Posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 19:16:43
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » jealibeanz, posted by Honore on March 18, 2007, at 18:21:50
> Your plan doesn't sound very well considered to me.
>
> For one thing, you're not being honest with your doctor about your situation and what's happened.
>
> From what you've said over the last year or so, you increased xanax and ritalin pretty continuously, without achieving any stable point or good relief from either.
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> There's some reason you've decided that they, rather than other drugs that didn't seem to work, are the answer, but I wonder if there isn't an issue of dependency that you may not be willing to confront. The amount of xanax you want your doctor to give you would really put you into the position of taking an amount of xanax, a rather addicting drug that's difficult to get off, that is quite dangerous, in terms of addiction.
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> From what I see, you need to reduce the ritalin and the xanax, slowly if necessary, and try to reconsider with someone with more sophistication with psychiatric drugs than your GP, what might really work for you.
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> Because one pdoc didn't help you, doesn't mean that there isn't a pdoc that could. I think you're really in trouble here, and continuing down the path you've taken could really lead you to a bad place.
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> I'm sorry it's gotten this hard, but I hope you don't follow through with your plan with your doctor.
>
> HonoreMaybe you didn't understand my situation. I was fully stable on the immediate release Xanax. You commented that Xanax and Ritalin are addicting. I personally disagree and know many others who do as well. Addicting for some, not for others. It's difficult to stop any medication after using it for some time. Be it SSRI's, anti-hypertensives, antihistamines, intra-nasal corticosteroids, etc. Please be more informed before making such statements.
My doctor decided to switch me because he thought it would be more convenient.
I'm always honest with my doctor. I told him when I felt the lowest dose of Xanax was not effective. He increased it to an effective level.
I told him when the Lunesta became ineffective. He increased it to 3mg. I've been fine ever since.
I told him when my Provigil quit helping in November. He switched me to Concerta. I told him the effects only lasted for 3-4 hours. He then switched me to Ritalin LA, which I said only lasted 2-3 hours. At this point, he added Provigil, which was effective again, since my body had taken a break from it.
I told him I didn't feel the generic Xanax XR was effective, at all. I call this all being totally and completely honest. He wanted me to try out brand name, thinking that would make a difference.
I am completely honest with him. At all times. I'm not sure what situation you are reading in to or deducing based on your own thoughts, experiences, and biases, but they do not pertain to me.
As for your comments about me needing to decrease Xanax and Ritalin, I think that's out of line. You don't even appear to be suggesting it, but telling me it's irresponsible not to. Are you a doctor? Are you my doctor? Do you know me and my entire medical history?
I have ADHD. I tend to fine stimulants calming, as many with this condition do. They do not cause anxiety with me, maybe with some, but not me.
I haven't increased Ritalin or Xanax continuously. Increases were made to find a therapeutic level (this is how medical practice works). I reached that level. The only variable that has changed is the switch to Xanax XR.
Could you please elaborate on your comment telling me not to follow through with my plan with my GP? What exactly are you talking about?
I did say that I planned to call my doctor and tell him of my current situation and would like to come up with a solution.
The whole alcohol plan will never happen. I was tired and made poor judgement in posting that.
You appear to be closed minded and against controlled substances... stimulants and benzodiazepines. You have a right to your opinion. I have a right to mine. But you may want to open your eyes and realize they play a beneficial role in the treatment of patients. Many people here benefit from them.
Do not chastise people unduely.
Also, pertaining to my comment about seeing a pdoc... I have the right to choose my doctor/PA. I'm a firm believer in trust and good relationships. I have this with my current doctor. This is one of the most important factors regarding optimal patient treatment and care.
Just something for you to think about.
poster:jealibeanz
thread:741828
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070314/msgs/742015.html