historyteach

Can anyone tell me how to go about finding a good pdoc?

I'm VERY sceptical. I got over medicated once before and they wouldn't listen to me. So, I'm especially leary. But, it's time. My anxiety and depression are at a point where I recognize I need treatment. And my counselor isn't happy with the pdoc at the clinic, plus, it's over a month wait. So, how do I go about finding one?

Thanks for any help...

Shalom!

Live

The only way I know is to make an appmt and then TRUST YOUR GUT, YOUR HEAD AND YOUR HEART. If they don't work with you, trust yourself and try out another one.

I am firing the new low income one they set me up with. I have seen him twice and that was once too many.

Find someone who will LISTEN to you and take you seriously and work with you .....not on you...like my fired "Nazi"....or someone too glib or in a hurry etc.
You're smart, so pay attention to yourself first and you will thro' process of elimination find someone good for you.

Best wishes!

Hugs!

historyteach

Unfortunately, I don't have time to work through the bums....
If I get screwed up on meds, it means I screw up on my job, and that means, my kiddies are screwed. I can't let that happen to them!
In short, there's more at stake than *just* me!
Though, I'm doing it for me, I *must* take my students into consideration too. They *will* be effected if I'm stoned out of my gourd like I once was, ya know?

Thanks, Tina...

Shalom!

Live

Okay, I hear you. What meds got you messed up and how last time?
Effexor is the new popular antid and seems to have a reallly good success rate.
Seroquel is the new popular for anxiety and I and others have serious qualms about that drug. My pdoc holds it in very low regard and it is very expensive. It changed my husbands personality to an abusive do nothing mean person. I was prescribed it also and I do not like it. It would be an easy one for me to abuse because it will knock you out. Xanax and klonopin are much safer for me. I think Klonopin is better than xanax, you don't feel the effects, it is more subtle and stays steady in your system. BUT and this is a big BUT, I have a high tolerance for benzodiazipines, it could work very differently on you.

historyteach

Drugs effect me very VERY strongly.
This is something that EVERY doc doesn't seem to *hear* until they experience it themselves with the change in my personality. That's the problem!

For example, I knew in two days I couldn't take the seroquel. It stoned me RIGHT out! A freakin zoombie, I was!

SSRI's give me serotonin syndrome. Well, they did on the amount I was on before. I'd have to go check on that. It wasn't much, though, but, I was on multiple drugs, so the combo may have caused the effect too. I was a mess.

And I will NEVER touch Klonopin again! It was worse than the seroquel! Zoned out of this world! My doc actually has me listed as "allergic" to it, so it can never be given to me by accident again! No, I'm not allergic to it, but, I made it clear that I will NEVER EVER take it again!
I have a prescription for xanax; 1/4 mg that I can take up to three times a day -- if needed. I don't take it often, but, I've needed it more often lately, due to the bs I'm dealing with.

It's honestly hard to describe just how messed up I was. I couldn't talk straight. I couldn't think. I couldn't read. I couldn't do everyday things. I was a stoned out mess.
And the pdocs told me I was "permanently disabled."
They told me to apply for disability! That I would never work again!

I took their drugs and their advice and threw them away! :thefinger

And, for over 8 years, I've been doing very well. I've had my ups and downs, yes. And I've learned to deal with life's problems. But, I've been under tremendous pressure for the past three years. Unrelenting pressure. And I need help.

But, I don't need or want to be screwed up again!

And because of my very low tolerance to medication, combined with the inability of so many docs to hear me when I tell them of this fact, it causes a problem. My own counselor didn't understand it until I was on steroids for a sinus/ lung infection. And she couldn't believe the difference in my personality! And this was a LOW DOSE! Only then, did she begin to hear what I was saying to her. And my doc too.

Drugs just effect me differently than many others. So, I need to be extra careful. And with my students, I cannot afford to get screwed up again.

I've never tried effexor. But, that's an SSRI, isn't it?
I liked Welbutrin, except it gave me panic attacks sometimes. And I don't need any more of them, right now, lol!

Thanks for your feedback, Tina. I appreciate it.

Shalom!

Live

ummm, no effexor isn't an SSRI. If I were you, I would start on the lowest dose of 37.5 mg. Usually they titrate you up to 75 or as with me 150 mgs, but I HEAR you and maybe you would even use a pill splitter and split the 37.5 just to be cautious. Yes, I would recommend effexor.

I also got really messed up the first time (in '93) with klonopin. I couldn't organize my thoughts to get up off the couch and walk to the frig for a bottle of water. I have refused to take them until the last few months and they act differently in me now, but I am sure it is only because of my tolerance for that class of drugs.

If the xanax works for you and you are not taking more than prescribed, maybe stick with it? You know it will probably make you tired? Does it? Kind of depends on the level of the anxiety. And that is a very low dose. I wouldn't be scared of dependence with that low of a dose.

I do understand. I am scared to death of any and all sedative/hypnotics....ie all the sleep pills ambien thro lunesta.....couldn't get me to touch one. nuh-uh.

Hooner

I'm currently taking Effexor 37.5 and Klonopin .25 mg per required need.

I like them. My pdoc upped my Effexor to the next leve (7?) but I didn't like it so I called her and we're doing the 37.5 for a month. I have to take a low dosage of klonopin. .25 is good on most days, some days I need a little more. My pdoc said it is less addictive than xanex and works better because it is a steady flow and not a big high and low, like you receive iwth xanex.

As for finding a good doctor, you just have to be honest and start low on dosages. When I called my psdoc about the Effexor dosage she just said, "maybe that's all you need...lets try it." If you feel weird, call immediately. Also, ask for free samples so you don't spend a bunch of money on something you won't use.

historyteach

Tina,
I tried lunesta for a few days too. The next day, I was a zoombie!
Good thing I'm not a drug addict, huh? LOL! I don't think I'd make a good one! :rof

From Revolutionhealth.com
So, it's part SSRI, with an added norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.The latter is used for ADD, I believe.

Anyway, I'm getting tired, now. And I've got a parent night tomorrow. And of course, just learned more how the school has screwed me.... :thefinger

Thanks, and shalom!

Live

I am getting fed up with that school!

And nope, I have never tried Lunesta, ya can't make me! LOL
It is in the class of drugs I am terrified of.

Interesting, the usage for ADD. New to me. But I think the shoe fits in my case. I dunno.
I am on 3 antid.
But the changeover to effexor was wonderful to me and for me.

shutterbug

hummmm.....how to find a good pdoc?
VERY good question!!!!
I have yet to find one i absolutely really like and trust, but my current one seems like a good candidate so i'm going to keep seeing him in hopes that he turns out to be a good one.

If there was a way to find out who most pdocs would go to themselves if they had to see someone....then that's who i'd pick!

Perhaps we all should develop a website or something where people can go on and vote for their favorite doc in each town!!

PaperDolls

I still have no clue how to find a good pdoc. I mean....in my experience how do I really know if they're good? I've actually only seen two. I know now, since I switched, that my first was BAD. Compared to him my current one is a saint but, blah....I just pay the bill and cross my fingers. A website is a great idea Jena.

Teach: I was on Effexor for about a year (at least......my memory is horrible). It did work BUT I have the opposite problem as you. I seem to not be effected by low doses and I very quickly build a tolerance to meds. I got to the point that I was on the max dosage and was having serotonin syndrome (withdrawal). I posted about it when I was weaning off. For me, it was a horrible experience. While the effexor worked for me it was great and my depression was really gone but as my body adjusted it lost all effect and only made me sick. I know you know, but we're all different. Tena has had wonderful results as well as Jena I believe.

If you find a good way to find a good pdoc ......... let me know. It's knowledge I could use.

hugs to ya!

historyteach

Well, my regular doc gave me the names of two pdocs. I just called them both, and of course, neither of them are in on a Saturday. I didn't expect them to be in, though. The first had no machine. I called the second, and liked the sound of his voice, LOL! So, I left a message.

The one good thing is that my regular doc won't recommend someone he doesn't know and trust. And, one time, he sent me to someone with whom I had a bad experience. I wouldn't go back. Then, he sent one of his office workers to the same person. She had a bad experience too. He took the doc off his list of recommended doctors. Two bad experiences was two too many. He won't fool around with his patients' health. So, I trust his recommendations.

Did I ever tell you he's been named "Best Family Doc of the Year" TWICE. Yep! This recognition comes from his colleagues! Other doctors vote for this award! I absolutely LOVE this guy, and feel so very lucky to have him as my physician!

Anyway, I just called my reg doc's office. I'm going to see if I can get on an antidepressant now while I wait for an appointment. I don't know if they will, but, I know it takes some time for it to begin working. And I don't know how long it will take to get into the pdoc's office to get a workup and a script. And I NEED something NOW! I really am past due already, and I'm sorry I waited so long.

Thanks for listening. Oh, and I did find some information on finding a pdoc. I will post it in a minute, but, it's nothing more than what we already know, unfortunately.

Shalom!

historyteach

How To Find a Psychiatrist
By Cathleen Henning Fenton, About.com
Updated: August 23, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Find A Psychiatrist
Browse a Vast Directory of Leading U.S. Therapists at PsychologyToday.
Psychology Today: Find a Therapist and News to Use


Finding a good psychiatrist is not easy, but there are many places to look. It is important to understand that you will have to do some work, first in creating a list of potential psychiatrists and then in calling each psychiatrist to find out if he or she may be the right psychiatrist for you.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Where to Look: Steps 2-7 offer advice on where to look for a psychiatrist or referrals.

Your HMO or insurance company may have a list of psychiatrists whom you may use. You should contact the company for the list as well as the proper procedure (often a referral from your general physician) for making an appointment with the psychiatrist.

Ask for referrals from your therapist, general physician, or other treating health or mental health professional.

Post messages in online anxiety disorders support groups. Many people read these groups and can give you good recommendations for psychiatrists near you. (Note: Please be careful when posting information about your location.)

Join a local anxiety disorders support group and ask other members about their treating psychiatrists.

Try the following online databases:
About Mental Health - State Mental Health Resources

ADAA - Find a Professional

Mental Health Net - Search for Clinicians


What to Ask: Only you know what you want and need in treatment. Use these suggestions as a guide, but also think about what you expect and want. The more specific you are with your needs, the better chance you have of fulfilling them. Steps 8-14 will help with suggested questions.

Does the psychiatrist specialize in treating anxiety disorders? If the psychiatrist is not a specialist, how much experience does he/she have treating anxiety disorders?

How long has the psychiatrist been in practice?

Does the psychiatrist provide therapy also? (This depends on whether or not you already have a therapist and if you want one. Most psychiatrists only prescribe medication, so don't be surprised about that. If you want a therapist, you'll probably have to search for one.) If the psychiatrist does not provide therapy, does he/she work closely with any particular therapists?

What will the psychiatrist charge? Does the psychiatrist accept your insurance?

What will the first visit be like?

How often will you see the psychiatrist?

How accessible is the psychiatrist if you experience problems with the medication?

Tips:
Try not to be afraid to ask questions. Have a friend or family member help if needed. You'll also find suggestion in the links (below) for talking to treatment providers.

If you have a general physician whom you like and trust, you may feel comfortable with discussing medication with him or her. That's OK! If, however, you don't respond to meds after a while, you may want to see a psychiatrist who is more specialized.

Many therapists work closely with psychiatrists and/or doctors. If you're already in therapy, don't hesitate to ask for your therapist's suggestions. An excellent treatment team is one that has experience working together.

Shalom!

TiredMama

I also had the opposite effects with effexor. I went into horrible withdrawals and almost killed myself after I had my first baby. I was on it the entire time I was pregnant, then my doctor took me off abruptly.

Done_With_It

Well if you dn't remember I'm a CL Hooker.
I go to them for everything and their grandmother for advice.

I seriously live my life through them. But it may be more of a
CA thing, I dunno. I found some great therapists recommendations
there though.

I even got my vibrating leather couches there. And my free
Pysch. Everything...... 2

historyteach

Done,
What's CL Hooker?

( .... It sounds naughty... :rof )

Shalom!

shutterbug

it does sound naughty! Especially when coupled with vibrating couches!!!

I HAVE SOME EXCITING NEWS HISTORYTEACH!!!!!!
I knew there was a reason i loved NAMI and nami.org so much!!! Remember that website i suggested we could all start to keep track of good pdocs somehow??? Well NAMI has already done it basically!!!

Each year patients nominate their favorite psychiatrists in each state and then NAMI honors the best of them --- every year!!!!

You can view ALL past winners BY STATE or by year )) by going to:
NAMI | Exemplary Psychiatrist Awards

But since you have to download the "by state" list......

shutterbug

.

Done_With_It

lol, OH No, it means I troll craigs list waiting to pounce on it. LOL,

Like a good Nordstrom's shoe sale.:rof

If you post and ask them in the General Community, you'll get lots of feedback.

I get everything from Craigs.

Yes, my couch even vibrates, ha ha, and it's black leather, and it reclines.
It's one Bad Ass Couch.

I got it for FREE!

Done_With_It

:rof

OH, I didn't even think of THAT....



:rof