![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
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 rjlockhart04-08 on December 15, 2010, at 21:34:25
I've came to a conclusion the only way to see a doctor by myself is to be on my own and out of the house. I mean, its not that bad here and it really get's on nerves that I talk about this so much but I don't do much about the situation im in.I still have faith that one day I'll be out of this, and be lucky your not me because my mother controls everything and won't let me see a doctor.
I really hate this point i've gotten to.
Posted by Solstice on December 15, 2010, at 22:04:37
In reply to I don't know what to do but read please, posted by rjlockhart04-08 on December 15, 2010, at 21:34:25
What diagnosis', or suspected diagnosis' do you have? How old are you? Are you in the United States? If so - you might want to call around for adult social services type outfits. I don't know what your relationship with your mother is like - but even if this is the only problem, denial of needed medical care is considered abuse. If your inability to get treatment (by not being able to see a dr) is aggravating a disabling mental health condition (depression, bipolar, etc) - then being denied medical care is horribly abusive. There are probably County agencies that might help you.If your arm had been cut off and your mom refused to get you to a doctor and you bled to death - your mom would be put in jail. Mental health conditions deserve just as much protection.
Please call some County social service agencies. Even if you call one that can't help - they will likely be able to tell you where to call. You can probably google it and find a good starting place.
Solstice
>
> I've came to a conclusion the only way to see a doctor by myself is to be on my own and out of the house. I mean, its not that bad here and it really get's on nerves that I talk about this so much but I don't do much about the situation im in.
>
> I still have faith that one day I'll be out of this, and be lucky your not me because my mother controls everything and won't let me see a doctor.
>
> I really hate this point i've gotten to.
Posted by Phillipa on December 16, 2010, at 0:17:14
In reply to Re: I don't know what to do but read please, posted by Solstice on December 15, 2010, at 22:04:37
RJ can you get a roommate to share expenses? And hoping soon the perfect job will come your way. Phillipa
Posted by rjlockhart04-08 on December 16, 2010, at 16:22:51
In reply to Re: I don't know what to do but read please, posted by Phillipa on December 16, 2010, at 0:17:14
Well, see I don't want to say that my mother is blocking my health, and I don't want to make any impressions that im being neglected because my mother does love me but she doesnt really seem to see psychiatry as an awnser she sees God, and prayer as an awnser and she prays for me alot and I can't say that she isnt giving me treatment because I am seeing a doctor but this doctor is .... not working with me, she just thinks that my addiction is a symtom of ... not being able to treat my depression. She sees my depression as a symptom of not having stimulants, and won't treat it.
I'm going to JPS tommorow and telling them I need to see a doctor. My mother ... see I hate to state something that's not all the way true, she sees me as just trying to get a job and doesnt really need medication. She doesnt really believe that medication solves problems, she sees God as an awnser. So she's not neglecting me, she choosing to find other ways than psychiatry to solve my problem, I don't want to get the impression on her that she'xs neglecting me, she's not she cares for me very much but doesnt see medication as the awnser.
Wish me luck tommorow because I will be talking with a social worker, and a mental hospital. Thanks!!
Matt
Posted by rjlockhart04-08 on December 16, 2010, at 16:24:52
In reply to Re: I don't know what to do but read please, posted by Solstice on December 15, 2010, at 22:04:37
I have depression with ADHD, and anxiety.
Posted by Solstice on December 16, 2010, at 18:12:48
In reply to Solice, posted by rjlockhart04-08 on December 16, 2010, at 16:22:51
Thanks for providing the broader picture. I understand what you're talking about - she is no doubt very sincerely doing what she believes is best for you. I don't know if she is of the thinking that medicine in general is 'bad' and that one should only go to God instead - - but maybe someone can help her understand that God is the one who gave us (mankind) the intelligence to develop the medical treatments we have today. The Bible is pretty emphatic about our being responsible for using and developing what God has gifted us with. It seems to me that this would include the gifted minds in the medical field. I wonder if she would have refused polio vaccinations - and put her or her children at risk for polio back in the day? It's really no different with what you need. If you had developed juvenile diabetes as a 9 yr old, would she have refused you insulin? If she had, you would have died. The brain is an organ no different than the pancreas. Optimal functioning of the pancreas is dependent on a lot of other processes working like they should. Same with the brain. If your brain's functioning is impaired because it doesn't have the proper balance of 'insulin' - then you deserve to get medical care that will treat it and bring it as close to optimal functioning as possible. I have juvenile diabetes. Thank God for Dr. Frederik Banting who, thru medical research, discovered insulin as a treatment for diabetes in 1922. If I'd developed juvenile diabetes in 1920, I would have died within a couple of months. My pancreas no longer makes insulin, but I can inject it several times a day. The pancreas is a precision machine that continually monitors your food intake and always produces exactly the amount of insulin you need to keep your blood sugar level between about 80 - 100. My pancreas doesn't work any more, so I have to figure it out with my brain. I've got a pretty good brain, but it is not a very good pancreas :-) Sometimes my blood sugar goes very low - it was 35 yesterday, and sometimes it goes pretty high - it can get to 400 easy. So my brain has had to take over for my pancreas in estimating how much insulin I need. I don't think it's any different in treating depression, bipolar, or any other mental health impairment. I am not able to keep my blood sugar in the optimal 80-100 range. It's just not possible. But I can usually keep it between 60 -200. I am immensely fortunate in that I have zero complications - so I am healthy, active, and not at all limited by my diabetes, except that I have to stay on top of it - check blood sugar and take insulin several times a day - and get tests that monitor it - and go to the doctor a lot, etc. Same with what you need. I must take insulin, and you must take whatever medications will treat your brain's impairment. Maybe your mom needs someone to help her get another perspective of it? Maybe the folks you talk to this week can help with that. I'll keep my fingers crossed..
Take care
Solstice
> Well, see I don't want to say that my mother is blocking my health, and I don't want to make any impressions that im being neglected because my mother does love me but she doesnt really seem to see psychiatry as an awnser she sees God, and prayer as an awnser and she prays for me alot and I can't say that she isnt giving me treatment because I am seeing a doctor but this doctor is .... not working with me, she just thinks that my addiction is a symtom of ... not being able to treat my depression. She sees my depression as a symptom of not having stimulants, and won't treat it.
>
> I'm going to JPS tommorow and telling them I need to see a doctor. My mother ... see I hate to state something that's not all the way true, she sees me as just trying to get a job and doesnt really need medication. She doesnt really believe that medication solves problems, she sees God as an awnser. So she's not neglecting me, she choosing to find other ways than psychiatry to solve my problem, I don't want to get the impression on her that she'xs neglecting me, she's not she cares for me very much but doesnt see medication as the awnser.
>
> Wish me luck tommorow because I will be talking with a social worker, and a mental hospital. Thanks!!
>
> Matt
Posted by Lou Pilder on December 16, 2010, at 20:31:56
In reply to Re: Solice » rjlockhart04-08, posted by Solstice on December 16, 2010, at 18:12:48
> Thanks for providing the broader picture. I understand what you're talking about - she is no doubt very sincerely doing what she believes is best for you. I don't know if she is of the thinking that medicine in general is 'bad' and that one should only go to God instead - - but maybe someone can help her understand that God is the one who gave us (mankind) the intelligence to develop the medical treatments we have today. The Bible is pretty emphatic about our being responsible for using and developing what God has gifted us with. It seems to me that this would include the gifted minds in the medical field. I wonder if she would have refused polio vaccinations - and put her or her children at risk for polio back in the day? It's really no different with what you need. If you had developed juvenile diabetes as a 9 yr old, would she have refused you insulin? If she had, you would have died. The brain is an organ no different than the pancreas. Optimal functioning of the pancreas is dependent on a lot of other processes working like they should. Same with the brain. If your brain's functioning is impaired because it doesn't have the proper balance of 'insulin' - then you deserve to get medical care that will treat it and bring it as close to optimal functioning as possible. I have juvenile diabetes. Thank God for Dr. Frederik Banting who, thru medical research, discovered insulin as a treatment for diabetes in 1922. If I'd developed juvenile diabetes in 1920, I would have died within a couple of months. My pancreas no longer makes insulin, but I can inject it several times a day. The pancreas is a precision machine that continually monitors your food intake and always produces exactly the amount of insulin you need to keep your blood sugar level between about 80 - 100. My pancreas doesn't work any more, so I have to figure it out with my brain. I've got a pretty good brain, but it is not a very good pancreas :-) Sometimes my blood sugar goes very low - it was 35 yesterday, and sometimes it goes pretty high - it can get to 400 easy. So my brain has had to take over for my pancreas in estimating how much insulin I need. I don't think it's any different in treating depression, bipolar, or any other mental health impairment. I am not able to keep my blood sugar in the optimal 80-100 range. It's just not possible. But I can usually keep it between 60 -200. I am immensely fortunate in that I have zero complications - so I am healthy, active, and not at all limited by my diabetes, except that I have to stay on top of it - check blood sugar and take insulin several times a day - and get tests that monitor it - and go to the doctor a lot, etc. Same with what you need. I must take insulin, and you must take whatever medications will treat your brain's impairment. Maybe your mom needs someone to help her get another perspective of it? Maybe the folks you talk to this week can help with that. I'll keep my fingers crossed..
>
> Take care
>
> Solstice
>
> > Well, see I don't want to say that my mother is blocking my health, and I don't want to make any impressions that im being neglected because my mother does love me but she doesnt really seem to see psychiatry as an awnser she sees God, and prayer as an awnser and she prays for me alot and I can't say that she isnt giving me treatment because I am seeing a doctor but this doctor is .... not working with me, she just thinks that my addiction is a symtom of ... not being able to treat my depression. She sees my depression as a symptom of not having stimulants, and won't treat it.
> >
> > I'm going to JPS tommorow and telling them I need to see a doctor. My mother ... see I hate to state something that's not all the way true, she sees me as just trying to get a job and doesnt really need medication. She doesnt really believe that medication solves problems, she sees God as an awnser. So she's not neglecting me, she choosing to find other ways than psychiatry to solve my problem, I don't want to get the impression on her that she'xs neglecting me, she's not she cares for me very much but doesnt see medication as the awnser.
> >
> > Wish me luck tommorow because I will be talking with a social worker, and a mental hospital. Thanks!!
> >
> > Matt
>
> Solstice,
You wrote,[...someone could help her understand that God is the one that gave us (mankind)the intelligence to develop the medical treatments we have today...] and,[...the bible is pretty emphatic about our bring repsonsible for using and developing what God has gifted us with...].
I am unsure as to what you are wanting to mean here. If you could post answers here to the following, then I could have the opportunity to respond accordinngly.
A. In,[...someone could help her understand that God is the one that..];
1. which God are you referring to?
2. could the person referred to as {her} here have an understanding about the God that she gives service and worship to that is unbeknownst to you that could be true to her?
B. In,[...the bible is pretty emphatic about...]
1. could you post here a bible verse to substantiate that?
2. if not, what is the rationale, if any, to substantiate what you wrote here about the bible being emphatic about such?
C. other questions if the above are answerd here.
Lou
Posted by Lou Pilder on December 16, 2010, at 20:58:22
In reply to Re: Solice » rjlockhart04-08, posted by Solstice on December 16, 2010, at 18:12:48
> Thanks for providing the broader picture. I understand what you're talking about - she is no doubt very sincerely doing what she believes is best for you. I don't know if she is of the thinking that medicine in general is 'bad' and that one should only go to God instead - - but maybe someone can help her understand that God is the one who gave us (mankind) the intelligence to develop the medical treatments we have today. The Bible is pretty emphatic about our being responsible for using and developing what God has gifted us with. It seems to me that this would include the gifted minds in the medical field. I wonder if she would have refused polio vaccinations - and put her or her children at risk for polio back in the day? It's really no different with what you need. If you had developed juvenile diabetes as a 9 yr old, would she have refused you insulin? If she had, you would have died. The brain is an organ no different than the pancreas. Optimal functioning of the pancreas is dependent on a lot of other processes working like they should. Same with the brain. If your brain's functioning is impaired because it doesn't have the proper balance of 'insulin' - then you deserve to get medical care that will treat it and bring it as close to optimal functioning as possible. I have juvenile diabetes. Thank God for Dr. Frederik Banting who, thru medical research, discovered insulin as a treatment for diabetes in 1922. If I'd developed juvenile diabetes in 1920, I would have died within a couple of months. My pancreas no longer makes insulin, but I can inject it several times a day. The pancreas is a precision machine that continually monitors your food intake and always produces exactly the amount of insulin you need to keep your blood sugar level between about 80 - 100. My pancreas doesn't work any more, so I have to figure it out with my brain. I've got a pretty good brain, but it is not a very good pancreas :-) Sometimes my blood sugar goes very low - it was 35 yesterday, and sometimes it goes pretty high - it can get to 400 easy. So my brain has had to take over for my pancreas in estimating how much insulin I need. I don't think it's any different in treating depression, bipolar, or any other mental health impairment. I am not able to keep my blood sugar in the optimal 80-100 range. It's just not possible. But I can usually keep it between 60 -200. I am immensely fortunate in that I have zero complications - so I am healthy, active, and not at all limited by my diabetes, except that I have to stay on top of it - check blood sugar and take insulin several times a day - and get tests that monitor it - and go to the doctor a lot, etc. Same with what you need. I must take insulin, and you must take whatever medications will treat your brain's impairment. Maybe your mom needs someone to help her get another perspective of it? Maybe the folks you talk to this week can help with that. I'll keep my fingers crossed..
>
> Take care
>
> Solstice
>
> > Well, see I don't want to say that my mother is blocking my health, and I don't want to make any impressions that im being neglected because my mother does love me but she doesnt really seem to see psychiatry as an awnser she sees God, and prayer as an awnser and she prays for me alot and I can't say that she isnt giving me treatment because I am seeing a doctor but this doctor is .... not working with me, she just thinks that my addiction is a symtom of ... not being able to treat my depression. She sees my depression as a symptom of not having stimulants, and won't treat it.
> >
> > I'm going to JPS tommorow and telling them I need to see a doctor. My mother ... see I hate to state something that's not all the way true, she sees me as just trying to get a job and doesnt really need medication. She doesnt really believe that medication solves problems, she sees God as an awnser. So she's not neglecting me, she choosing to find other ways than psychiatry to solve my problem, I don't want to get the impression on her that she'xs neglecting me, she's not she cares for me very much but doesnt see medication as the awnser.
> >
> > Wish me luck tommorow because I will be talking with a social worker, and a mental hospital. Thanks!!
> >
> > Matt
>
> Solstic,
You wrote,[...It's really no different from what you need...the brain is an organ no different from the pancreas...Same with what you need..I must take insulin, and you must take whatever medication will treat you brain's impairment...].
I am unsure as to what you are wanting to mean here. If you could post answers to thhe following, then I could have the opportuity to respond accordingly. In your analogy with diabetes;
A. If a person drinks vodka and feels good for it, could that mean that the person's brain is dificient in vodka?
B. If a person is depressed, does that mean that the person's brain could be deficient in Prozac?
C. If the perosn is having trouble getting good grades, does that mean that the person's brain could be deficient in amphetamine?
D. if a person is depressed, could that mean that the person's brain is deficient in Paxil?
E. If a person is in pain, does hat mean that the person's brain or nervous system is deficient in Morphine?
F. If the analogy in question here doesn't hold, and all drugs are tried, and in combinations, and the person dies or gets a life-ruining condition, in your opinion could some people consider the the analolgy be false?
G. other questions if the above are answerd here.
Lou
Posted by Phillipa on December 16, 2010, at 21:42:29
In reply to Lou's request--phalzehynhalowjee? » Solstice, posted by Lou Pilder on December 16, 2010, at 20:58:22
Lou just a question is all do you understand what juvenile diabetes is and that without insulin a person would not survive? Diabetes is a very serious illness if not controlled with insulin, good diet, and frequent vists to a doctor or endocrinologist. I have thyroid disorder and just had blood draw for my six month review. My synthroid doseage will be based on the numbers. Without synthroid or an equivilent I could also die. I must take it for the rest of my life. Many illnesses require medication. Phillipa
Posted by Solstice on December 16, 2010, at 22:49:20
In reply to Lou's request--phalzehynhalowjee? » Solstice, posted by Lou Pilder on December 16, 2010, at 20:58:22
Lou - I think you might be working too hard to distort things to fit an agenda that things don't fit. Take a deep breath. Relaaaax. :-)
Solstice
> > Solstic,
> You wrote,[...It's really no different from what you need...the brain is an organ no different from the pancreas...Same with what you need..I must take insulin, and you must take whatever medication will treat you brain's impairment...].
> I am unsure as to what you are wanting to mean here. If you could post answers to thhe following, then I could have the opportuity to respond accordingly. In your analogy with diabetes;
> A. If a person drinks vodka and feels good for it, could that mean that the person's brain is dificient in vodka?
> B. If a person is depressed, does that mean that the person's brain could be deficient in Prozac?
> C. If the perosn is having trouble getting good grades, does that mean that the person's brain could be deficient in amphetamine?
> D. if a person is depressed, could that mean that the person's brain is deficient in Paxil?
> E. If a person is in pain, does hat mean that the person's brain or nervous system is deficient in Morphine?
> F. If the analogy in question here doesn't hold, and all drugs are tried, and in combinations, and the person dies or gets a life-ruining condition, in your opinion could some people consider the the analolgy be false?
> G. other questions if the above are answerd here.
> Lou
>
>
Posted by Lou Pilder on December 16, 2010, at 23:00:00
In reply to Re: Lou's request--phalzehynhalowjee? » Lou Pilder, posted by Phillipa on December 16, 2010, at 21:42:29
> Lou just a question is all do you understand what juvenile diabetes is and that without insulin a person would not survive? Diabetes is a very serious illness if not controlled with insulin, good diet, and frequent vists to a doctor or endocrinologist. I have thyroid disorder and just had blood draw for my six month review. My synthroid doseage will be based on the numbers. Without synthroid or an equivilent I could also die. I must take it for the rest of my life. Many illnesses require medication. Phillipa
Phillipa,
You wrote,[...just a question is all...]
As I understand your post to me here, if the question is if I know that there are medical conditions that requier isulin, thyroid, and such to correct a deficiancy in order for the person to live, then the answer is that I do know that. My requests to the poster here for answers to questions are focused on the analogy concerning the brain and the pancreas.
There is a great body of evidence concerning the analogy in question here that if you could post here what your thinking is about the analogy, then I could possibly have the opportunity to post links to the research concerning the analogy in question that I have. If you could also answer the questions that I have posed to the member here, then I would appreciate that for I think by you answering the questions that the discussion could be enhanced as to if the analogy in question is a valid analogy or not. And if you could post a link to any research concerning your position, if any, I think that it could be good for the community as a whole. I think this because about 40,000 people each year die from taking psychotropic drugs from one reason or another. This figure could be 100 times higher depending on how stats are compiled and as to if the number is only those that die in the U.S.
Lou
Posted by Phillipa on December 17, 2010, at 0:14:52
In reply to Lou's reply-rhdhaireeng? » Phillipa, posted by Lou Pilder on December 16, 2010, at 23:00:00
Hi Lou good to see you. As to the pancreas just my own knowledge not a link the pancreas secrets insulin which regulates blood sugar. Would you like a link to the function of the pancreas? That I will gladly provide. Now If I understand correctly and may or may not you would wish to have definitive research on why a brain would require a psychotropic medication for life or just for being able to function by function I refer to living a word that is really not definable but that word would be normal or actually engage in life by having the ability to work and interact with others, be able to sleep, relax, and feel well as defined by the person who is taking the psychotropic med for whatever their perceived or diagnosed condition by their doctor. I have a question for you, do you mind? Do you believe in psychiatrists? I ask as sometimes I also question the same. Best to you Lou. Let me see if can provide the requested link on function of pancreas. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on December 17, 2010, at 0:23:27
In reply to Lou's reply-rhdhaireeng? » Phillipa, posted by Lou Pilder on December 16, 2010, at 23:00:00
Lou part l pancreas and diabetes now juvenile diabetes is serious as starts when very young. Love Phillipa
Diabetes and the Body: Pancreatic Function
Posted by Phillipa on December 17, 2010, at 0:27:13
In reply to Lou's reply-rhdhaireeng? » Phillipa, posted by Lou Pilder on December 16, 2010, at 23:00:00
Sorry link didn't work. I copied and pasted said link.
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.Friday, December 17, 2010
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Diabetes
Diabetes and the Body: Pancreatic Function
The pancreas is a small organ located just behind the stomach. Its main function is to produce insulin in just the right amount to maintain constant glucose levels in the body.What the Body Needs
The body's cells are designed so that they function best when there is a certain amount of glucose, or sugar, in the fluid that surrounds them. Too much glucose in the body will turn the fluid that surrounds the body's cells into a bath of sugar that hinders many normal functions of these cells.Why we need glucose
Although glucose is not of much use to the body in the bloodstream, or in the fluid that surrounds the body's cells, it is still something that we need. In fact, it is glucose that is the body's main source of energy, but glucose must get inside cells to create the energy that the cells need to function. The problem is that cells have a membrane or covering around the outside that won't let glucose in. This is where insulin becomes important, because it is insulin that opens up cells to glucose.Maintaining a constant level of glucose is a delicate process that is controlled by the pancreas and the insulin it produces. Under normal conditions, this process is almost like a dance. Glucose levels in the blood lead the pancreas to release just the right amount of insulin to keep the amount of glucose in the blood stream and surrounding the cells at an even level.
Normal Pancreatic Function
After you eat, nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are broken down by the digestive system. Through this process, nutrients become smaller and simpler molecules that can be absorbed into the blood stream. One of these nutrients is glucose. As the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream rises, the pancreas receives a signal to release insulin.The insulin attaches to a place on the cell much the same way a key would fit into a lock. This opens the door for glucose to enter the cell. In a muscle cell, this means that the insulin will open up the muscle cells to allow glucose to enter and eventually create the energy needed for the muscle to contract.
Abnormal Pancreatic Function
Insulin Resistance
The cause of abnormal pancreas function in diabetics is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when the cells stop responding to insulin, meaning the door which allows glucose to enter won't open. Because the cells aren't allowing glucose to enter, the amount of glucose in the blood gets higher and higher. As long as there is too much glucose in the blood, and too little glucose in the cell, the pancreas will continue to produce insulin until the glucose level goes down. However, if the cells in the body have become insulin resistant, the amount of glucose in blood will never go down. The pancreas will continue to try to lower glucose levels by producing more and more insulin, but eventually it will wear out. Often this is the first cause of diabetes.What Happens When the Pancreas Stops Working
The increased production of insulin can some times help the cells to allow glucose to enter, but eventually the pancreas wears out and cannot match the body's demand for insulin. When the pancreas fails to produce any insulin, blood glucose levels rise above normal. Eventually, with insulin failing to open cells so glucose can leave the bloodstream, glucose begin to build up in tissues such as the kidneys, eyes, heart, and around nerve endings. This build-up has very serious short and long-term complications.
Posted by Phillipa on December 17, 2010, at 0:42:37
In reply to Lou's reply-rhdhaireeng? » Phillipa, posted by Lou Pilder on December 16, 2010, at 23:00:00
Dr Bob Apology in advance for 4 posts in a row. Just trying to answer some questions for Lou. Phillipa. Lou here is one link. As you will see some are no longer used as safer meds have replaced some. But it's a quick look more of the why's than what meds. Hope this helps a bit. I try to be helpful. Phillipa
Psychotropic Medications
You have probably heard of Prozac
Even...Halcion or Lithium. These are powerful medications, which benefit many people. With any prescription drug, of coarse, there may be misuse, adverse reactions, and potentially harmful results. Deciding whether medication might be beneficial to you should be a thoughtful process including your being an informed consumer and getting accurate information and an evaluation from a physician. Hopefully, this brochure will help you as a consumer. It highlighted the major psychotropic medications available today, general information about the drug, its use, and factors to consider when medication is recommended.Psychotropic Medications
Psychotropic/psychiatric medications affect the brain and central nervous system. They alter the process of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which act as chemical messengers between the brain cells. Medication is prescribed when symptoms of mental or emotional illness are severe, persistent, and interfere with normal functioning. Psychotropic drugs help control symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, profound sadness, depression, disrupted patterns of appetite and sleep, confused thinking, poor concentration, altered perceptions and sensations, and discomfort from physical pain. Some psychotropic drugs are prescribed for medical and neurological disorders. On occasion, two or more medications may be prescribed to relieve multiple symptoms. Which medication is prescribed depends on an individual's unique characteristics-severity of symptoms, health, age, pregnancy, etc. All drugs require careful monitoring and may necessitate initial and ongoing lab work and blood tests, special dietary restrictions, and lifestyle changes. Some of the newer medications target specific neurotransmitters and provide more effective treatment with manageable doses and fewer side effects such as sedation and addictive qualities.Medical Intervention
Psychotropic medications usually are prescribed by psychiatrists who are physicians trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional problems. They are experienced in prescribing and monitoring psychotropic medication. Other physicians such as internists, family practitioners, gynecologists, and pediatricians also prescribe these drugs. Frequently, they may consult with, or recommend you meet with, a psychiatrist for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Whenever psychotropic medication is prescribed, counseling may be recommended. Counseling and medication often facilitate treatment and hasten a return to health and well-being.What you need to know
There are several factors to consider when working with a physician to determine if psychotropic medication is appropriate for youWhat is the diagnosis, and why is a particular medication recommended? What symptoms relief can you expect and when?
By all means take medication as prescribed, but what should you do if you happen to miss a dose?
What are common side effects (routine or predicted reactions) and how long will they last? Be ware of possible adverse reactions (such as rash, severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting, breathing difficulties, etc.) and what should you do?
What initial and ongoing medical tests/lab work (usually to rule out other medical problems and establish a baseline from which to gauge the therapeutic dose for you) are required?
How long will you be on medication, and how do you discontinue (taper off) the drug?
Will your routine activities or diet be restricted in any way?
What follow-up medication appointments and treatment sessions are required?
Remember
A doctor-patient relationship in which trust, mutual respect, and open communication exists is one of the keys to successful treatment. Medication is no magic cures for emotional of psychological pain. The most effective treatment includes counseling whenever psychotropic drugs are prescribed. Consider your options (perhaps get a second opinion), weigh the risks, and make the best, most informed decision for yourself.Antidepressants
Depression is a syndrome with varied causes. Multiple symptoms may include disrupted patterns of sleep and eating (too much/too little,) poor concentration, impaired memory, increased agitation or lethargy, pervasive sadness and hopelessness, etc. Discovered in the 1960's, antidepressants generally increase the level and availability of the neurotransmitters-serotonin and norepinephrine. Medication may take 4-6 weeks for full effect. An additional (interim) drug may be prescribed for 6 months to a year or longer (unusually 6 months after symptoms subside). These drugs are also used for pain management.
Brand Name Generic Name Comments
TRICYCLICS
Elavil amitriptyline TCA's discovered in the 1960's. Anticholinergic side effects: dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention, dizziness, etc.
Tofranil imipramine
Norpramin desipramine
Pamelor nortriptyline
Sinequan doxepin
Anafranil clomipramine OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Vivactil protriptyline
Surmontil trimipramine
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
Nardil phenelzine Inhibits action of the MAO enzyme; restricted tyramine diet and use of other medications; atypical depression; panic and phobic disorders
Parnate tranylcypromine
Marplan isocarboxazid
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
Prozac fluoxetine wide applicability; panic disorder and OCD; quick acting; fewer side effects; simpler dosage
Paxil paroxetine
Zoloft sertraline
OTHER
Wellbutrin buproprion dopamine reuptake inhibitor; rapid cycler bipolar; seizure risk
Desyrel trazodone depression with anxiety
Asendin amoxapine quick acting; potential tardive dyskinesia; seizures
Ludiomil maprotiline
Effexor venlafaxine blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
Mood Stabilizers
Bipolar (manic-depressive) mood swings alternate between extreme depression and mania (elation, grandiosity, hyperactivity, etc.). Drugs alter the metabolism, liver, kidney, and thyroid functioning, and possibly an electrocardiogram, may be required. Regular bloods tests (weekly/monthly) help establish the therapeutic dose. Short-term use of a major tranquilizer or antidepressant along with a mood stabilizer normalizes the mood range.
Brand Name Generic Name Comments
Lithium Carbonate lithium Discovered effective for mania in 1949; increased thirst and urination; fine hand tremor
Eskalith
LITHIUM SUBSTITUTES (anticonvulsants)*
Tegretol carbamazepine Used for forms of epilepsy in the 1960's; helpful for BP (bipolar) who are nonresponsive to lithium; atypical depression (increased sleep and weight gain)
Depakene/Depakote valproic acid Increases levels of GABA neurotransmitter and inhibits abnormal nerve impulses which cause seizures; used with wide and rapid mood changes (rapid cyclers)
Klonopin clonazepam Adjunctive drug for BP (bipolar); anti-anxiety drug with potential physical dependence
*Use of anticonvulsants developed from the theory of mania known as kindling (persistent excitability in the brain causes an affective seizure or manic attack)
Psychostimulants
This medication increases the release of norepinephrine and causes wakefulness, alertness, and increased attention span. Prescribed for hyperactive children, and those with attention deficit disorder, it relieves distractibility, impulsiveness, and restlessness. Also, it is prescribed for narcolepsy, some depressive conditions, and for those with serious medical illness. Careful monitoring, with routine medical tests, is recommended.
Brand Name Generic Name Comments
Ritalin methylphenidate
Cylert pemoline periodic liver function tests
Dexedrine dextroamphetamine
Anti-Anxiety Drugs (Anxiolytics)
Primarily used for temporary relief of anxiety, these drugs are prescribed for panic disorder, phobias, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), alcohol/drug withdrawal, and symptoms related to medical problems. These drugs alter the activity of the GABA neurotransmitter and slow the limbic system. Possible drug dependence requires careful monitoring of dose, length of treatment, and tapering off the medication. Frequently, antidepressants, and more than one drug, may help relieve anxiety.
Brand Name Generic Name Comments
BENZODIAZEPINES
Xanax alprazolam short-acting; anxiety with depression, panic and phobias; potential anterograde memory (forget things that occur a few hours before taking the drug)
Librium chlordiazepoxide used with alcohol/drug withdrawal
Klonopin clonazepam used for seizure disorder; adjunctive with BP (bipolar) and psychoses
Tranxene chlorazepate
Valium diazepam
Paxipam halazepam
Ativan lorazepam short-acting
Serax oxazepam short-acting
Centrax prazepam
OTHER
BuSpar buspirone affects dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin; effective long-term with generalized anxiety; non-sedating with few side effects
Benadryl diphenhydramine antihistamines; mild sedation with anti-anxiety qualities
Vistaril hydroxyzine
Equanil meprobamate high risk for dependency
BETA-BLOCKING AGENTS
Inderal propranolol short-term relief of social phobia, performance anxiety; blocks action of sympathetic nervous system; lowers oxygen demand and blood pressure; relief from migraine headaches
Tenormin atenolol social phobia/preformance anxiety; relieves high blood pressure and angina
Anti-Psychotics (Major Tranquilizers) (Neuroleptics)
First developed in the 1940's to calm pre-surgery patients, these drugs sedate and relieve symptoms of confused, disordered thoughts and sever bipolar mood swings. The medication reduces/blocks the dopamine neurotransmitter. Though non-addictive, these drugs are potentially harmful. Careful monitoring is required to prevent irreversible side effect. An additional medication may be prescribed to counteract side effects from the primary drug.
Brand Name Generic Name Comments
TYPICAL
Thorazine chlorpromazine
Mellaril thioridazine low potency
Serentil mesoridazine
Prolixin fluphenazine high potency - high risk for EPS (extrapyramidal symptoms) parkinsonian-like symptoms: muscle weakness, slow rigid movement, muscle spasms, restlessness, involuntary movement of the face, mouth, eyes, neck, etc.
Trilafon perphenazine
Stelazine trifuoperazine
Navane thiothixene
Haldol haloperidol
Loxitane loxapine
Moban molindone
ATYPICAL (dopamine and serotonin inhibitors)
Clorazil clozapine FDA approved in 1990; this has fewer side effects; targets lethargy, mood and withdrawn behavior; requires weekly blood tests to avoid risk of agranulocytosis (white blood cell abnormality)
Risperdal risperidone
Orap pimozide requires weekly monitoring; Tourette's syndrome
DRUGS TO COUNTERACT SIDE EFFECTS (ANTIDYSKINETICS)
Cogentin benztropine
Artane trihexyphenidyl
Benadryl diphenhydramine
Symmetrel amantadine
Hypnotics
A complex brain function, sleep is influenced by many factors and unique to each individual. Medication is prescribed for a limited time period, at a low dose, because it fosters dependency, and has side effects with rebound insomnia. It is used as an adjunctive drug with antidepressants (which take 4-6 weeks to take effect). Rarely life threatening, sleep deprivation can impair thinking, perceptions, and physical activity. Sleep disorder clinics provide definitive diagnosis of a prolonged sleep problem.
Brand Name Generic Name Comments
BENZODIAZEPINES (acts on the thalamus, hypothalamus, and limbic system)
Pro-Som estazolam short-acting
Dalmane flurazepam
Doral quazepam
Restoril temazepam
Halcion triazolam shortest acting, potential anterograde amnesia (impairs recall of new information)
BARBITURATES
Amytal amobarbital very sedating/addictive
Nembutal pentobarbital
Seconal secobarbital
ANTIHISTAMINES
Benadryl diphenhydramine over-the-counter medication with sedative qualities
Unisom doxylamine
Atarax hydroxyzine
OTHER
Noctec chloral hydrate one of the oldest (1860) - "Mickey Finn" short term effect (two weeks)
Placidyl ethclorvynol high abuse potential
Noludar methyprylon
Ambien zolpidem
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 18, 2010, at 17:23:18
In reply to Re: Lou's request--good enuf ehynhalowjee? » Lou Pilder, posted by Solstice on December 16, 2010, at 22:49:20
> I think you might be working too hard to distort things to fit an agenda that things don't fit.
Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.
But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person, and I'm sorry if this hurts you.
More information about posting policies and tips on alternative ways to express yourself, including a link to a nice post by Dinah on I-statements, are in the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforceLou, I'm also sorry if you felt hurt.
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Script revised: February 4, 2008
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