Posted by Matt on January 12, 1999, at 8:14:04
In reply to In this context, Matt..., posted by Paul on January 8, 1999, at 10:23:07
> This is sort of a tangent, but my question is this: How does one ask for higher doses of a controversial drug without being perceived as engaging in "drug-seeking behavior?" For example, I feel that my 30mgs of Ritalin a day is simply not quite enough, yet I fear that if I ask for a higher dose, the doc will become suspicious. I read in Answers to Distraction that some people require 60-80 mgs a day. I think my doctor will misperceive me as being a stimulant fiend, when I actually think I just require more.
Well, if you can't basically tell your pdoc what you just told me, and not have him trust you, it may well be time for you to get a new pdoc. It's important that there be trust both ways in the doctor-patient relationship. I would explain your concerns about the appearance of your asking for more medicine (though, maybe not if you're sure you won't have any problems in asking for more, though it seems as if you feel you might), and assure him that you want more because your dose isn't effective.
Btw, I know the frustration of not being trusted. At my old HMO my doc didn't trust me with benzodiazepines. I have no idea why. But I resented it. I was leaving the HMO anyway, and I have a terrific relationship with my current pdoc. He knows more than any other pdoc I've encountered; however, he knows I read (*cough* perhaps a bit compulsively) about psychotropic drugs. As a result, our relationship very much is a mutual working relationship. This is how it should be, at least if the patient has some knowledge of medications.
Best of luck to you,
Matt
poster:Matt
thread:2088
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990101/msgs/2338.html