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How Can I Get the Medication I Need Without Being Labeled a Drug Seeker?
Question by Kara: How can i get the medication i need without being labeled a drug seeker?
I have suffered from social anxiety for as long as I can remember. A few months ago I decided I had had enough and went to my family doctor for help. I was open minded when she suggested anti depressants and gave it a go, hoping they would be the answer. I took them regularly for a month with no real effect on my anxiety so when I went in for a follow up I mentioned to her that it wasn’t working and I was experiencing side effects such as depression, insomnia, and irritability. I asked if there was something else I could try and she looked at me and said “I’m not going to give you Ativan or Xanax becuase of the potential for abuse.” I was shocked at her narrow mindedness to one treatment that wasn’t working. Is it time to find a new doc or is there another approach I can take with her? I just want to be able to do normal things like go to the store witbout a panic attack. Please help. Any advice is much appreciated.
Actually, I have been on Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac in the time frame mentioned because of negative side effects. If the side effects were not so unbearable, I would not mind staying on them and giving them another chance. Believe me, benzodiazepines are not my first choice, nor did I ask for them. I asked for another method of treatment and my doc assumed that was what I was after. In my years of anxiety I have tried many, more conservative options such as yoga, meditation, massage, and therapy. When none of this worked it convinced me there must be something medically wrong, hence I turned to my family doctor.
Best answer:
Answer by sean l
I have had similar problems as well. Your best bet is to see a psychiatrist. I know you probably don’t want to hear that because it will be quite costly, but that’s what they specialize in. You will have to deal with all the babble and whatnot before you finally get somewhere, but if you get a good doctor then he/she should be able to diagnose you correctly and you should be able to get what you need.
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<BR%20/>Tags: Drug, BEING, labeled <BR%20/>
Antidepressants are very effective in controlling Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia. You have tried one for the minimum time frame recommended. Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac are three safe ones that are used, if you’ve tried one, try another and give it some time 4-6wks, don’t bail out on it too early. These medications you can use long term. Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin will work as well, but are for short term use and are highly addictive. Your doctor very well may be doing you a big favor. Too many doctors are to eager to just “Treat and Street”, ergo the abundance of “Drug Seekers”, find medication that is appropriate and safe for the long run, especially if you are employed, have a family and want to be productive. Other meds Buspar (mild tranquilizer) or Beta Blockers, like Inderal or Atenolol can be effective as well, look into all options before going the addictive route.
If this is a Primary Care doctor, it would be wise to get a referral to Psych for follow up and counseling.
Add on after edit…then try the Beta Blockers, only common side affect is fatigue, mild dizziness, blood pressure lowering. If it is a daily dosage you can take it at bedtime, avoid the brunt of the fatigue during the day and sleep better.