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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Diane J. on August 25, 2001, at 19:51:32
Is there anyone here who gets their medication from a GP? I was wondering if this is easy to do. I don't want to see my psychiatrist any more but I need to continue the Effexor. Obviously he won't continue prescribing it if I don't come in every two months for medication management (a waste of time and money). Does it seem as if GPs are willing to write the prescription for this type of medication?
Diane J.
Posted by JahL on August 25, 2001, at 20:13:10
In reply to Will a GP write my prescription?, posted by Diane J. on August 25, 2001, at 19:51:32
> Is there anyone here who gets their medication from a GP? I was wondering if this is easy to do. I don't want to see my psychiatrist any more but I need to continue the Effexor. Obviously he won't continue prescribing it if I don't come in every two months for medication management (a waste of time and money). Does it seem as if GPs are willing to write the prescription for this type of medication?
If yr condition has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist then *theoretically* there should be no problem in yr GP continuing treatment for you. My GP will prescribe anything (w/in reason) that a psychiatrist has previously sanctioned.
I think it can also come down to; i) how comfortable yr GP is with treating depression & ii) how seriously s/he takes you. It took a while before my GP was certain that I wasn't messing them about.
As far as I know, GPs are qualified to dole out ADs anyway.
I decided to stop seeing my affable but ineffectual psychiatrist about 9 months ago & the drugs have kept flowing...
J.
Posted by AnneL on August 26, 2001, at 22:19:16
In reply to Will a GP write my prescription?, posted by Diane J. on August 25, 2001, at 19:51:32
> > >A GP is qualified to prescribe any medication that he or she feels is appropriate for a particular patient. It is not always necessary to seek professional help solely from a psychiatrist in the treatment of depression and/or anxiety.
Hopefully you have a good relationship with your primary care physician (GP or internist) and feel comfortable with he or she in discussing your problems, etc.
When I realized I was in trouble with depression 6 months ago, the first professional I went to (ran to) was my GP. He came up with the idea of trying Effexor along with Klonopin. I do not need to see him monthly unless I want to.
About 2 months into my medications, I thought maybe I "should" see a psychiatrist to make sure I was taking the "right meds" and the "right dose" and I sure was disappointed in the pdoc that I went to. Of course, this was just my experience and your own mileage may vary.
I respect my GP, he listens to my ideas about dose increases and trying out different combos of meds and I feel he cares about me.
As a Registered Nurse, I have worked along side many a physician, many famous in their specialties. IMHO, there are few who stand out as men and women of compassion, knowledge and integrity. As a patient you need to know what you want and more importantly you need to know how to ask for what you want and need. The doctor-patient relationship should be based on a foundation of mutual respect, honesty and an
ability to give and receive information.Good Luck in finding a doctor that you feel good about, GP or pdoc. :) Anne
Posted by Simcha on August 27, 2001, at 9:14:32
In reply to Will a GP write my prescription?, posted by Diane J. on August 25, 2001, at 19:51:32
I started with my GP. My therapist could not prescribe and she knew I needed something. Ten years of therapy and constant relapses were a good enough indication for meds for her. She had me go to my GP.
I had a good relationship with that GP. HE had suggested ADs before for me. He was delighted that I was finally willing to make the plunge. He could see the pain. He prescribed Effexor XR with great results.
When I moved I decided to get a pdoc because I wanted to get a pdoc's "professional" opinion that I was on the correct course. I had some side-effect issues and he determined that I should never be off of the meds. He started me on something else. The beginning was rocky. Effexor had terrible withdrawal effects for me. Now I'm stabilizing and I feel better than before.
I am so grateful to my GP who was willing to listen to me and to be willing to treat me. I think the GP-patient relationship needs to be good for this to happen..
Just my two cents.....
> Is there anyone here who gets their medication from a GP? I was wondering if this is easy to do. I don't want to see my psychiatrist any more but I need to continue the Effexor. Obviously he won't continue prescribing it if I don't come in every two months for medication management (a waste of time and money). Does it seem as if GPs are willing to write the prescription for this type of medication?
>
> Diane J.
This is the end of the thread.
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