Posted by yznhymer on August 5, 2007, at 19:43:19
In reply to klonopin..., posted by med_empowered on August 3, 2007, at 8:25:10
I'm still at the same .5mg klonopin prescription I was started on about 15 years ago. I use it sporadically, or "as needed". Its also useful to help me stay asleep. I never had any abuse problem with it nor did I develop a tolerance, even though, if forced to be honest, I'd probably say I have an addictive personality. A 30 day prescription typically lasts me 6 weeks, sometimes more. My previous pdoc was comfortable supplying 90-day prescriptions with refills at a time so I could mail order it through my insurance.
My reaction to AD's, particularly SSRI's, mirrors yours and those of others - I find them very agitating and anxiety producing to the point of having to discontinue them. I was worse off taking them than taking nothing at all. Seriously. All the negative side effects and none of the benefits. (Seem to be doing well with EMSAM so far tho).
I'd say you know your experience best and sound like you're clear about the issues. I wouldn't hesitate to do whatever you need to do to get the treatment you decide is best for you. Its a shame you have to go up against what appears to be a small medical mind.
As an aside, I had mixed experiences with Kaiser in the northern Virginia area. Their pediatrics dept. was excellent. Adult medicine was cold and factory-like. I ultimately opted for a more expensive BCBS plan just because the Kaiser mental health benefits were totally inadequate at that time. They did not provide individual therapy and all their groups were "full". I suspect that has changed. Ironically, I randomly saw a new psychiatrist for my very last (emergency) visit who was great. I was hallucinating and developed weird blotches on my legs from an anti-psychotic prescribed for anxious depression. What a trip that was. Anyway, I would have stuck it out with Kaiser if I'd met that last pdoc before that point.
There's nothing quite like wrestling around with "the system" when you're gripped by anxiety, feel outgunned, and they hold most of the cards. Still, you can maneuver your way around this to get what you need. It is part art, part science. If you can afford it, you might want to bypass Kaiser on this one if nothing else works. It would be money well spent. Good luck to you.
Y
poster:yznhymer
thread:773587
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070730/msgs/774177.html