So sick of doctors...
#182260 - 05/31/05 01:43 PM
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Vicam
Reged: 02/24/04
Posts: 1955
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Hey Guys,
I'm so frustrated right now I think I just really need to vent. I went to see the internist today that my doctor referred me to since he "doesnt' know what the heck is going on" and she made me feel really bad. I explained to her that I've been having terrible anxiety (so bad I haven't been sleeping, can hardly eat and am literally crawling out of my skin) and she wasn't even remotely sympathetic. She just kept suggesting increasing my dose of Effexor, even though I told her I'm actually trying to get off it because it made my anxiety worse.
Long story short, SSRIs have always made me worse...so far I haven't had any luck with any of them. Plus, my problems are solely anxiety and not depression. Both my parents also had terrible reactions to SSRIs. So I asked if I could try being treated with benzodiazepens (sp?). She said absolutely not because of their addictive potential and because I'm so young (not really sure what that has to do with anything). I was so frustrated...I know they can be addicting, but if the other drugs aren't working and I'm at the point where I'm barely functioning, does it really matter? 
Her suggestion was to go on an anti-psychotic!!! (Zyprexa). I couldn't believe it! I said to her, you want me to go on a heavy-hitter like that when my only problem is anxiety, just because you have reservations prescribing an actual anti-anxiety drug because I might get addicted? She refused to budge on the issue so I ended up with a prescription that I won't even fill  There are just too many darn side effects with that kind of drug for me to warrent taking it when I'm not depressed or psychotic.
Plus, she ran some bloodwork and my Cortisol level came back at twice the normal limit (normal range 90-540, mine was 922) and she didn't seem to think that warrented any investigation which I can't understand. She said if I was fat or exhibiting more Cushing-like signs than maybe she would, but since I'm not it doesn't matter. I just can't understand these doctors...shouldn't any lab result that's so far out of normal range warrent investigation? I was overweight a year ago and definately showed Cushing-like signs but because I essentially stopped eating I lost the weight. And now apparently that means I can't get further investigation.
Sorry this is so long, I just feel better getting it out there.
Thanks for taking the time to read my vent 
Kelly
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Oh Kelly, how frustraing!!!!! I don't know anything about the drug she prescribed and I don't understand why she wouldn't give you a script for Xanax or something similiar!
I don't know exactly what cortisol is or does but that does seem to be very far out of the normal range. I really wished you could come to Mi to see my doctor. She is very caring and kind and wouldn't have an issue giving you some Xanax to get things calmed down right now.
I just don't undersdtand how the medical system works in Canada but you most definitely deserve better medical care than this! Lots of love and hugs!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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I have an anxiety disorder ( OCD) and was on an antipsychoti for over a year. Not because I'm psychotic, but because they found that the antipsychotic drugs often magnify the effect of the SSRIS and work with them to lessen anxiety. It's one of the other benefits of the drug. They are often used to treat anxiety disorders. I know, I thought it was strange, too when I was prescribed them. It's unfortunate that your Doctor didn't explain this to you. My advice would be to give the med a try. It might help. I was on risperdal (antipsychotic) and effexor (ssri).
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Hi! I am so sorry you are going through such a hard thing. I have actually been on two different antipsychotic medications and both were for my migraines. I have been on Zyprexa before and I am now on Seroquel. I only take them when I have severe migraines, but they do work really well. They will definitely help you sleep anyway. I don't know exactly why they want you to go on it, but find out. It might work out really well.
Joy
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lovejoy_22
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Hey Alisha,
Thanks for your info. The doc actually did explain that it could magnify the effects of the SSRI, the problem is that I'm actually trying to get off the SSRI, and hope to be totally off it within a month or so. Plus, in my opinion, there are just too many possible side-effects associated with those drugs compared to the other options out there...and I'm tired of people prescribed things for "off-label" uses...I feel like their guinea pig or something. Not to mention that it is horribly expensive 
I'm glad it's working well for you though, I just don't think I'm willing to give it a go.
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Thanks for you info, I'm glad they work for you They basically want me to take them to help with anxiety at bedtime and to help me sleep, but after researching the drug and considering the costs (really expensive!) I just don't think it's feasible for me. Plus, it wouldn't deal with the fact that I have severe anxiety during the day as well. But I appreciate your input
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Hey Michele,
Thanks for your support! I don't understand the hesistation either, I think it's because I would need to be taking it daily, not just every now and then, because I'm having daily problems and attacks. They seem really hung up on my age, and the idea that I may potentially get hooked and end up taking them for life really seems to bother them.
I'm definately still entertaining the idea of coming to see your doc, money is just so tight right now I know I shouldn't be concerned about that but I am. But thanks for the offer...I see the doc once more soon and if I still don't get anywhere I may need to take you up on it
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I'm sorry if I'm butting in here, seeing as I don't know your full story, but I've had similar anxiety issues and maybe I can be of some help. First, I'm sorry you're having such a tough time with doctors. (It sure doesn't help the anxiety when they don't listen!)
Have you or your GP considered taking Buspar? I've been using it the past few months for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which it IS intended for (it can also be used for OCD)--it's also helped my insomnia. The only side effects I've experienced are dry mouth, vivid dreams, and dizziness when I get up too fast from a sitting or lying down position. It can take from 2 to 4 weeks before you start noticing results; in the meantime, I don't see why the doc couldn't give you a benzodiazepene to use as needed--for any breakthrough anxiety or panic attacks. I have lorazepam for panic attacks, but I only use it 3 or 4 times a months.
Well, I hope this helps.  Good luck w/ your doctor!
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You poor thing!! You don't deserve not to be listened to. Kudos for putting your foot down and not filling that bogus Rx.
Something is up with your bod and your doc's the only one who's not clued in. Sleep deprivation is major and will make everything worse. Doctors look way too much at addictive potential and it puts blinders on them when it comes to prescribing healing medicine. Would they feel better if we were dead rather than addicted??
Call that doc back and demand something else. You're in the right here.
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that doctors prescribe it to patients who are taking antidepressants so it will help with their sex drive?
Ok, so I know someone's going to ask me if it was effective .....the answer is YES.
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