![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 40. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 17, 2007, at 16:25:21
I don't even like alcohol that much, aside from drinking during my past undergad parties. Yet, I'm gotten to the point where I am thinking of using alcohol, since my current anxiety meds are not working at all. Sad to admit.
Posted by TheMeanReds on March 17, 2007, at 17:31:51
In reply to I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by jealibeanz on March 17, 2007, at 16:25:21
My doc said having like 4 beers is fine with my meds. I have lamictal, xanax, and seroquel. He also said drinking a beer or glass of wine would be just fine with meals. No drinking after driving though.
Maybe you could augment a safe amount of alcohol, instead of having the chance of becoming an alcoholic. I live with an alcoholic, their lives arent as fun as they believe they are. Good luck.
Posted by bulldog2 on March 17, 2007, at 17:40:54
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » jealibeanz, posted by TheMeanReds on March 17, 2007, at 17:31:51
My p-doc has no problem with me having a couple of beers a night and I mean a couple not a six pack. He says he would prefer that to me taking more klonopin. In the end he feels a couple beers would have less side effects than the klonopin.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 17, 2007, at 18:04:42
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by bulldog2 on March 17, 2007, at 17:40:54
I didn't mean having a few social drinks with friends or beers or glasses of wine after dinner while relaxing and watching tv.
I meant that since I need continuous axiety/panic relief, I'd be drinking consistently, all day. Like, taking a shot when I wake up... putting some liquor in my coffee, mixing vodka w/diet coke and take sips on the way to university classes and in the bathroom, then continue mixing when I'm at home.
I'd have to do this in small increments and never drink in public or let the smell of the bottle be evident. I'd have to do mouthwash and gum.
This sounds like something my classmates would try to do in middle school. Pathetic.
I don't even like liquor, but I may try if need be. I usually only drink beer, and do so with friends, and it makes me happy. I go overboard and get grouchy easily with liquor. And I never drink alone. But I may start.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 17, 2007, at 18:39:00
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by bulldog2 on March 17, 2007, at 17:40:54
I should eventually consider calling my doctor, although I don't want to and feel like a pussy for doing so.
My message would be:
"I was taking regular Xanax daily since last May. My most recent dose for the last few months was 4 mg per day.
My doctor started me on generic Xanax XR 3mg about 3 weeks ago. I felt no effect, so last Thursday he decided to switch me to brand name Xanax XR 3mg, since I had always had a better response to regular brand name Xanax.
My anxiety has continuously increased daily since the regular Xanax was discontinued, to the point where I have difficulty breathing at times, for no apparent reason.
I've attempted to decrease or stop my Provigil and Ritalin LA, to see if those medications had any impact on my anxiety. They did not.
Could you ask my doctor if it be OK if I just stopped taking the Xanax XR, since it's not helping?"
I'd like to wait at least until this Thursday, so I've given his new plan a week's trial. It shows that I am trying to give the med a chance, and that the anxiety wasn't caused by a few bad days (although, as stated, it's been bad since he took me off regular Xanax).I'm not going to ask for a regular Xanax prescription. I'll leave the next step up to him. That's very unassuming and non-demanding. As a practitioner, he deserves to know if I'm having major difficulties. As a patient, I should feel comfortable telling him this. There's no point in seeing him if he doesn't know what's going on. He might wanna call me, set up an appointment, or just write out a Xanax script.
I'd prefer an appointment, where we talk about my meds, not my outside life, so I can actually get an understanding of what he's thinking and where he wants to go in the near and distant future, and also give him my thoughts/ideas/concerns.
I went through trials of SSRI's/SNRI's/Wellbutrin/Buspar/Klonopin... Xanax was our next step, and a pretty successful one. So I definitely had to struggle and prove my tx resistent anxiety to get the script in the first place. Benzo's aren't freely handed out by most GP's, but he's a little different, especially with me.
I do remember him saying enthusiastically with the first prescription, that hopefully I could use them for a while and then get off of them. I agreed and said I was hoping for that too.
Little did we know the difficult times that would lie ahead... most of my classmates ended up on SSRI's... very common for med/PA students at this time... I however ended up on Xanax.
Posted by Quintal on March 17, 2007, at 19:06:39
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by jealibeanz on March 17, 2007, at 18:39:00
Funny, I've never really abused alcohol or seriously considered it, even when my benzo supply was cut off abruptly, though I did abuse benzos *a lot* - up to 20mg Klonopin a day. I think it has something to do with the GI irritation and general toxicity. Does it actually help? Whenever I tried it to ease the anxiety alcohol usually ended up making matters worse in a very short space of time.
>... most of my classmates ended up on SSRI's... very common for med/PA students at this time...
Worrying considering;
--------------------------------------------------
On the other side of the equation, I have a psychiatrist colleague who took Prozac to relax and enjoy his vacation. It worked very well. He told me that he tried it at home when he returned. He quickly stopped it when he found himself thinking, "Who cares?" when his patients described their problems.
http://www.geocities.com/ss06470/index.htm
--------------------------------------------------Q
Posted by nolegirl23 on March 17, 2007, at 19:45:52
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » jealibeanz, posted by TheMeanReds on March 17, 2007, at 17:31:51
I agree, and my pdoc does as well.
Although I do prefer wine to beer.However, I have 2 problems, 1) my boyfriend. He is one who thinks that he knows everything about everything, but he is relatively ignorant when it comes to issues of mental health. He though that mania is a severe form of depression, and thought that I was having a manic episode when I sliced my arm to threads..
Anyways, he seems to think that because I am on Lamictal, Xanax and Lexapro that I can consume ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL. At first, I didn't drink on xanax b/c I didn't know the effect that it would have on me. Once I became accustomed to being on Xanax, I can gauge my limits in terms of alcohol consumption. And yes, drinking on meds and alcohol is out of the question.Second Problem: I have an eating disorder - I have been diagnoses as both anorexic and as bulimic.. My disorder is complex as I am anorexic for months, than bulimic for weeks... It's strange. Nonetheless, I am obsessed with my weight. I enjoy drinking because it eases my anxiety. A couple glasses of wine + my xanax and I feel exactly how I would like to feel everyday. Now, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't attempt to work or drive or anything under the influence of the above, but when the day is done and I am in the safety and comfort of my own home, that calm (yet lucid) feeling is exactly what I crave.
So then there is that whole label: alcoholic which is think is the crux of your issue. Not that I am saying that you are an alcoholic, but I would be that others, including medical professionals would say that if you were to stop your psych meds and replace them with alcohol, regardless of whether or not the outcome was effective, you would be labeled as an alcoholic.
Now, take that same concept and apply it to those of us who are on 'addictive' meds. If an alcoholic is dependant on alcohol to make themselves feel a certain way, than why am I not called a "benzoholic"? I am dependant on benzos after all. If I were to quit my benzos today, tomorrow I would be having one seizure after the other..I'm beginning to ramble. My point in short is that I agree with what you say. Alcohol does act as an anti-depressant and an anti anxiety in most of us. The problems of alcohol may outweigh the benefits..
Posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2007, at 21:07:18
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by nolegirl23 on March 17, 2007, at 19:45:52
Where have you all been as I've been saying forever that my most productive years of nursing and enjoying life when on only xanax low dose and 4-6 beers. And no I didn't stop breathing only time I slept throught the night without waking and smaller doses of benzos didn't need them. Love Phillipa
Posted by jealibeanz on March 17, 2007, at 21:43:54
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2007, at 21:07:18
> Where have you all been as I've been saying forever that my most productive years of nursing and enjoying life when on only xanax low dose and 4-6 beers. And no I didn't stop breathing only time I slept throught the night without waking and smaller doses of benzos didn't need them. Love Phillipa
Well my point was I won't be on any meds at all, since I don't like what I have right now.
My question for everyone is, does my approach to my doctor, stated a few posts above, seem appropriate?
Posted by yxibow on March 18, 2007, at 0:21:30
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by jealibeanz on March 17, 2007, at 18:04:42
> I didn't mean having a few social drinks with friends or beers or glasses of wine after dinner while relaxing and watching tv.
>
> I meant that since I need continuous axiety/panic relief, I'd be drinking consistently, all day. Like, taking a shot when I wake up... putting some liquor in my coffee, mixing vodka w/diet coke and take sips on the way to university classes and in the bathroom, then continue mixing when I'm at home.
>
> I'd have to do this in small increments and never drink in public or let the smell of the bottle be evident. I'd have to do mouthwash and gum.
>
> This sounds like something my classmates would try to do in middle school. Pathetic.
>
> I don't even like liquor, but I may try if need be. I usually only drink beer, and do so with friends, and it makes me happy. I go overboard and get grouchy easily with liquor. And I never drink alone. But I may start.
This is not a ad hominem attack for seeking self-medication by alcohol. Do realize that the side effects of alcohol, as you describe the quantities far outweigh their benefits. We can start with weigh gain, but that is the most trivial. Liver toxicity and cirrhosis are serious matters and while our bodies have a built in tolerance to an immense amount of onslaught on the liver unless we are born with a genetic disorder, there comes a point of no return. Transplants are necessary. Rarely, Tardive Dyskinesia can occur from alcoholism.You may feel you will be in control of this, and maybe you will, but depending where you are, you could be cited for drunk driving, drunkenness in public, and a host of things that I don't think you want to get into.
My psychiatrist, and that's only just one opinion, would rather have me use more benzodiazepines than alcohol because of its effects and the depression that it can cause, because alcohol does cause CNS depression. So can benzodiazepines, but there isn't a hangover effect. Which would probably prompt self-medication with ibuprofen, and more liver toxicity.
And then there's acute alcohol toxicity, which is an emergency room visit. Acute benzodiazepine toxicity is infinitely less fatal than acute alcohol toxicity.
I would seriously consider all of the above and discuss with your doctor a wide variety of options before you take matters in your own hands and self medicate to that point. But this is only my view.
-- be well
Posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 1:51:52
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » jealibeanz, posted by yxibow on March 18, 2007, at 0:21:30
> > I didn't mean having a few social drinks with friends or beers or glasses of wine after dinner while relaxing and watching tv.
> >
> > I meant that since I need continuous axiety/panic relief, I'd be drinking consistently, all day. Like, taking a shot when I wake up... putting some liquor in my coffee, mixing vodka w/diet coke and take sips on the way to university classes and in the bathroom, then continue mixing when I'm at home.
> >
> > I'd have to do this in small increments and never drink in public or let the smell of the bottle be evident. I'd have to do mouthwash and gum.
> >
> > This sounds like something my classmates would try to do in middle school. Pathetic.
> >
> > I don't even like liquor, but I may try if need be. I usually only drink beer, and do so with friends, and it makes me happy. I go overboard and get grouchy easily with liquor. And I never drink alone. But I may start.
>
>
> This is not a ad hominem attack for seeking self-medication by alcohol. Do realize that the side effects of alcohol, as you describe the quantities far outweigh their benefits. We can start with weigh gain, but that is the most trivial. Liver toxicity and cirrhosis are serious matters and while our bodies have a built in tolerance to an immense amount of onslaught on the liver unless we are born with a genetic disorder, there comes a point of no return. Transplants are necessary. Rarely, Tardive Dyskinesia can occur from alcoholism.
>
> You may feel you will be in control of this, and maybe you will, but depending where you are, you could be cited for drunk driving, drunkenness in public, and a host of things that I don't think you want to get into.
>
> My psychiatrist, and that's only just one opinion, would rather have me use more benzodiazepines than alcohol because of its effects and the depression that it can cause, because alcohol does cause CNS depression. So can benzodiazepines, but there isn't a hangover effect. Which would probably prompt self-medication with ibuprofen, and more liver toxicity.
>
> And then there's acute alcohol toxicity, which is an emergency room visit. Acute benzodiazepine toxicity is infinitely less fatal than acute alcohol toxicity.
>
> I would seriously consider all of the above and discuss with your doctor a wide variety of options before you take matters in your own hands and self medicate to that point. But this is only my view.
>
> -- be wellI won't do it. Like I said before, I don't actually like alcohol that much. I'm a happy drunk when I'm with others, but if I'm drinking alone, it's very depressing, even if others are present but not drinking. It's not exactly relaxing for me, but stimulating, and causes me to act without thinking.
I'd rather just take benzo's. I'm going to make myself call me doctor, I think. I just hope he hasn't suddenly realized that he made a mistake by giving them to me in the first place. I don't think he'd get cited by the DEA, since he's a GP, and I think I'm his only patient on daily Xanax.
He's probably more worried about me being used to having them and wanting to stay on long term-ish. I'm certainly not the type of person who'd sue for malpractice. But I do feel what he's doing is wrong. He needs to take responsibility for choosing to put me on the med, and letting me stabalize at 4 mg.
Giving me a med that isn't helping is not good. You shouldn't mess too much with psych patients, slow changes and lots of communication is best.
Maybe I'm reading too much into this. Maybe he really doesn't realize that what he did is a problem and that the switch to brand name Xanax XR is not going to help.
I'm still not going to ask to Xanax though. I'm just going to leave a message asking if it's OK for me to stop the XR, since it doesn't help. He needs to decide what to do from there.
Posted by Klavot on March 18, 2007, at 7:10:19
In reply to I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by jealibeanz on March 17, 2007, at 16:25:21
jealibeanz
Resorting to heavy drinking is about the worst thing you could do. I have to respectfully disagree with your doctor and say that benzodiazepines are a better option than alcohol for the treatment of anxiety (I'm quite surprised that your doctor could even suggest something as absurd).
Have you ever seen what a heavy drinker looks like after a few years? It ain't pretty. It's sad and pathetic.
So please, please, please, don't go the route of alcohol.
Klavot
Posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 11:54:35
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » jealibeanz, posted by Klavot on March 18, 2007, at 7:10:19
> jealibeanz
>
> Resorting to heavy drinking is about the worst thing you could do. I have to respectfully disagree with your doctor and say that benzodiazepines are a better option than alcohol for the treatment of anxiety (I'm quite surprised that your doctor could even suggest something as absurd).
>
> Have you ever seen what a heavy drinker looks like after a few years? It ain't pretty. It's sad and pathetic.
>
> So please, please, please, don't go the route of alcohol.
>
> KlavotJust to clarify, my doctor has never suggested using alchol instead of medication. He has never advocated its use.
Posted by Klavot on March 18, 2007, at 13:24:32
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » Klavot, posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 11:54:35
> Just to clarify, my doctor has never suggested using alchol instead of medication. He has never advocated its use.
Sorry, I was thinking of bulldog2, whose doctor gave the crazy advice of rather having a few beers every night than increasing his/her dose of Klonopin.
Klavot
Posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 15:32:35
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » jealibeanz, posted by Klavot on March 18, 2007, at 13:24:32
> > Just to clarify, my doctor has never suggested using alchol instead of medication. He has never advocated its use.
>
> Sorry, I was thinking of bulldog2, whose doctor gave the crazy advice of rather having a few beers every night than increasing his/her dose of Klonopin.
>
> Klavot
>No, problem, I figured that. If were to mention that I wanted to use alcohol in place of meds or in addition to meds, I'd lose a lot of trust. I'm a very "clean" person. No addiction, no use of legal or illegal drugs.
Last month he asked me if I smoking, because it popped up as a question on their computer system. I said no (with a god no, that's unhealthy, I'd never think of such a thing, tone.). So if I have that attitude about cigarettes, it's safe to assume I only use drugs he prescribes.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 15:39:23
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 15:32:35
I'm hoping when I call tomorrow morning and ask if it's OK if I stop the Xanax XR and go completely off benzos, his response will be no.
I may not be feeling any therapeutic effects, but the fact that I'm taking the XR means that I'm not in physical withdrawal. If he just let me stop, there'd be risk of seizures and other side effects.
Plus, being the nice doctor that he is, he probably isn't thinking, "Screw you. You didn't like my plan. Now go back to you're terrible GAD, since you've concluded you don't like this med."
Posted by Quintal on March 18, 2007, at 15:42:39
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 15:32:35
Jeali, when various codeine analogues were having no effect on my pain and I wanted to ask for something else I always took the drugs back with me to the surgery, and handed them to the doctor so she knew I wasn't abusing them and just pretending to be in pain to get more opiates. It worked because she always gave me something new until we found something that worked. It turned out that my poor response was due to the SSRI I was taking blocking the conversion of codeine into morphine, which vindicated me in the end.
Maybe you could try a similar tactic with the Xanax if you're worried the doc suspects you're abusing it?
Q
Posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 17:20:09
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » jealibeanz, posted by Quintal on March 18, 2007, at 15:42:39
Thanks for that tip. I have no problem handing my doc back the bottle, but I think the issues go a bit further. I clearly stated that the drug was ineffective, in detail. I have no reason to abuse a drug that's not working. He knows me well enough to trust me.
I hope he asks me to come in. I think I need to have a little heart to heart. Not me sitting on the exam table while he asks me what refills I need, and I make comments if I feel something isn't working well, he quickly thinks of a different substitute.
My question now is what he will want to do when I tell him I don't want to take the XR anymore.
I'm willing to go in and have a serious conversation with him. Explaining that I understand this tx is not the norm and looked down upon for long time use. Right now it's the only thing helping me and the only thing that's ever helped.
I am disappointed with myself for taking any med, I want to be strong. I've always had GAD, but has worsening, along with minor panic, which is when this commonly starts at my age. I was OK taking AD's, since the docs are very willing to give them, and the general pulibc is pretty accepting.
I'm very well aware of the fact, due to my classes, that the general medical community feels like these drugs are absolutely horrible and shouldn't be used, other than a 1-2 week transition to an SSRI. This makes me feel even worse.
I want to tell him that I'm nearly at the point where I want to D/C all meds, because I haven't found a good balance, and am tired of all this.
I mean no discredit or disrespect to him or this PA who has treated me. They've been very kind and understanding and helpful and supportive. This isn't to say that none of the meds I've been given have been worthless. At times, I felt like they were definitely improving my life and got me though hard times.
I at one time thought I'd be able to D/C Xanax after a while, but this just isn't the right time for me. I'll apologize for putting him in a situation that may make him uncomfortble, and will not ask for a new script. He can make the decision.
I'll ask about possible future drugs, so I appear to be looking for a life without Xanax.
I'll tell him I've tried CBT several times, with no benefit. I never found it useful, it was just talking about dumb things. No help, just annoying and condescending. I personally have never been comfortable with mental health professionals. They treat me like less of a person. I went to a psychiatrist who was terrible with me and have me no medications or advice. Other GP's were also judgemental.
I like seeing him and his PA because they treat me with respect, like a real person, not a psycho. If I'm not comfortable with my provider, I will not be successful.
Posted by Honore on March 18, 2007, at 18:21:50
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 17:20:09
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm sorry it's gotten this hard, but I hope you don't follow through with your plan with your doctor.
Honore
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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
Posted by Phillipa on March 18, 2007, at 20:23:01
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 15:39:23
Oh I see you're really afraid of the doc and his reaction. As long as you don't increase doses of benzos there is not tolerance or addiction if it ain't broken my pdoc always says or the old one that is. I love this new pdoc as he's holistic too and the drug reps don't visit him he gives out no samples and no brochures in his office and cards in the health food store I trust him and this in turn turns down my anxiety and panic button and allows the meds to work. And CBT tomorrow the CBT person gave us his name. Said he was excellent in finding the right med for each person individually not like the others. Love Phllipa
Posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 20:47:16
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on March 18, 2007, at 20:23:01
> Oh I see you're really afraid of the doc and his reaction. As long as you don't increase doses of benzos there is not tolerance or addiction if it ain't broken my pdoc always says or the old one that is. I love this new pdoc as he's holistic too and the drug reps don't visit him he gives out no samples and no brochures in his office and cards in the health food store I trust him and this in turn turns down my anxiety and panic button and allows the meds to work. And CBT tomorrow the CBT person gave us his name. Said he was excellent in finding the right med for each person individually not like the others. Love Phllipa
Yes, yes, finally someone who read correctly. I wasn't addicted or abusing medication. My doctor just had this idea that I'd like something else, even though the previous regime had been working. I just am trying to be accepting and compliant and not act as if I'm desperately begging for Xanax, which I've taken for a year. I'm being extra careful.
Posted by Quintal on March 19, 2007, at 0:51:48
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications, posted by jealibeanz on March 18, 2007, at 17:20:09
>Thanks for that tip. I have no problem handing my doc back the bottle, but I think the issues go a bit further. I clearly stated that the drug was ineffective, in detail. I have no reason to abuse a drug that's not working. He knows me well enough to trust me.
If you're so confident why the worrying over his reaction? I heard you loud and clear, that's why I posted my suggestion. I think I too stated in detail that the opiates I was taking were also ineffective, but that being controlled substances I worried my GP might begin to feel uncomfortable prescribing several similar analogues within a short space of time. It seemed to me that you had similar concerns in your own case with benzos. Taking the bottle back was just my way of reassuring her that I was taking them as prescribed and not trying to hoard controlled substances - she actually gave me them back to keep. My GP had no reason to suspect I was abusing the opiates either, but as you too imagine, they may start to feel uneasy about prescribing multiple amounts of controlled substances within a short space of time for various reasons, not only that the patient may be abusing them but because it could set up red flags on their prescribing records should they be reviewed.
>I'm very well aware of the fact, due to my classes, that the general medical community feels like these drugs are absolutely horrible and shouldn't be used, other than a 1-2 week transition to an SSRI. This makes me feel even worse.
I get the impression benzos are still held in fairly high esteem in the US and your own doctor seems to be comfortable with them. I see no reason to feel bad about taking a med that keeps you functional where all else has failed. They do seem to have fallen from grace a little in other countries due to the problems they often cause (worsening the original condition and precipitating new anxiety disorders/OCD) and of course tolerance when used daily for long periods of time.
>I'll tell him I've tried CBT several times, with no benefit. I never found it useful, it was just talking about dumb things. No help, just annoying and condescending. I personally have never been comfortable with mental health professionals. They treat me like less of a person. I went to a psychiatrist who was terrible with me and have me no medications or advice. Other GP's were also judgemental.
I agree with all of the above. That's why I've pretty much given up on psychiatry. Unfortunately we get what we're given on the NHS, no shopping around, and the last two pdocs were not only unhelpful but downright abusive. I realized that being under their 'care' was actually damaging my mental health and I've been better without them. The CBT therapist said I was too unstable and to come back when I was doing better. The problem is that I was sort of hoping therapy could help with that, and there's a two year waiting list............what little we did cover wasn't helpful - just logic diagrams and flow charts which I'm pretty good at anyway, so I gained no new insight from it. CBT certainly isn't for everyone.
Q
Posted by Phillipa on March 19, 2007, at 19:54:34
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » jealibeanz, posted by Quintal on March 19, 2007, at 0:51:48
Q guess what!!!! Since I can choose who I see the PHD I'm seeing for theraphy asked me about all sorts of things today about childhood and my kids and said how successful we all were career wise. And then asked me what I wanted to work on choice are aging, physical ailment and getting a med to work so I can get back to nursing before 2008 when the new law says school again. Well I picked that and she said I'm not crazy and that she would work closely with my new pdoc and the pdoc is working with the endo as he thinks my anxiety is physical related to the thyroid. I think finally after 9 years I'm making headway and doing more too. I forgot to take the lunesta last night and didnt miss it at all. I think the long acting xanax is like an ad as it releases so slowly you don't get withdrawal inbetween dosing. I feel good about this. Love Phillipa
Posted by Quintal on March 19, 2007, at 20:46:59
In reply to Re: I'm considering alcohol to replace medications » Quintal, posted by Phillipa on March 19, 2007, at 19:54:34
That's great news Phillipa! You've waited so long for a little ray of light and now finally it seems to have arrived. I think you're doing the right thing, going back to nursing is what you've always wanted wasn't it? Go for it!!!
Q
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