Posted by zeugma on August 26, 2003, at 7:02:12
In reply to Re: anxiety attack- advice needed, posted by zeugma on August 26, 2003, at 1:09:51
Something else occurs to me as I think about this. My depression is a 'dreamlike' state. I have a hard time feeling alert- no doubt the comorbid ADHD. When I started on nortriptyline last year I DID feel intense anxiety. I also felt I needed a stimulant of some kind and suggested Provigil. My pdoc said no- on the grounds that it would cause more anxiety! So obviously he's been aware that I DO have severe anxiety. But it strikes me as ironic that while he didn't seem to think the anxiety was worth treating on its own, it WAS sufficient reason to withold treatments of another serious condition! It just doesn't make sense. I feel like he has taken advantage of my trust in him.
It also occurs to me that the one med I've taken for anxiety (Buspar) ineffective as it is- was my idea, he'd given me samples of offhandedly at our first session. Last DEcember I saw the drug was about to expire and did a little net research on it, about whether there would be a dangerous interaction with nortriptyline. I was planning to take it whether he wanted me to or not, provided it was safe to do so. But also, cooperative patient that I am, I wanted to let him know about my plan. He was dismissive about the Buspar- "It won't hurt you, at least"- now, somebody explain why he was only willing to let me try a med he considered ineffectual for anxiety (implying that he didn't think the anxiety was a real issue)- but, on the other hand, rejected possible treatments for my inattention on the grounds that it could exacerbate my anxiety! It doesn't make sense at all. Is anxiety such a stigmatized condition, or the meds that are appropriate to treat it so unspeakable that they are to be absolutely avoided until a panic attack hits? I am not only feeling panic, but also a return of the most disturbing depressive symptoms? My trust in him is shattered and I am going to find another pdoc as soon as possible.
poster:zeugma
thread:254014
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030823/msgs/254256.html