Perhaps I Can Write My Way Out of GLP-1-Induced Apathy

Yesterday I wrote about the unintended side effects of taking GLP-1 drugs, a prime consequence being anhedonia: the inability to feel enjoyment or pleasure. For a writer, this is deadly. I suppose if I was writing a technical manual, that wouldn't factor in, but I don't make my living writing product instructions. (I actually don't make a living doing anything, but you get my point.)

I don't like circumstances ruling my life, however, so if there's a way to fight against them, lemme at it! I decided to take a more clinical look at the problem and what I could do to overcome it.

A big compounding issue for me has been fatigue. Since starting the drug, I have not had a decent night's sleep. Oh, I can sleep for seven hours with minimal interruptions, but when I awaken, I'm exhausted. All the literature regarding GLP'1's and sleep point to the exact opposite; that the drug actually improves sleep. But I know what I know, and for me, it hasn't worked that way. Thus, it's difficult to fully concentrate on writing when I'm battling sleep demons.

Last night I slept for 8 1/2 hours, I think as a result of the cumulative affect of nights of "bad sleep".  And I feel more clear-headed. I'll need to find a way to replicate that. Plus, I'm going to need to up my electrolytes. I'm not a natural consumer of liquids (other than coffee), which makes the drug's effects even worse (because I'm taking in less food and therefore fewer nutrients). Hydrate! Granted, that can be a Catch-22, because a full bladder will, of course, interfere with my sleep. 

On the plus side, I decided to write just one response to my memorygram questions---see if my brain worked enough to accomplish that. While my answer wasn't exactly scintillating, I found that I could do it. It'll need some revision, but it was a start. I'm not going to tackle my novel reboot yet---baby steps---but I was happy (as happy as I could be, given my anhedonia) that I could manage to do something writing-related. I found myself interested enough that I want to keep going.

So, all is not lost. Everything will be an adjustment, but I don't want to lose my ability to write, and that will spur me to keep trying.

Are you or have you taken GLP-1's? If so, drop me a comment and let me know how it went/is going for you. What changes have you had to make? Has the drug affected your writing or your desire to write?

I'm going to write out a daily to-do list to remind me of all the steps I need to be taking, because those steps are contrary to my nature. Reminders will trigger my guilt gene, and where would we lapsed Catholics be without a profound sense of guilt?