming you really do have Parkinsons). Don't be afraid to ask your doctor about switching. Here is a list of some of the drug classes.

link

3) If you have to take a Parkinsons med, you should ask your doctor about drugs to relieve the side effects.

Finally, I would say again Parkinsons seems unlikely at your age. I am wondering if you have a nerve condition instead. I am NO medical professional, but I know enough about neurology to tell you that correctly diagnosing neurology problems is not always simple. Getting 2nd and 3rd opinions is very standard.

[raptor]

Continue to take them, but also make an appointment to discuss with your doctor the side effects you are experiencing and to see if another medication might be more feasible. Any decent doctor will listen to a patients concerns about medications and help them to find the one(s) that will properly/ effectively treat the condition without hindering a regular healthy day to day lifestyle.

[Deft_maiden]

If your shakes have a physiological reason you better treat it any way you can. If your meds have unpleasant side effects then see if you can change them. Talk to your doctor and take this very seriously. I am sorry to hear this. And I hate to say this but you may have to make some sacrifices when it comes to your health :(

[roteiro]

Whether it is Parkinson or Multiple Sclerosis, the first thing you have to do is to get your disease diagnosed as far as possible. There are some very good clinics like
where you can get every needed information and even get an appropriate treatment. They use new cell methods, they are said to be very effective

[baliguy11]

Keep after your meds and your health and do not give up on the first opinion. Alcohol is not important, you health and doing what you are good at is. Guys have health problems too ya know. Take care of yourself first. The guy thing will work out. be well girl and best wishes.

[Anonymous]

take the medication!