Meds manage illness; side effect: motivation = zero
September 15, 2014 1:17 AM Subscribe
I have recently been put on a medication to manage chronic hives. It has one problematic side effect: my couch essentially becomes a black hole that adheres my ass to it with its gravitational pull. Once I get moving on a task the momentum sees me through, but getting to that point is like having to push a stalled car with a jammed emergency break slightly uphill before you can get it rolling downhill. How do I find ways to get myself moving? More detail and examples inside!
The medication is called Atarax and it has another use: to manage anxiety. I am not anxious. Perhaps that is the issue. I cannot go off the medication because I itch so much that I scratch holes in myself in my sleep. Please do not suggest alternative therapies because I have tried them all, including steroids, elimination diets, holistic ointments, fragrance-free detergents and soaps, and whatever worked for your coworker's aunt. I hate this side effect but it is preferable to scratching until I bleed.
I am by nature a motivated person who Gets Stuff Done. The side effect of this med is that I do fuck-all, and don't particularly care that I am doing absolutely nothing. This would be great if it were vacation and I was spending a day at the beach. But it's not, and on days where I forgot to take this med the day before, it's actually pretty scary.
I should note that I am actually getting my job done to everyone's satisfaction. My job is not in danger. However, it is a job and not a career, and that's because it leaves me the time to pursue the avocations that fulfill me. This has been great up until I went on these meds. Now I am unable to motivate myself to work on any of the side projects that fulfill me.
An example of the difference between on and off meds: when off the meds I have completed NaNoWriMo several times, including while holding down an all-consuming job with a 2-hour driving commute each way. I am currently working from home at a job that is...not all-consuming, and have plenty of time to spare, and I am halfway done with a novel. However, when I am on these meds, I just can't be arsed to write anything on my writing project. Except when I miss a dose of my meds, when I write a ton and say to myself, "Self, what the FUCK are you doing not writing?????"
Another example: I live two blocks from a museum showing an exhibit I've been looking forward to all year. I have free tickets. Did I mention I work from home? And yet I have not been, and I can't get my ass off the couch to go. And then I skip a dose of my meds and realize that FUCK that exhibit is going to close in two weeks! WTF am I doing?
I also have a tendency to not eat because it's too much trouble to make something, or even to order takeout or delivery. This would be an issue except one of the side effects of this drug is weight gain, and let me tell you, I'm skipping 50% of my meals and packing on the pounds anyway. I am not sitting on the couch binge-watching TV, because turning on the TV seems like way too much effort. I spend some time reading a few articles online and then poof! my day has evaporated.
However, if I do actually manage to pry myself off the couch with a goddamn crowbar, the momentum once I get started is profound. If i can get myself to write for 10 minutes, I will literally write 4000 words in a sitting. If I start doing laundry I will wash and fold and iron everything - and I've never been the ironing type, but now apparently I am if I get moving. If I wash one dish in the sink I will wash every single one - and, because of previously noted ass-glued-to-couch-tendencies, that's an alarming number of dishes. And if I start eating, the food in my fridge trembles in terror.
So - how do I get the metaphorical car over the little hill so it can get the downward momentum? Once I get moving, I get shit done, but it is damn near impossible to get moving. I desperately need some tips on how to get started.
And yes, I forgot to take my meds last night, which is why I have the motivation to write this question today. Anon because I would rather not have my employer find out about this issue.
The medication is called Atarax and it has another use: to manage anxiety. I am not anxious. Perhaps that is the issue. I cannot go off the medication because I itch so much that I scratch holes in myself in my sleep. Please do not suggest alternative therapies because I have tried them all, including steroids, elimination diets, holistic ointments, fragrance-free detergents and soaps, and whatever worked for your coworker's aunt. I hate this side effect but it is preferable to scratching until I bleed.
I am by nature a motivated person who Gets Stuff Done. The side effect of this med is that I do fuck-all, and don't particularly care that I am doing absolutely nothing. This would be great if it were vacation and I was spending a day at the beach. But it's not, and on days where I forgot to take this med the day before, it's actually pretty scary.
I should note that I am actually getting my job done to everyone's satisfaction. My job is not in danger. However, it is a job and not a career, and that's because it leaves me the time to pursue the avocations that fulfill me. This has been great up until I went on these meds. Now I am unable to motivate myself to work on any of the side projects that fulfill me.
An example of the difference between on and off meds: when off the meds I have completed NaNoWriMo several times, including while holding down an all-consuming job with a 2-hour driving commute each way. I am currently working from home at a job that is...not all-consuming, and have plenty of time to spare, and I am halfway done with a novel. However, when I am on these meds, I just can't be arsed to write anything on my writing project. Except when I miss a dose of my meds, when I write a ton and say to myself, "Self, what the FUCK are you doing not writing?????"
Another example: I live two blocks from a museum showing an exhibit I've been looking forward to all year. I have free tickets. Did I mention I work from home? And yet I have not been, and I can't get my ass off the couch to go. And then I skip a dose of my meds and realize that FUCK that exhibit is going to close in two weeks! WTF am I doing?
I also have a tendency to not eat because it's too much trouble to make something, or even to order takeout or delivery. This would be an issue except one of the side effects of this drug is weight gain, and let me tell you, I'm skipping 50% of my meals and packing on the pounds anyway. I am not sitting on the couch binge-watching TV, because turning on the TV seems like way too much effort. I spend some time reading a few articles online and then poof! my day has evaporated.
However, if I do actually manage to pry myself off the couch with a goddamn crowbar, the momentum once I get started is profound. If i can get myself to write for 10 minutes, I will literally write 4000 words in a sitting. If I start doing laundry I will wash and fold and iron everything - and I've never been the ironing type, but now apparently I am if I get moving. If I wash one dish in the sink I will wash every single one - and, because of previously noted ass-glued-to-couch-tendencies, that's an alarming number of dishes. And if I start eating, the food in my fridge trembles in terror.
So - how do I get the metaphorical car over the little hill so it can get the downward momentum? Once I get moving, I get shit done, but it is damn near impossible to get moving. I desperately need some tips on how to get started.
And yes, I forgot to take my meds last night, which is why I have the motivation to write this question today. Anon because I would rather not have my employer find out about this issue.
So first, what other antihistamines have they tried you on?
I was going to ask if they'd tried you on one of the antihistamines with less of an anxiolytic effect, such as Cetirizine, and it turns that is actually a *metabolite* of Altarax/Hydroxyzine, from wikipedia 'making it an effective antihistamine but removing some or all of the anxiolytic and other psychoactive properties'.
1st generation Antihistamines usually have more drowsy/anxiolytic effects.
posted by Elysum at 2:01 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
I was going to ask if they'd tried you on one of the antihistamines with less of an anxiolytic effect, such as Cetirizine, and it turns that is actually a *metabolite* of Altarax/Hydroxyzine, from wikipedia 'making it an effective antihistamine but removing some or all of the anxiolytic and other psychoactive properties'.
1st generation Antihistamines usually have more drowsy/anxiolytic effects.
posted by Elysum at 2:01 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
It does sound a lot like when I'm at my most depressed. I wonder if it would be worth trying some other drug to counter balance it. Maybe ask your doctor about it. Have you tried energy drinks?
I also wonder if you have to be on the drug full time. Maybe you could take it most of the time, but take a break from it when you want to get things done.
In terms of getting the motivation to start anything... I sympathize, and when I am in the doldrums getting off the couch feels impossible. It's almost like the signal to move doesn't travel from my brain to the rest of my body. I will be screaming at myself inside, GET UP, and it just doesn't happen.
Somebody suggested just getting up and doing something, the instant it occurs to you. Don't give yourself time to question it and don't let languishing on the couch even be an option. That works, when I remember to do it. Let's both try it now. In exactly 5 seconds, we'll hop up and do something. And... go!
posted by Ursula Hitler at 2:56 AM on September 15, 2014
I also wonder if you have to be on the drug full time. Maybe you could take it most of the time, but take a break from it when you want to get things done.
In terms of getting the motivation to start anything... I sympathize, and when I am in the doldrums getting off the couch feels impossible. It's almost like the signal to move doesn't travel from my brain to the rest of my body. I will be screaming at myself inside, GET UP, and it just doesn't happen.
Somebody suggested just getting up and doing something, the instant it occurs to you. Don't give yourself time to question it and don't let languishing on the couch even be an option. That works, when I remember to do it. Let's both try it now. In exactly 5 seconds, we'll hop up and do something. And... go!
posted by Ursula Hitler at 2:56 AM on September 15, 2014
I don't have the drug part, but while my thyroid is out of whack I'm like this. I settle on timers and small goals. So I will open up my essay/story and look at it today (which leads to edits which leads to writing which leads to stuff getting written). Or I will put on the load of laundry, which means I hang it out which means I bring some in which means I put some away.
The start is hard and I find a concrete routine is good. So at 4:30 I start dinner prep, no questions asked, during slowdowns. Otherwise I'm flailing at 5 pm and we get takeout or eat toast. So 4:30 I get up and go in the kitchen and can work from there.
posted by geek anachronism at 3:13 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
The start is hard and I find a concrete routine is good. So at 4:30 I start dinner prep, no questions asked, during slowdowns. Otherwise I'm flailing at 5 pm and we get takeout or eat toast. So 4:30 I get up and go in the kitchen and can work from there.
posted by geek anachronism at 3:13 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
I would really suggest talking to your doctor about using different antihistamines. There are signifcantly better options in terms of side effect profile. In this situation you can use a 2nd generation H1 blocker and if that isn't enough add a H2 blocker or montelukast. It's something to talk to doctor and see what your insurance covers.
posted by roguewraith at 3:15 AM on September 15, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by roguewraith at 3:15 AM on September 15, 2014 [4 favorites]
Do stimulants help at all? Like, some people do actually manage markedly better on medications like this with just a few extra cups of coffee or tea.
I agree with trying to tackle things in small bits, that usually helps when I need to do something while on my anxiety meds.
posted by Sequence at 4:09 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
I agree with trying to tackle things in small bits, that usually helps when I need to do something while on my anxiety meds.
posted by Sequence at 4:09 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
If all else fails, you might ask your doctor for a prescription for Adderall (a stimulant that is a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). However, this drug has serious side-effects itself, so I would exhaust all other possibilities before trying this (also, note that people develop a tolerance for Adderall, so the drug loses its effectiveness over time).
posted by alex1965 at 4:29 AM on September 15, 2014
posted by alex1965 at 4:29 AM on September 15, 2014
You said not to suggest other therapies, but clearly this med is not working for your life. I'd suggest finding a pharmacist who has the time and inclination to talk to you about different medication options. Of course, since pharms are not docs you're going to have to tell them, "I understand you can't recommend drugs to me, but I wanted to know more about side effects of similar drugs so I can have a better conversation with my doctor". Those magic words seem to help pharmacists to loosen up and tell you what they know. Pharmacists are a wealth of knowledge that is overlooked in the day of fast food/drive-thru drugs. (A bunch of my family are pharmacists. It's awesome.)
posted by PorcineWithMe at 4:42 AM on September 15, 2014 [5 favorites]
posted by PorcineWithMe at 4:42 AM on September 15, 2014 [5 favorites]
Yeah, what roguewraith says is right on. When I had itching to the extent that I was covered in bruises, I was only prescribed Atarax to take at night (up to 30 mg) and up to three times (10 mg each) as needed throughout the day, in addition to the combination of Allegra (H1 receptor antagonist) and Zantac (H2 blocker) every morning. You don't say whether you've tried that combo yet, but if you haven't, you might talk to your allergist or dermatologist about it. Allegra and Zantac are both nondrowsy antihistamines, which is great, 'cause then if you can mostly take the Atarax at night, it works in your favor and helps you sleep.
Also, these days, I've gotten to the point that I can now just take an Allegra on mornings I'm feeling particularly itchy, or an Atarax or two at night if need be. It has gotten a lot better. I hope your itching eventually does, too!
By the way, one other question for background, if you could have a mod follow up: Have you been tested for allergies? I know you tried elimination diets, changing detergents, etc., but did you get a full patch test from a dermatologist and/or a prick test from an allergist? Those tests helped me pin down what I was allergic to (formaldehyde resin) and learn that I don't have a food allergy, but I do have dermatographism (scratching begets more scratching). So those were useful things to know!
posted by limeonaire at 5:26 AM on September 15, 2014
Also, these days, I've gotten to the point that I can now just take an Allegra on mornings I'm feeling particularly itchy, or an Atarax or two at night if need be. It has gotten a lot better. I hope your itching eventually does, too!
By the way, one other question for background, if you could have a mod follow up: Have you been tested for allergies? I know you tried elimination diets, changing detergents, etc., but did you get a full patch test from a dermatologist and/or a prick test from an allergist? Those tests helped me pin down what I was allergic to (formaldehyde resin) and learn that I don't have a food allergy, but I do have dermatographism (scratching begets more scratching). So those were useful things to know!
posted by limeonaire at 5:26 AM on September 15, 2014
Chronic hive sufferer here! I feel for you. The only suggestion I have for your specific question is that you keep your shoes on your feet and don't sit down. Or at least that you put off taking off your shoes and sitting down for as long as possible. You're working from home - so I suggest, if you're not already, getting dressed for work every morning, including putting on your shoes.
I know you don't want med suggestions, but I will ask what kind of doctor you're seeing for treatment of your hives. I am extreme lucky to be seeing a dermatologist with immunology training who took a biopsy of one of my hives so that she could determine the best course of treatment. Chronic hives is such a tricky problem that a number of doctors do not enjoy treating it. My dermatologist attends medical conferences about hives and is very on top of it. The only other physician in my small city who stays on top of the latest literature is an allergist - who is also not confined by the single idea that hives after to be caused by an allergy. (There's a lot more crossover in expertise between allergy/dermatology/immunology than I would've guessed.)
I've never been treated with your medication. Yet my hives are fully controlled and I've been able to lower dosages and eliminate some of the meds altogether, per my doctor's suggestion. And the meds I take are extremely safe meds that can be taken relatively long term. The most heavily-sedating drug I take, I only take at night (for that reason.)
ps: chronic hives are most often not caused by an allergy, per se, and most hives sufferers cannot be tested for allergies while on antihistamines because it suppresses your reaction, and most of us can't be off antihistimines long enough to have allergy tests (because: hives. Miserable, terrible, every-second-hives.)
MeMail me if you'd like to hear more about the meds.
posted by vitabellosi at 6:01 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
I know you don't want med suggestions, but I will ask what kind of doctor you're seeing for treatment of your hives. I am extreme lucky to be seeing a dermatologist with immunology training who took a biopsy of one of my hives so that she could determine the best course of treatment. Chronic hives is such a tricky problem that a number of doctors do not enjoy treating it. My dermatologist attends medical conferences about hives and is very on top of it. The only other physician in my small city who stays on top of the latest literature is an allergist - who is also not confined by the single idea that hives after to be caused by an allergy. (There's a lot more crossover in expertise between allergy/dermatology/immunology than I would've guessed.)
I've never been treated with your medication. Yet my hives are fully controlled and I've been able to lower dosages and eliminate some of the meds altogether, per my doctor's suggestion. And the meds I take are extremely safe meds that can be taken relatively long term. The most heavily-sedating drug I take, I only take at night (for that reason.)
ps: chronic hives are most often not caused by an allergy, per se, and most hives sufferers cannot be tested for allergies while on antihistamines because it suppresses your reaction, and most of us can't be off antihistimines long enough to have allergy tests (because: hives. Miserable, terrible, every-second-hives.)
MeMail me if you'd like to hear more about the meds.
posted by vitabellosi at 6:01 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
I was on atarax at 150 mg 3x a day for anxiety which as you know is a ton of it. What helped was pushing through tiredness regardless and getting to my dose slowly in the begining so my body had time to compensate. I also found caffeine helped a little.
posted by AlexiaSky at 7:07 AM on September 15, 2014
posted by AlexiaSky at 7:07 AM on September 15, 2014
I'm on Atarax prn for anxiety. I hates it, I does. I take it, 30 minutes later I'm calm, 10 minutes after that, I'm asleep. If you think getting things done with black hole couch butt is hard, you should doing things while you're asleep!! (I kid, I kid....)
Between depression, anxiety, physical health issues, and meds, I struggle with getting things done ALL THE TIME. There are many days where the act of feeding myself seems like the most monumental task EVAR, and as for actual productivy? Fuhgeddaboutit. There are only two things that have been even remotely useful for getting anything done, and they're not horribly reliable.
The first tactic is screwing with meds. I'll have a day where I absolutely must accomplish some task. I will skip absolutely every drug I take that has any sedating effects whatsoever, and instead, I'll take everything I have that has an "amping up" effect (caffeine, b-complex vitamins, vitamin d, sudafed pe, rhodiola). This is not something I do on a regular basis, not something I terribly, horribly recommend. It's more reliable than the other one for me, though, and if there's something that MUST BE DONE, this it what I'll try first.
The other tactic is more of a head game. I will tell myself that I have to do this one thing, and after that, I don't have to do anything else productive for the rest of the day. Just one thing. Only one. There are days where doing the one thing gets overwhelming, and I just can't even. There are days when I do the one thing, and then retreat to my bedroom to watch netflix for the rest of the day. And there are a few and far between days when I do the one thing, and it feels so awesome to have done one thing, that I do another. And another. And another. And it feels AWESOME!
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 8:25 AM on September 15, 2014
Between depression, anxiety, physical health issues, and meds, I struggle with getting things done ALL THE TIME. There are many days where the act of feeding myself seems like the most monumental task EVAR, and as for actual productivy? Fuhgeddaboutit. There are only two things that have been even remotely useful for getting anything done, and they're not horribly reliable.
The first tactic is screwing with meds. I'll have a day where I absolutely must accomplish some task. I will skip absolutely every drug I take that has any sedating effects whatsoever, and instead, I'll take everything I have that has an "amping up" effect (caffeine, b-complex vitamins, vitamin d, sudafed pe, rhodiola). This is not something I do on a regular basis, not something I terribly, horribly recommend. It's more reliable than the other one for me, though, and if there's something that MUST BE DONE, this it what I'll try first.
The other tactic is more of a head game. I will tell myself that I have to do this one thing, and after that, I don't have to do anything else productive for the rest of the day. Just one thing. Only one. There are days where doing the one thing gets overwhelming, and I just can't even. There are days when I do the one thing, and then retreat to my bedroom to watch netflix for the rest of the day. And there are a few and far between days when I do the one thing, and it feels so awesome to have done one thing, that I do another. And another. And another. And it feels AWESOME!
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 8:25 AM on September 15, 2014
I don't mean to be obvious, but have you discussed this with your doctor? Maybe a different medicine that does that same thing will work? Medicine can be funny that one in that one will give you crazy side effects and another one will give you none. Should you get a second opinion? I'm sure this drug isn't the only one that will help with your hives.
Do you find that you feel the effects more right after you've taken it? Would it make more sense to take it right before bed every night rather than in the morning?
posted by AppleTurnover at 9:54 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Do you find that you feel the effects more right after you've taken it? Would it make more sense to take it right before bed every night rather than in the morning?
posted by AppleTurnover at 9:54 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Maybe get rid of the couch? (Or at least replace it with a leather one.)
I mean that in all seriousness. I have serious health issues and react allergically to a lot of things. When I first moved to Southern California, my belongings spent a few months in storage and I found myself sleeping and sleeping and sleeping until I decided my mattress, covered in dust and god-knows-what from being in storage for months, was part of the problem: The longer I laid there, the more tired I felt. Because it was July in the High Desert (where it rains 6 inches a year and can be 115 degree Fahrenheit in July), I dragged it outside and let it sun for a bit. After that, I was able to pry myself out of bed in the morning.
The other thing I wonder: If you have been scratching until you bleed for ...months? years? ...and you have finally found something that works, you probably need some rest while your body does some repair work. That might be part of why WHEN you get started, you get crazy amounts done: Because you are actually less sick. Because some of your historical behavior sounds a bit manic to me and the kind of thing that can happen when you are out of whack in a different way.
Best of luck.
posted by Michele in California at 10:11 AM on September 15, 2014
I mean that in all seriousness. I have serious health issues and react allergically to a lot of things. When I first moved to Southern California, my belongings spent a few months in storage and I found myself sleeping and sleeping and sleeping until I decided my mattress, covered in dust and god-knows-what from being in storage for months, was part of the problem: The longer I laid there, the more tired I felt. Because it was July in the High Desert (where it rains 6 inches a year and can be 115 degree Fahrenheit in July), I dragged it outside and let it sun for a bit. After that, I was able to pry myself out of bed in the morning.
The other thing I wonder: If you have been scratching until you bleed for ...months? years? ...and you have finally found something that works, you probably need some rest while your body does some repair work. That might be part of why WHEN you get started, you get crazy amounts done: Because you are actually less sick. Because some of your historical behavior sounds a bit manic to me and the kind of thing that can happen when you are out of whack in a different way.
Best of luck.
posted by Michele in California at 10:11 AM on September 15, 2014
I also recommend talking with your doctor and even seeking a second (third, fourth, etc) opinion if necessary. My chronic hives were the first clue in an unfolding autoimmune diagnosis. The first couple allergists &c (rheumatologists, neurologists, dermatologists, immunologists, the kitchen sink) I saw completely missed a bunch of things about a slight genetic immune deficiency, the fact that I had mast cell problems (making me likely to benefit from a for-now off label injection drug called Xolair, which reduced my unable-to-leave-the-house hives in a single day) and the fact that the hives were going to keep getting worse until I had a better answer about what was causing them. What ultimately helped me get off my ass was being treated for the underlying disease making my body go beserk. I was told there were likely internal hives. I still have to take antihistamines, but they don't knock me out as much.
Can I say it gets better? I take 4 Zyrtec pills daily. And two Xyzal. And 25mg - 75mg of Doxepin. Sometimes I still need benadryl. I have just been able to come off Atarax and Pepcid because the disease at the root of the hives is being treated. I barely notice any more - it used to make me a gibbering mess.
My advice: It is likely that you're reckoning with a life long, chronic illness and at least a little diminishment of functioning. You're probably going to have to look at things via the lens of how you can feel the best you can, rather than how you can get back to 100%. That impatience, to get the "being sick" show over with, ruined my health and kept me from treating it. You're on strong medication and going through a diagnostic process. You don't mention a book contract. Make some doctor appointments and enjoy some time feeling good in your own skin for once! On your own couch!
posted by sweltering at 7:13 PM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
Can I say it gets better? I take 4 Zyrtec pills daily. And two Xyzal. And 25mg - 75mg of Doxepin. Sometimes I still need benadryl. I have just been able to come off Atarax and Pepcid because the disease at the root of the hives is being treated. I barely notice any more - it used to make me a gibbering mess.
My advice: It is likely that you're reckoning with a life long, chronic illness and at least a little diminishment of functioning. You're probably going to have to look at things via the lens of how you can feel the best you can, rather than how you can get back to 100%. That impatience, to get the "being sick" show over with, ruined my health and kept me from treating it. You're on strong medication and going through a diagnostic process. You don't mention a book contract. Make some doctor appointments and enjoy some time feeling good in your own skin for once! On your own couch!
posted by sweltering at 7:13 PM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
I received an update from the OP -
They looked up cetirizine, and realized the brand name is Zyrtec:
"Zyrtec makes me catastrophically depressed, in the "I would kill myself right now but that would require getting out of bed and would thus be too much effort" way. So I guess this is just a much milder version of that effect. Not great, but at least I know and knowing is half the battle, right?"
Bit late in the thread, but I offered to post this, in case anyone has additional advice or alternative med suggestions?
posted by Elysum at 7:59 PM on September 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
They looked up cetirizine, and realized the brand name is Zyrtec:
"Zyrtec makes me catastrophically depressed, in the "I would kill myself right now but that would require getting out of bed and would thus be too much effort" way. So I guess this is just a much milder version of that effect. Not great, but at least I know and knowing is half the battle, right?"
Bit late in the thread, but I offered to post this, in case anyone has additional advice or alternative med suggestions?
posted by Elysum at 7:59 PM on September 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
My own update, in response to the above, is, possibly try antihistamines from a different class?
Wikipedia: H1 antagonist - Classes
Atarax/Hydroxyzine are same class as Zyrtec/Cetirizine, so see if your Dr could try something like Loratadine instead?
Try a few, and weigh up the effects. Given Atarax is managing it, you may end up coming back to it - but with the knowledge that you'll need a lot more external structure and motivation than you are used to (for many people, working from home is HAAAARD).
Non-med advice:
Look up tips for people with ADHD, and/or depression, it's basically for managing deficits in executive function, aka 'will power' (also, I kind of bounce between anxiety and depression).
First, there's a reason a lot of people don't work from home, it is harder. Try and set up alarms, routines etc. If you have an alarm, set the notification on it as a direct instruction, when I'm really wiped I can still *follow* instructions, I just can't seem to direct myself, so - decide the day you want to go to the Museum, set an alarm for, "Get dressed/ready to go to the museum in 30 minutes", etc.
A body in motion, stays in motion, so don't sit on the couch until you have nothing else to do.
Also, "The Now Habit" by Neil Fiore.
I find a lot of 'motivation' is anxiety driven, as is the procrastination. A little anxiety paralyses, but if people heap more on, it often drives them to action.
The example given in the book, is that many people, faced with having to walk a tightrope between two buildings, light the building behind them on fire as motivation - his method, is to take it in the other direction, and lower the tightrope until it's only a little off the ground.
I have a bit of "But why would I do anything if the building isn't on fire?" - I'm working on that. :P
posted by Elysum at 8:50 PM on September 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
Wikipedia: H1 antagonist - Classes
Atarax/Hydroxyzine are same class as Zyrtec/Cetirizine, so see if your Dr could try something like Loratadine instead?
Try a few, and weigh up the effects. Given Atarax is managing it, you may end up coming back to it - but with the knowledge that you'll need a lot more external structure and motivation than you are used to (for many people, working from home is HAAAARD).
Non-med advice:
Look up tips for people with ADHD, and/or depression, it's basically for managing deficits in executive function, aka 'will power' (also, I kind of bounce between anxiety and depression).
First, there's a reason a lot of people don't work from home, it is harder. Try and set up alarms, routines etc. If you have an alarm, set the notification on it as a direct instruction, when I'm really wiped I can still *follow* instructions, I just can't seem to direct myself, so - decide the day you want to go to the Museum, set an alarm for, "Get dressed/ready to go to the museum in 30 minutes", etc.
A body in motion, stays in motion, so don't sit on the couch until you have nothing else to do.
Also, "The Now Habit" by Neil Fiore.
I find a lot of 'motivation' is anxiety driven, as is the procrastination. A little anxiety paralyses, but if people heap more on, it often drives them to action.
The example given in the book, is that many people, faced with having to walk a tightrope between two buildings, light the building behind them on fire as motivation - his method, is to take it in the other direction, and lower the tightrope until it's only a little off the ground.
I have a bit of "But why would I do anything if the building isn't on fire?" - I'm working on that. :P
posted by Elysum at 8:50 PM on September 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
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posted by quercus23 at 1:59 AM on September 15, 2014