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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 28, 2013, at 19:37:00
My first impression would be "damp squib"
I told her my story, and she said that she was amazed how well i had done to get my self rehabilitated back to professional employment, then we got down to brass tacks.
She gave me a lecture about Xanax, and told me that I was an addict, and that it had to go. While I admit I am dependant, I am not addicted, and while I'd love it to go, i dont think thats a realistic goal right now.
She fished around desperatly trying to fina an antidepressant that i hadnt tried, I asked her about Nardil and she said that was a possability, as was mirtazapine.
Anyway, she doesnt prescribe drugs, she sends a letter to my GP with recomendations, and he will prescribe.
She also recomended another bout of CBT and that I give up caffeine (which I largely have, i have one coffee in the morning and thats it for the day)
Honest feeling is that i wish i hadnt bothered.
Anyway, I'll see my GP next week and see what she has recomended, and discuss it with him and see what we are going to do
Posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2013, at 21:31:10
In reply to Psychiatrist today - first impressions, posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 28, 2013, at 19:37:00
Jono here now medicaire is paying for benzos a first as has deemed than safer than other meds. SRI's included. Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 28, 2013, at 21:50:14
In reply to Re: Psychiatrist today - first impressions » jono_in_adelaide, posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2013, at 21:31:10
In Australia, insurance covers Xanax for panic disorder where other treatments have failed.
Given that I have tried 4 SSRI's, Effexor and risperidone, I think I can safely say I have given non addictive treatments a fair trial.
Posted by alchemy on March 1, 2013, at 0:19:46
In reply to Re: Psychiatrist today - first impressions, posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 28, 2013, at 21:50:14
Not a fan of that doc. Needing something to function well is different than being out of control and addicted. And all meds usually have some kind of withdrawal period.
I have taken the same 2mg xanax xr dose for about 3 yrs. Once he wanted me to try only taking xanax because it can have some antidepressant qualities.
What worries me about about it is how i feel if i miss a dose. But i can compare it to other things that i have to have on a continual basis- like food, insulin.
Posted by brynb on March 1, 2013, at 8:21:00
In reply to Psychiatrist today - first impressions, posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 28, 2013, at 19:37:00
> She gave me a lecture about Xanax, and told me that I was an addict, and that it had to go. While I admit I am dependant, I am not addicted, and while I'd love it to go, i dont think thats a realistic goal right now.
Jon-
Sounds a bit rough :/. I hope it works out with her, though.
Regarding the above statement, my current pdoc knows I had a substance abuse problem years ago (and benzos were one of the pills I abused), but he regulates my Valium and believes benzos are the best treatment for anxiety, and that to withhold benzos to a patient w/ anxiety issues simply because of past issues is nonsensical and cruel (even if you're dependent). I guess I'm lucky he feels that way, and I tend to agree. It's not like they prescribe barbiturates anymore, and other than barbs and benzos, nothing compares.
Maybe switch from Xanax to a different benzo? I personally like Valium...
Hope your anxiety's ok and that you're doing well,
-b
Posted by Phil on March 1, 2013, at 11:34:56
In reply to Psychiatrist today - first impressions, posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 28, 2013, at 19:37:00
I'm amazed at how well you're doing. Get off Xanax!!!
I wonder if they ever listen to what they say.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on March 1, 2013, at 20:33:47
In reply to Re: Psychiatrist today - first impressions » jono_in_adelaide, posted by Phil on March 1, 2013, at 11:34:56
She also said I shouldnt need to be on 2 antidepressants - to me thats like saying that someone with asthma shouldnt need steroids - they probably shouldnt, but some do
I'm not going back
I'm happy to switch to another benzo, in an equipotent dose, but i feel that its been the use of a benzodiazepine that has allowed me to return from the abyss of being an unemployed agrophobic to a middlemanager in a large australian company, so I'm unwilling to stop, especialy when I'm going through a bad patch.
I will try and work with my GP on this, if that doesnt work, I'll fly back to Adelaide and see my old psychiatrist down there, who i worked with for 4 years to get well
Posted by Phillipa on March 1, 2013, at 20:58:29
In reply to Re: Psychiatrist today - first impressions, posted by jono_in_adelaide on March 1, 2013, at 20:33:47
Jon excellent plan!!! Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on March 1, 2013, at 21:02:30
In reply to Re: Psychiatrist today - first impressions » jono_in_adelaide, posted by Phillipa on March 1, 2013, at 20:58:29
Oh, she also trotted out the old standbye that if only I'd do yet another course of CBT, everything would be all righ
Posted by phidippus on March 2, 2013, at 14:33:07
In reply to Psychiatrist today - first impressions, posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 28, 2013, at 19:37:00
>She said that was a possability, as was mirtazapine
I'm a big fan of Mirtazapine. Would you be treating depression?
>and that I give up caffeine
Caffeine is not the bad guy it is made out to be. Studies show it is useful in the treatment of depression and certain anxiety disorders.
Eric
Posted by bleauberry on March 3, 2013, at 12:29:18
In reply to Psychiatrist today - first impressions, posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 28, 2013, at 19:37:00
It sounds to me like the pdoc was more concerned about covering her butt, playing it safe, than increasing your quality of life or ending your suffering. If anything, it sounds like she wouldn't mind if you suffered more just so she could say she was being safe.
Most of them are under considerable pressure and guidelines from the institution they work in, the insurance companies, and medical boards. Your improvement is not their primary goal. Having a trusting relationship with you is, and being safe is, and avoiding a lawsuit is, but none of those get people better.
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 6, 2013, at 15:50:34
In reply to Psychiatrist today - first impressions, posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 28, 2013, at 19:37:00
Hi Jon...I don't know what a damp squib is, but it sounds like a great description! I don't know why she worried so much about your Xanax...you've pretty much been on the same dose for ages, haven't you? You are a lucky slow metabolizer. Yeah, you're probably physically addicted, but then you are probably physically addicted to all your psych meds.
Me, I'm a SUPER-FAST metabolizer and it sucks!!! I just saw my pdoc today and he said that it's remarkable how quickly I develop tolerance to meds, and I must have an amazing liver. I replied saying maybe I should become a heavy drinker...he laughed and said that's NOT a prescription from me!Anyways, sounds like she is a bit conservative, and if she can't even prescribe on her own, what's it worth, as it seems your GP is amenable to any option you want to try. So you kinda got nowhere it seems, how frustrating, and you have the same options, Nardil or Mirtazapine. Maybe you should flip a coin :D
Good luck in your decision.
Kat
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 6, 2013, at 15:53:33
In reply to Re: Psychiatrist today - first impressions, posted by phidippus on March 2, 2013, at 14:33:07
> >She said that was a possability, as was mirtazapine
>
> I'm a big fan of Mirtazapine. Would you be treating depression?
>
I also was a big fan of Mirtazapine...absolute bliss for anxiety and a great anti-depressant too. Until it turned on me and caused paradoxical agitation. Grrrrr
Kat
This is the end of the thread.
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