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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 36 to 60 of 76. Go back in thread:
Posted by KayeBaby on April 2, 2007, at 20:07:41
In reply to I should hit myself., posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 16:03:14
JB,
Listen. I can't exactly explain it but I understand where you are at. I have been there many times. Sort of like mentally digging yourself into a hole.Call him tomorrow. Treat this like any other business at hand. Don't think about it any more -just pick up the phone and simply state the problem.
Tell him what is undesirable about this med.
Tell him you would prefer to return to the med that you are familiar with so that you can know what to expect from your self.Tell him right now you cannot afford (school etc)to struggle with this med change and that you will explore other options later if it's necessary when it's not so critical of a time for you.
Say; Hey Dr. I left a message last week-I'm know you must not have gotten it. This is bad timing on this med change. I have no patience with it becuase school is at critical mass right now. I was functioning better with my old med can I please return to that safety zone, at least for a time? In X amount of time things will be calmer and we can explore changes then.
JB-I doubt you will even get this far into the conversation before he says sure.
He sounds kind, reasonable and you two have established trust. You are making a perfectly reasonable request.
Pretend it's your hairdresser who suggested a new hair color. She did a lovely job but it is just not you. You are thankful she is always wanting to improve her work and never want her to stop but this particular time it just didn't suit you.
Put it on your to-do list and do it. No more overthinking.
This is the good advice my best friend gives me.
Complete the task.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 20:59:16
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 2, 2007, at 20:07:41
I know. I should. What I'm doing to myself right now is not healthy in any way. I just sometimes want to give up because these are chronic conditions, more or less, and that seems so daunting to have to think about at a young age. I'd like to be normal. Guess that's not a choice.
Posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 4:01:02
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 20:59:16
No need to give up, JB.
You only need a small adjustment for you to carry on with your important work. You will have time for a new stratagy soon.
I hope you make that call so that you can get on with it.
Take Care,
Kaye
Posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 5:18:44
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 4:01:02
> No need to give up, JB.
>
> You only need a small adjustment for you to carry on with your important work. You will have time for a new stratagy soon.
>
> I hope you make that call so that you can get on with it.
>
> Take Care,
> Kaye
Wow... I thought I was the only super early bird who is online at 6 AM!Yea, I need a small dose adjust, or to drop the XR all together. It's completely worthless to me. I know it's supposed to last all day, but most say it doesn't, and I tend to metabolize meds quickly.
So I'd think there would be breakthrough anxiety at the end of the day or in the morning (Although maybe it's like Valium where one become "saturated". I don't think so though, since it's still alprozolam which has a fairly short half-life. Haha, I don't know. I'm not a pharmacist, I pulled out my pharmacy school applications!).
Nope. Not at all. Because it's constant anxiety! Ahhh!
Oh well, I'll go work out now... the gym opened at 5:30, why am I not there?! Weird, I know... strange biorhythms I guess.
Posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 18:25:37
In reply to Re: I should hit myself. » KayeBaby, posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 5:18:44
LOL.
No early bird. Night Owl.Not usually that late, though.
I quit taking my Wellbutrin yesterday as I suspected it was starting to make me blah. It always does after a couple of months. I was feeling so much better yesterday I just didn't want to go to sleep.
WB is great for pulling me out of a hole but goes south on me fast. It has never been stimulating to me and if I go over 100-150 it can be really bad. 300 caused me the worst depression of my life once. I was emotionally flatlined.
I hope your situation improves very soon.
Keep on, girl. We need folks like you in the medical field.peace,
Kaye
Posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 18:41:51
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 18:25:37
Jelly listen that xanax xr did not cover me at all. And I agree with Kaye. Right now I'm trying to get back on the valium and fear is so high that I'm on an increably high dose and it dosn't hold me why!!!! I should never have changed from the low dose I was on then all the other ones in such a short time. Love Phillipa ps from l5mg of valium to 40mg!!!!!
Posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 18:54:33
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 18:25:37
> LOL.
> No early bird. Night Owl.
>
> Not usually that late, though.
>
> I quit taking my Wellbutrin yesterday as I suspected it was starting to make me blah. It always does after a couple of months. I was feeling so much better yesterday I just didn't want to go to sleep.
>
> WB is great for pulling me out of a hole but goes south on me fast. It has never been stimulating to me and if I go over 100-150 it can be really bad. 300 caused me the worst depression of my life once. I was emotionally flatlined.
>
> I hope your situation improves very soon.
> Keep on, girl. We need folks like you in the medical field.
>
> peace,
> KayeOh ok, I think we must have big time zone differences. I forget we're all in varying locations.
That's how I felt about WB too. Just a bit dull. I didn't notice until I went off and felt more alive. I did however notice a majorrr dulling with Effexor. My quote to my PA was: "My favorite activity is staring at walls." Seriously. I would have been content to stare at walls all day, and would have had I not been packed with a schedule of classes, work, and interning.
Thanks. I'm working my way up to caring enough to call my doc again and continue treatment.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 19:00:38
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 18:41:51
> Jelly listen that xanax xr did not cover me at all. And I agree with Kaye. Right now I'm trying to get back on the valium and fear is so high that I'm on an increably high dose and it dosn't hold me why!!!! I should never have changed from the low dose I was on then all the other ones in such a short time. Love Phillipa ps from l5mg of valium to 40mg!!!!!
Well, it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one who doesn't think the XR is great. But I already knew of this from my other posts. I should just accept it by now and not think of myself as failing on the drug.I'm a bit scared of Valium! I don't know why. I just get the sense that's it's more like Klonopin, than Xanax. I guess I've now tried only 3 benzo's, if you count Xanax and Xanax XR as separate. They're all extremely different in my opinion. I suppose that's why I fear Valium, since I fear the unknown and possible effects. But you do what you need to do. Great if it works for you!
Posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 19:09:01
In reply to Re: I should hit myself. » Phillipa, posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 19:00:38
Jelly the fear now is what is keeping it from working at a much lower dose. Unless the blood drawn today indicates thyroid still not right. I did well for many years on short acting xanax then for some reason it started to make me feel tired. Maybe I converted to depression then? That's when I started valium again but I didn't get the ahhh feeling I got when I took it in my 20's. So I guess tolerance does build. But to change so drastically in a few weeks is so strange and scarey. Love Phillipa ps you done any studying of hasimotos and graves? Lar wrote yesterday basically they are the same which I still don't get. Brain not doing well.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 19:24:48
In reply to Re: I should hit myself. » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 19:09:01
> Jelly the fear now is what is keeping it from working at a much lower dose. Unless the blood drawn today indicates thyroid still not right. I did well for many years on short acting xanax then for some reason it started to make me feel tired. Maybe I converted to depression then? That's when I started valium again but I didn't get the ahhh feeling I got when I took it in my 20's. So I guess tolerance does build. But to change so drastically in a few weeks is so strange and scarey. Love Phillipa ps you done any studying of hasimotos and graves? Lar wrote yesterday basically they are the same which I still don't get. Brain not doing well.
I have no idea why I even think about Valium. I don't really expect my GP to say one day, hey you wanna try Valium? Haha, umm no new things!Ohhh... I must break out of my ridiculous behavior and communicate with him again. He'd be surprised to know that I've gone so long with a medication I'm unhappy with and that I'm afraid to tell him. And I'm now completely without one because nobody told him to refill it. That's probably the stupidest part on my side. I needed the new script a week ago and when I didn't get a call back, I should have pursued it.
Posted by notfred on April 4, 2007, at 0:55:26
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on March 30, 2007, at 21:52:16
> We can't fax controlled prescriptions in my state, and they can only be written 1 month at a time. It's a hassle. I'd love to live in one of the states that allows refills and faxes.
>In the states (US) I have lived in this is only a restriction with schedule II, which are all amphetamines and some stims. All other scheduled meds, III-IV (benzos, pain meds(most), sleeping meds) are allowed via fax or phone call. Only schedule II has the restriction of no refills. That is per the federal requirements; state boards of pharmacy can modify this. I get 6 month scripts (five refills) of atavin, lunesta, and provigil. My pdoc will provide postdated scripts for amphetamine.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 4, 2007, at 3:44:25
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by notfred on April 4, 2007, at 0:55:26
>
> > We can't fax controlled prescriptions in my state, and they can only be written 1 month at a time. It's a hassle. I'd love to live in one of the states that allows refills and faxes.
> >
>
> In the states (US) I have lived in this is only a restriction with schedule II, which are all amphetamines and some stims. All other scheduled meds, III-IV (benzos, pain meds(most), sleeping meds) are allowed via fax or phone call. Only schedule II has the restriction of no refills. That is per the federal requirements; state boards of pharmacy can modify this. I get 6 month scripts (five refills) of atavin, lunesta, and provigil. My pdoc will provide postdated scripts for amphetamine.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Hmm... I wonder if I could look up the regulations. I hate trying to read all those bylaws... too wordy. I didn't go to law school!
I'm not sure why, but I can get Provigil faxed and it has refills. Lunesta can't be faxed, but has refill. Stimulants can't be faxed or have refills, and neither can Xanax... which doesn't really make a whole lot of sense.
I know I live in a tough state. Highly regulated!
Posted by KayeBaby on April 4, 2007, at 14:41:52
In reply to Re: I should hit myself. » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 19:09:01
> Jelly the fear now is what is keeping it from working at a much lower dose. Unless the blood drawn today indicates thyroid still not right. I did well for many years on short acting xanax then for some reason it started to make me feel tired. Maybe I converted to depression then? That's when I started valium again but I didn't get the ahhh feeling I got when I took it in my 20's. So I guess tolerance does build. But to change so drastically in a few weeks is so strange and scarey. Love Phillipa ps you done any studying of hasimotos and graves? Lar wrote yesterday basically they are the same which I still don't get. Brain not doing well.
Hey Phillipa,
The way I understand Hashimotos is that antibodies attack the thyroid and the result is eventually so much damage that you become hypothyroid. However, as the thyroid attempts to do its job there is a sort of sputtering effect. Sometimes it will spit out too much hormone (hyperthyroid or graves) then the levels will fall again.This is a frustrating situation. About the time you get somewhat leveled out it will switch.
I read Anna Nicole's autopsy report and it showed she had Hashi's. Poor woman. No wonder her weight was a problem and emotions as well.
I hope they figure this out for you. There are foods you can eat that will help if you are hyper. Cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower are some.
I went too high on my thyroid hormone and I can relate to how you feel. Miserable. Meg/cal supps helped. Taurine and potassium (use lite salt)Also l-theanine.
This will not last much longer so try not to fret and just take it easy.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by KayeBaby on April 4, 2007, at 14:55:13
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on April 4, 2007, at 3:44:25
JB,
If you are out of meds you need to call your Dr.Are you having that 'paralysis of will' thing?
I get that where I just can't seem to move.I have had the sit and stare at the wall effect from meds too. One form of ritalin had me staring at the wall almost to the point of drooling.
Wonder why some supposed stimulants cause us this reaction? I have noticed that in small amounts WB is calming. It reduces my 'overdrive' Makes me not want or need stuff like coffee and cig so much. Too much WB puts me into an extreme state of.....absence of needing, wanting. Many times my inability to be satisfied is what drives me and to remove that too completely renders me inanimate.
I never take for granted that a med will effect me the way it does most people.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by jealibeanz on April 4, 2007, at 15:23:54
In reply to Re: ughhh.... » jealibeanz, posted by KayeBaby on April 4, 2007, at 14:55:13
> JB,
> If you are out of meds you need to call your Dr.
>
> Are you having that 'paralysis of will' thing?
> I get that where I just can't seem to move.
>
> I have had the sit and stare at the wall effect from meds too. One form of ritalin had me staring at the wall almost to the point of drooling.
>
> Wonder why some supposed stimulants cause us this reaction? I have noticed that in small amounts WB is calming. It reduces my 'overdrive' Makes me not want or need stuff like coffee and cig so much. Too much WB puts me into an extreme state of.....absence of needing, wanting. Many times my inability to be satisfied is what drives me and to remove that too completely renders me inanimate.
>
> I never take for granted that a med will effect me the way it does most people.
>
> Peace,
> KayeWell, I'm fine. I'm going about my life like normal and doing this. But no I haven't called my doc back... so that's my only "paralysis of will" as you call it. Just can't get up the nerve to call.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 9, 2007, at 11:03:48
In reply to I should hit myself., posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 16:03:14
So, I finally called my doctor's office and spoke to a nurse. I asked for:
1. A refill on Ritalin LA
2. A refill on Lunesta
3. A refill on Provigil... and could he write it as a 30 day supply, b/c he's accidentally writing it as a 15 day.
4. Xanax XR... I'm due for a refill, but it's not working. Could you ask if I could you back to regular Xanax?I got a call back 20 minutes later. Your prescriptions are all ready to pick up. You're going to stay on the Xanax XR. I'd suggest making an appointment next month if you still don't find that it's helping.
Ooooo... not happy with that one. Xanax XR isn't magically going to start working after 7 weeks. It's pretty safe to say that after a decent trial period, I'm not experiencing more anxiety due to outside circumstances, it's because I switch from Xanax IR to Xanax XR... and reduced the dosage from 4 mg to 3 mg.
I didn't expect this answer. I purposely waited and waited, trying to give the medication a chance. I wanted to let him know that I was willing to accept his new plan and explore new ideas. I didn't want to freak out just after a few days and call up asking for regular Xanax.
So, I made myself suffer through it, thinking that when I finally asked for help, I'd get it. I wouldn't have thought I would call up and say, "This medication is not working." and the response would be, "Keep taking it anyway."
It's pretty aparent now that my doctor is trying to get me off altogether. I wish he'd at least tell me. It's odd. This happened out of nowhere. And it's not like I walked in to his office one day and said, "I feel great! No anxiety whatsoever!"
He knows that's not true and this is not the ideal time in my life to stop anxiety medication. I'd be willing to try to go down to 3 mg of Xanax IR, just to please him, not because I think it will increase my quality of life. It won't. It will decrease.
Hmm... disappointed.
Posted by KayeBaby on April 9, 2007, at 13:18:08
In reply to Update!, posted by jealibeanz on April 9, 2007, at 11:03:48
Hi JB,
He has no idea how unhappy you have been with the xr. You may need to go ahead and make appt.I'm sure he probably would rather you be on the xr so he turned down what might seem to be a casual request. If he knew that you have been toughing it out the way you have and it just not working he may not mind. Perhaps you could ask that he change it back for the time being and you could pick a better time to explore a substitiute.
Timing is everything.
Try not to read a lot into it. You cannot know his mind till you talk to him face to face.
Take Care,
Kaye
Posted by jealibeanz on April 9, 2007, at 13:40:28
In reply to Re: Update!, posted by KayeBaby on April 9, 2007, at 13:18:08
> Hi JB,
> He has no idea how unhappy you have been with the xr. You may need to go ahead and make appt.
>
> I'm sure he probably would rather you be on the xr so he turned down what might seem to be a casual request. If he knew that you have been toughing it out the way you have and it just not working he may not mind. Perhaps you could ask that he change it back for the time being and you could pick a better time to explore a substitiute.
>
> Timing is everything.
>
> Try not to read a lot into it. You cannot know his mind till you talk to him face to face.
>
> Take Care,
> KayeI did talk to him face to face after 2 weeks of the generic. I was super casual at that time though. There was still some hope that I'd do much better on the brand name, plus I still had been supplementing with leftover Xanax IR. I told him it did absolutely nothing, but did so with no distress whatsoever.
If I went in there right now I'd tell him it does nothing and that I'd rather actually take nothing than continue with the XR. Taking it and having NO anxiety relief makes me feel like there's something wrong with me, since medication (3mg of alprazolam should have an effect!), can't even help.
It's really personal for some reason. I don't think I could say that without tears in my eyes. He's never actually seen me upset. He can imagine, but doesn't see it, which is very obvious, because I'm always in my "it's polite and professional to be pleasant, happy, and smiley" mode. He has to rely on me helping him adjust things, because his observations would be incredibly inaccurate.
This is pretty upsetting. I feel like I lost the doctor who's always been on my side.
It's not like I can go "doctor shopping" in order to find someone who will prescribe daily Xanax. That's not going to happen. It only happened with this doctor after being his patient for a few years, having documented anxiety, and failed trials of other drugs.
Posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2007, at 19:50:27
In reply to Re: Update! » KayeBaby, posted by jealibeanz on April 9, 2007, at 13:40:28
Jelly know what you mean as it didn't work for me either but the short acting does. So what will you do now? Love Phillipa
Posted by jealibeanz on April 9, 2007, at 20:06:30
In reply to Re: Update! » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2007, at 19:50:27
> Jelly know what you mean as it didn't work for me either but the short acting does. So what will you do now? Love Phillipa
I have no idea. Just continue with the ineffective Xanax XR for the time being, at least a month. That's in accordance to what I was told by the nurse.I don't even know if my doctor was really told or understood. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't.
When I first called to leave the message, the LPN acted as if she was "placing the order". I can't even explain why I felt that was, I just did. I've called countless times for refills. This time seemed odd.
Plus, they are all controlled drugs! It's not something they handle lightly. Obviously an LPN doesn't have prescriptive authority, but maybe they are allowed to fax the electronic refill scripts. I'm not sure.
When she called back, it was clear that it was her suggestion to me to make an appointment next month if I haven't improved.
This doesn't seem like the actions or words of a doctor. In fact, they weren't. She wasn't even pretending to relay a message from him. She just informed me that things were staying as they were and the scripts could be picked up shortly.
I don't even want to make an appointment. I'm surprised that wasn't ordered, rather than an off-the-cuff suggestion.
I don't want to go in and ask for Xanax, because apparently I'm now being thought of as a drug-seeking addict. No thanks.
I've made the decision to drop all meds (there's a lot, for many conditions), because I don't feel like I have a doctor anymore.
Posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2007, at 21:14:16
In reply to Re: Update! » Phillipa, posted by jealibeanz on April 9, 2007, at 20:06:30
Jelly first she couldn't call the meds in without talking to the doc. When working as an RN we called in all the scripts that's the way it works. I would call and ask to directly speak to the doc. Let him return your phone call as you can't stop all meds and I think you know that. Would hate to see you on the withdrawal board for a misunderstanding. Love Phillipa
Posted by jealibeanz on April 9, 2007, at 21:23:06
In reply to Re: Update! » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2007, at 21:14:16
> Jelly first she couldn't call the meds in without talking to the doc. When working as an RN we called in all the scripts that's the way it works. I would call and ask to directly speak to the doc. Let him return your phone call as you can't stop all meds and I think you know that. Would hate to see you on the withdrawal board for a misunderstanding. Love Phillipa
Well, she must have had a doctor authorize the scripts. Controlled drugs cannot be faxed and must be signed by a physician w/DEA license.There's not a whole lot to call and talk about right now. I explained my situation and no change was made. I cannot force or guilt my doctor into doing something he does not want to do.
Posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2007, at 21:57:40
In reply to Re: Update!, posted by jealibeanz on April 9, 2007, at 21:23:06
No you can't I guess. Love Phillipa
Posted by elanor roosevelt on April 9, 2007, at 22:44:01
In reply to Re: Update!, posted by jealibeanz on April 9, 2007, at 21:23:06
it's a controlled substance. Can't be alled or faed.
have you considered printing articles about the bad reaction consumers are having to the xanaxXR?
I have been try to work with my doctor in this way (with a bit of success)When you say you are always keeping it together in front of your doctor it mad me sad. I get myself in trouble over that one. The doctor thinks I seem good enough when that isn't the case. For now on I think I will try to see my pdoc at my worst time of the day.
Good luck.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 10, 2007, at 3:01:53
In reply to Re: Update!, posted by elanor roosevelt on April 9, 2007, at 22:44:01
> it's a controlled substance. Can't be alled or faed.
> have you considered printing articles about the bad reaction consumers are having to the xanaxXR?
> I have been try to work with my doctor in this way (with a bit of success)
>
> When you say you are always keeping it together in front of your doctor it mad me sad. I get myself in trouble over that one. The doctor thinks I seem good enough when that isn't the case. For now on I think I will try to see my pdoc at my worst time of the day.
> Good luck.Yeah I know controlled substances can't just be printed out and signed by anyone. The doc's are the ones who give the commands on their laptops for the machine to print. I'm sure they are password protected.
I haven't printed out any articles about Xanax XR. I've never found any studies.
I'd rather my doctor go by my reactions and input, rather than by the book. If I were a textbook case it would be much simpler and he wouldn't have had to to half the things we've tried. But obviously that won't work with all patients or docs. I don't even know ahat will help me now.
You're on Xanax XR right now? Trying to get off? Or did you just mean to find articles whenever you want to bring up a point to your doctor?
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Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
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