Posted by Emily Elizabeth on September 10, 2005, at 11:23:45
In reply to Re: ?'s re: Effexor XR » EME-K, posted by wildcard on September 10, 2005, at 6:58:29
I haven't taken Effexor, but something in your post jumped out at me. You have been told that you may be borderline bipolar and your PCP gave you an SSRI? Now I realize that these were 2 dif docs, but I'm a little concerned that a PCP may quickly be in over his/her head with this situation. Taking antidepressants can be very dangerous if you are bipolar--it could push you into a manic phase. If at all possible, I think it would be helpful to at least have an evaluation with a psychiatrist (pdoc). Perhaps your PCP could keep rx'ing what he is, but I think it would be good to get a 2nd opinon. If the pdoc thinks you are bipolar, s/he might want to try a different med w/ you.
Just my two cents. I've known people to struggle for years while getting antidepressants from a PCP who is not doing a very good job. For whatever reason, w/ mental health issues, PCP's are often hesitant to say, "I'm in over my head, you should see a specialist." (They do it for heart disease, though, right?)
Anyway, good luck w/ the new med. And WELCOME to babble!!
Best,
EE
poster:Emily Elizabeth
thread:553092
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050909/msgs/553208.html