When I saw my PCP several weeks ago, I finally asked for anti-anxiety meds (actually, that was my main reason for going to see her). She said that since they were addictive, she didn’t feel comfortable prescribing them for me, and wanted me to see a psychiatrist. Her office made an appointment for me some time in June (which was a very long time from the visit with the PCP). I told the lady who called me about the appointment that I didn’t think I could wait that long, so she made another appointment for me with someone else. Today at my “other” appointment, I found out that I was seeing a psychologist, who is not able to prescribe meds.
After I talked to the psychologist for a while, I said, “You know, when I say all this out loud, it sounds pretty bad”. Actually, it sounded amazingly bad. I could see his eyes getting a little wild as I said more and more and more about what was going on. Finally, he said that he would call my PCP and ask her to write me a prescription, and he would talk to the psychiatrist’s office and see if they would put me on their cancellation list.
I hear all the time about people who are constantly taking all kinds of meds for things. Does everybody have to go through all this just to get a prescription for anti-anxiety meds? It seems like all I can get is a lecture about how I need to learn to deal with stress. (I’d like the person telling me that to try to live a caregiver’s life for a couple of years.)
Okay, I guess that’s my rant for the day. But seriously, is it usually this hard to get a prescription for xanax or something like that?
My pcp is pretty vigilant about prescriptions but we have had no problems getting prescriptions for anxiety. The Pain Clinic prescribed vicadon for dh and our pcp said he didn't like to see him on that so we changed to Tramadol. Maybe you need to get a more understanding pcp if you have a reference from a friend. I think most of us here on this site would recommend we have anti-anxiety medication if we think we need it.
Jan K - Please rant away! Similar situation at my PCP a few weeks ago. He did prescribe Paxil but said he would do so only for a few months and if I still needed something he'd refer me to psychiatrist. PCP said he wasn't all that into mental health issues! He's a nice guy but clearly clueless about caregiver issues. Since there are so many of us out there, with the numbers increasing daily, I was surprised not to find more understanding and/or empathy. Like we are supposed to be able to work in regular exercise and/or going to the spa to destress!!
Mine was quite willing to give me paxil, low dose, see how it goes, etc. (it did nothing for me; I had some other physical issues that he dealt with and so for now I'm fine without it) But the key is that this guy has known me for 20 years. He's known my husband that long. I think people who don't know us well are far more unwilling to take our word that we don't need to know how to un-stress so much as we just need a little help from our pharmaceutical friends.
A while back (it's not worth looking for the thread!) there were people who had actually been told to go to marriage counselling to learn how to deal with their spouse's AZ!
I guess I should consider myself fortunate, because my pcp always asks me how I am coping, and had prescribed Paxil for me for depression/anxiety issues in the past--it does help me get through some trying times now. But... it seems to me that a medical doctor should be able to at least START you on some meds for anxiety or depression; and maybe recommend a psych consult to follow up with you. MDs may not have a lot of experience with emotional issues, but they can educate themselves, so that they can better treat their patients.
My PCP is wonderful to me. His Mother has AD so he knows. He is always so caring and asking how I am, what he can do, etc. Right after the DX of DH, he asked if I wanted him to prescribe something for me - but I chose not to at that time. And I still don't need anything. I cope pretty well with the way things are going right now. As it progresses --who knows?
I have taken Xanax for 23 years as needed (and am not addicted). It was originally prescribed for panic attacks after my first husband died. I have since discovered that that is how my body reacts to stress, panic attacks. When I changed pcps she was at first reluctant but did give them to me. After 15 years of never needing to increase the dose and me never asking for a new prescription before it was time, she has no problem with prescribing them. I agree, it might be time for a new doctor.
I had no problem getting an Rx for Lexapro from my PCP, he is very aware of the situation I am in and has told me I can't keep up the pace I am going at much longer. He is also DW's PCP and is very aware of our situation.
My PCP had no problem giving me celexa for my anxiety. He also gave me a scrip for xanax to take until the celexa kicked in (it took about 2 weeks). As the anxiety was causing other health problems such as unable to eat, sleep, stop crying, etc. he said that I needed something that would not make me drowsy and allow me to keep my wits about me so I could take of myself and my husband. Everytime I see him he does ask how I'm holding up which I do appreciate.
My husband sees a psychiatrist for his anxiety meds and even his doctor asked me how I was holding up. We've been lucky getting doctors that do seem to understand...
A good PCP...thank goodness many of you have one...especially a PCP who specializes in women's health, would tell you that as you get older you can have problems with seratonin levels. This alone causes an unbalance and depression. Add the stress of being a caretaker and you can well understand feelings of despair. Addiction comment was uncalled for! Pazil, celexa, lexapro are all good meds to help with seratonin issues, as is St. John's Wort.
Briegill- that was me. Family Dr. of 29 years (and a family friend) concluded our problem was "marital discord, seek counseling to learn how to communicate with each other". That visit was my end of the rope, no where else to turn visit. For some reason I expected more than that. Very short visit, off to the internet to seek other options after 2 years of trying to find someone to listen and simply pay attention to her behavior. Wish I had more time to post and contribute but things have been tough, both at home and work. I now have to lay claim to being one of those lurkers. But, you all help me immensely. Thenneck
theneck, I am glad you came back to let us know how you are doing. I am glad you are lurking if not posting, and getting help. As soon as things get improved I hope you will be a regular again. Posting is therapy for me.
I am so glad I was already on psych meds before dh was diagnosed. I have a psychiatrist because 16 years ago I had a "breakdown" which is not called that anymore but you get the drift. I initially was treated by psych that was prescribing meds for me that didn't work but I kept thinking" what'[s wrong with me? They are the professionals and must know what they are doing". Well, 5 years later of suffering with a deep depression, I changed to a wonderful psych who gave me a"cocktail" of drugs that finally worked!!! It was as though there was a heavy spring rain and suddenly everything was clear as a bell. It felt like a miracle. I have been able to cope with my dh and lots of other issues. I learned alot about resounding to stress and to use some techniques (like visualization, etc) to help get me through difficult situations. I now see her every 6-8 weeks. It's the best money I ever spent. . She truly saved my life. None of my pcp's (I've had 3 in 16 years) were comfortable prescribing psych drugs. Those meds and this web site are the best therapy ever. I thank God every day for Joang.
This supports what Kathryn said above. A good friend who has been in therapy for years explained to me that psychiatrists, in general, are more knowledgeable regarding medications for mental health than PCP's. He said that in many cases, it requires some fine-tuning to get the meds/dosage right and that a PCP may not be the best person to do that. In Kathryn's case, it sounds like even the first psych didn't get it right! Apparently, in some cases, psychological issues must be trickier to address with medications that physical issues are (those of us whose LO's have difficult behaviors may be able to attest to that).
Its nearly been a year since I asked for the refill of ativan and was told I needed a THYROID scan. That was during the time we had to go to COURT for DH's hearing about the driving. He did refill the rx. but I was thoroughly disgusted and have gone through a variety of scan/ultrasounds/needle biopies..since. This has caused a good bit of anxiety all by itself!!!
Its fortunate that some doctors know and understand that the complexities of this disease are just uncanny.
Maybe my thyroid causes me to overreact? Maybe others can do this much better and not hyperventilate at times? I don't know..but I want to slap any doctor that suggests marital counseling or even a psychologist..that shoe does NOT fit this kind of thing.
I was offered anti-anxiety drugs by my family doctor, and was asked by my husband's family doctor if I needed them. Both doctors are in the same practice so my husband's doctor would have talked to mine or just checked my records to make sure that there were no interactions.
I was also sent to therapy when I asked for it. And she also asked if I thought I needed anything. She would have talked to my family doctor about them since she isn't a medical doctor and can't prescribe. (Although I think there is a medical doctor in that practice too who would have prescribed in an emergency.)
And no, I wasn't asked to wait for months for help, or asked to go through hoops.
Yesterday I got a call from a charity asking for a donation - I'd missed the yearly renewal. I went thru a bit of futzing around - I'm trying to cut back - and said, my husband has Alzheimer's and I feel like I need to conserve my money.. The caller said oh my dear, of course you do. I understand completely; and you be careful to take care of YOU too. I was so touched I said, well, I think i could spare $35...
The spam message was removed, and an e-mail sent to the writer that any solicitations must go through the Administrator first for approval. (That would be me.)