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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bennyj on February 19, 2006, at 14:44:24
How do you ask a new gp to add a benzo for treatment of bad anxiety? I had clonazapam before for panic attacks and I know it works...but when I suggest this to my new gp the very first thing out of his mouth is "we try to stay away from meds that can induce dependance and tolerance". Most ssris, ssnris, etc...just add to the anxiety. Do you think the gp just wants to go through every other possible med before turning to benzos? He's given me seroquel for the anxiety but its stupifying and gives me horrible anxiety, cant sit still, legs shaking.
anxious and sick of it
B
Posted by greywolf on February 19, 2006, at 14:58:59
In reply to How to ask for a benzo?, posted by bennyj on February 19, 2006, at 14:44:24
Tell him straight up that you've used klonopin safely and effectively in the past, and you want to once again. Tell him that you do not want to struggle with the SEs created by seroquel, which is not effective for you. If he doesn't go along with you, he's one of those gps who are comfortable only so far with psych meds.
And that's fine. Perhaps you can get a referral to a pdoc who will be more comfortable supervising benzos.
Posted by Phillipa on February 19, 2006, at 20:25:30
In reply to Re: How to ask for a benzo?, posted by greywolf on February 19, 2006, at 14:58:59
Agree totally with the above. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on February 19, 2006, at 23:43:11
In reply to How to ask for a benzo?, posted by bennyj on February 19, 2006, at 14:44:24
I think you should try to get in w/ a pdoc. It sounds like you have experienced long-standing anxiety and you need to find a treatment that works. Maybe benzos and maybe not. But, I would think that most pdocs wouldn't be afraid to rx a benzo to someone who has responded to it in the past. And I must say that I think it is pretty nutty that he won't rx a benzo, but he will rx an AP! If after a thourough assessment, a pdoc says an AP is the way to go, then you should consider it. Frankly, I think this GP is out of his league rx-ing AP's.
Mostly though, I think you need a different GP. It sounds like he talked down to you and dismissed your suggestion about your own health w/o even considering it. If he acts like this about this situation, how will he behave during other times when you need to trust him? Consider it, okay?
Best,
EE
Posted by fenix on February 20, 2006, at 7:34:45
In reply to How to ask for a benzo?, posted by bennyj on February 19, 2006, at 14:44:24
You get it by not asking. First, you get rid of the alternatives by saying that they make you worse and that clonazepam was effective; but don't ask for clonazepam, just factually state that it helped. Also, call it Klonopin and not clonazepam when you speak with him.
Then your doctor is left with the benzodiazepines.
Posted by blueberry on February 20, 2006, at 18:53:29
In reply to How to ask for a benzo?, posted by bennyj on February 19, 2006, at 14:44:24
Good advice from the other posters here.
I would love to debate your doctor about dependence. Let's talk about effexor or zyprexa. And let's compare the side effects and the cost of those compared to a simple benzo.
Hey, a doctor-patient relationship is supposed to go two ways. I mean, he needs to trust you. And don't forget, who is the paying customer here? Who pays who?
Posted by TylerJ on February 21, 2006, at 12:08:18
In reply to How to ask for a benzo?, posted by bennyj on February 19, 2006, at 14:44:24
I would definitely see a pdoc not just a "doc"-much more likely to be prescribed a benzo from a pdoc. Then just tell him/her that your anxiety is unbearable-seriously tell him you can't take it anymore. He'll probably ask you what you think you need. Simply tell him that you've tried all kinds of meds in the past and the one that helped the most (by far) was Klonopin. Good Luck.
Best wishes, Tyler
Posted by bennyj on February 21, 2006, at 13:58:20
In reply to Re: How to ask for a benzo? » bennyj, posted by TylerJ on February 21, 2006, at 12:08:18
Thanks for the advice :-)
Pdocs are hard to find in Canada and can take a long time to get to see one. Generally GP's like to take a shot first before they refer patients. I'll try to just be straight forward with him, before was a passing mention of a benzo.
thnx
B
Posted by TylerJ on February 21, 2006, at 14:59:45
In reply to Re: How to ask for a benzo?, posted by bennyj on February 21, 2006, at 13:58:20
Sounds like a good plan. When I need something REALLY BAD like you do now, I just lay it on the line. i.e, "I'm completely miserable and I need something for this severe anxiety," I just keep pushing the issue because I REALLY DO NEED SOMETHING REALLY BAD WHEN I DO THIS-I would never lie to my Pdoc. Fortunatly, he believes me when I get real desperate, because he knows me very well...I've been seeing him for 23 years. You really need some help right now so please make sure you get it bud. Good Luck. Tyler
Posted by TylerJ on February 21, 2006, at 15:20:07
In reply to Re: How to ask for a benzo?, posted by bennyj on February 21, 2006, at 13:58:20
Hey Benny, I just thought of something funny...when you get on Klonopin or other benzo, you should change your Psycho-Babble name to: "Benzo Benny" or "Benny Benzo" lol :) I think we all need to quit being so serious and Laugh more! I know, easier said then done..especially when you feel like hell. But laughter is definitly impt. sometimes I Laugh at myself ...just to lighten up a bit, it works! I've been on Ativan for 20 yrs, maybe I'll change my name to "Ativan Man" lol. You take care Benzo :)
The Ativan Man
Posted by blueberry on February 21, 2006, at 20:22:46
In reply to Re: How to ask for a benzo? » bennyj, posted by TylerJ on February 21, 2006, at 15:20:07
Ativan for 20 years? Wow, I didn't know that could successfully be done without serious tolerance setting in at some point. What dose are you on and how long at that dose? I was going to ask if it still helps, but I guess it must, yeah?
Posted by TylerJ on February 22, 2006, at 6:03:23
In reply to Re: How to ask for a benzo? » TylerJ, posted by blueberry on February 21, 2006, at 20:22:46
Yes..I am definitly "hooked" on it. I've recently been taking 6mgs. a day and yeah it still works...I guess :) Right now I don't really feel like I need it, but not taking it after 20 yrs. could be disasterous. Parnate is working great for my anxiety at this time, and if it continues to, I plan on reducing (very slowly) and hopefully eliminating Ativan totally. After all, benzos are depressants...and I don't need any help adding to my depression! Take care and let me know when you find something out.
Best wishes, Tyler
Posted by fenix on February 22, 2006, at 17:03:44
In reply to Re: How to ask for a benzo? » TylerJ, posted by blueberry on February 21, 2006, at 20:22:46
> Ativan for 20 years? Wow, I didn't know that could successfully be done without serious tolerance setting in at some point. What dose are you on and how long at that dose? I was going to ask if it still helps, but I guess it must, yeah?
I was thinking the tolerance stuff could be a myth to an extent, maybe a bit exaggerated. Yeah, a lot of people build a tolerance I guess but it seems like a lot sort of don't. I mean, you might have to raise the dosage a little bit after a while, but when you find the right amount of it a lot of people just stay on it for a few decades and the stuff is still really effective.
I remember that I was on clonazepam for months and I never had to raise the dosage and it was only 1mg. In fact, I was able to take a half of that and it was still just as effective.
Posted by TylerJ on February 22, 2006, at 20:54:37
In reply to Re: How to ask for a benzo?, posted by fenix on February 22, 2006, at 17:03:44
Ativan been very, very good too me! :>) Seriously it's the only med that has worked long term for me...and it really does still work after 20 years. I really don't think I would have made it this far without my "little buddy" Ativan.
And the doses have varied as my condition got better/worse, i.e., from as little as 1-2 mgs daily, to all the way up to 10-12 mgs daily. I have a pdoc who really understands anxiety.Tyler-A.K.A. "Ativan Man" lol
Posted by bennyj on February 22, 2006, at 21:52:36
In reply to Re: How to ask for a benzo? » fenix, posted by TylerJ on February 22, 2006, at 20:54:37
Posted by fenix on February 23, 2006, at 7:23:03
In reply to Re: How to ask for a benzo?, posted by fenix on February 22, 2006, at 17:03:44
> > Ativan for 20 years? Wow, I didn't know that could successfully be done without serious tolerance setting in at some point. What dose are you on and how long at that dose? I was going to ask if it still helps, but I guess it must, yeah?
>
> I was thinking the tolerance stuff could be a myth to an extent, maybe a bit exaggerated. Yeah, a lot of people build a tolerance I guess but it seems like a lot sort of don't. I mean, you might have to raise the dosage a little bit after a while, but when you find the right amount of it a lot of people just stay on it for a few decades and the stuff is still really effective.
>
> I remember that I was on clonazepam for months and I never had to raise the dosage and it was only 1mg. In fact, I was able to take a half of that and it was still just as effective.
>
>
>Yeah, I found this:
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/benzoabdos.htm
"Lack of relationship between long-term use
of benzodiazepines and escalation to high dosages"
This is the end of the thread.
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