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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jenn445 on July 29, 2005, at 23:26:16
Hi!
I recently moved to Cleveland and have found that there is a bias in the medical community against the use of benzodiazapines. In the past I have taken an antidepressant in combination with either Xanax or Klonopin. Paxil "pooped out" on me shortly after our move here. Now my doctor is convinced that the Effexor XR 300mg should be enough to take care of it all. He wants me off the Klonopin as soon as possible. I saw another psychiatrist and she told me the same thing that she will not prescribe Xanax or Klonopin. I have had anxiety and depression since 1989. I am not new at this. I know what works for me. I am also concerned that the Effexor is not the right med. It seems to make me more edgy not less. Does anyone know of a doctor in the Cleveland area who is open to the use of Xanax or Klonopin for anxiety? And who would also be able to help me with deciding if Effexor is the best med for me. Thank you.
Your friend,
Jenn
Posted by Sarah T. on July 30, 2005, at 0:11:04
In reply to Need help finding a good Doctor in Cleveland, OH, posted by Jenn445 on July 29, 2005, at 23:26:16
Hello Jenn,
You mentioned that in the past you've taken an antidepressant with either Klonopin or Xanax. Perhaps you could have your previous doctor (the one who prescribed the antidepressants + Klonopin + Xanax) speak with your new doctors in Cleveland. Having your previous doctor talk with your new doctors could allay the concerns the new doctors have about prescribing restricted drugs.
My experience has been that once a new doctor gets to know you and trust you, they'll be more flexible about prescribing restricted medications.Your new doctors must surely be aware of the dangers of stopping benzodiazapines abruptly. Even if they aren't thrilled about your taking a benzo, won't they at least give you enough to help you taper off the benzo slowly?
Posted by Jenn445 on July 30, 2005, at 11:50:43
In reply to Re: Need help finding a good Doctor in Cleveland, OH » Jenn445, posted by Sarah T. on July 30, 2005, at 0:11:04
My current docs actually have all my prior records. They just don't seem to want to work with me. They have their biases, I guess. I am searching for a doctor who will help me find the best combo for me. Thank you for your response and support.
Have a great day.
Your friend,
Jenn
Posted by EERRIICC on July 30, 2005, at 13:58:36
In reply to Re: Need help finding a good Doctor in Cleveland, OH, posted by Jenn445 on July 30, 2005, at 11:50:43
You could make an appointment to see Dr. Donald Malone who is head of psychiatry at The Cleveland Clinic or Dr. Joseph Calabrese at University hospitals. Both may take a couple months to get into see. I'd recommend getting Dr.Malone's email and sending him a letter asking him to recommend a good psychiatrist who'll see you quickly and then using him as a consult.
Good Luck
Posted by Phillipa on July 30, 2005, at 18:15:46
In reply to Re: Need help finding a good Doctor in Cleveland, OH, posted by EERRIICC on July 30, 2005, at 13:58:36
I sincerely hope you have enough to last you awhile. When a new pdoc tried to wean me too fast it sent me to a neurologist as I was twitching and legs wouldn't stay still. My BP was up to a dangerous level. They immediately wrote me a 30day prescription and told me to find a pdoc who is not benzophobic. So the suggestion above sounds like a great one to me. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Sarah T. on July 30, 2005, at 19:45:28
In reply to Re: Need help finding a good Doctor in Cleveland, OH, posted by Jenn445 on July 30, 2005, at 11:50:43
Hi Jenn,
I'm sorry to hear that the doctors you've seen so far seem to be narrow-minded and inflexible. I think you're right about some doctors having their biases. Just as certain geographic locations are more conservative than others, some organizations can be more conservative. Are the doctors you've seen at the same institution? If so, perhaps you could see a doctor at one of the other health care organizations in that region. Sometimes competing institutions have very different philosophies and attitudes regarding patient care. Some medical centers excel at research, while others have a better reputation for clinical care.
Posted by Jenn445 on July 30, 2005, at 22:05:56
In reply to Re: Need help finding a good Doctor in Cleveland, OH » Jenn445, posted by Sarah T. on July 30, 2005, at 19:45:28
Thank you all for your kind words and support. Especially thank you for the names of good pdocs in my area. I will get in contact with them as soon as possible as I have some meds left but my supply is dwindling. Thanks again.
Your friend,
Jenn
Posted by Elroy on December 28, 2005, at 11:15:00
In reply to Re: Need help finding a good Doctor in Cleveland, OH, posted by Jenn445 on July 30, 2005, at 22:05:56
> Thank you all for your kind words and support. Especially thank you for the names of good pdocs in my area. I will get in contact with them as soon as possible as I have some meds left but my supply is dwindling. Thanks again.
>
> Your friend,
> Jenn
Sorry for that late reply to this (just ran across it in searching for something else as it turned out), but if you don't mind traveling to the eastern suburbs, there's a good psychiatrist in Willoughy (about 20 miles east of downtown Cleveland) who is excellent to work with.Her name is Eileen McGee and she is located on Euclid Avenue. I would strongly recommend her.
Elroy
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