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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by confetti on March 3, 2004, at 10:22:02
I don't know what to do. I had previously taken 20mg Ritalin SR and it helped me tremendously with focus and energy, although it might have made me overfocus.
I went to a doctor (one I had never seen before) on Tuesday 2/24 to inquire about a Ritalin prescription and Effexor for overfocus. He gave me samples of 7 weeks worth of Effexor and 5mg twice a day of Ritalin.
The first three days, I was nauseated and slept almost 24/7. I know this should stop after I get adjusted to the medication, and I really thought the Effexor would help with anxiety. The 5mg of Ritalin didn't do anything for me. I didn't feel the benefits like I did with 20mg Ritalin SR. I have done nothing for a week but lay around and sleep.
On Friday, I called the doctor to talk to him about this. Left a message, no reply. On Monday, I called and left another message, no reply. At the doctor's closing time, I called and left another message asking if someone would please respond to me on Tuesday. The doctor did call around 8pm after that. I wasn't available. He left a message that I really couldn't understand (English is not his first language).
I assumed since he didn't get to talk to me, he would call again on Tuesday, but he didn't. I called again today (Wednesday) and asked to speak to him. The receptionist said he was with patients and she would transfer me to his nurse's desk. I told her it will be an answering machine and I've left three messages on that answering machine. She said, well, the only option was to make another appointment.
I said, "I have to pay to come back in after I just saw him a week ago and paid $225 just to talk to him about the medication he prescribed?"
She transferred me to the answering machine.
I have done nothing but lay around and sleep since I saw the doctor. I went to him because of ADD, lack of energy, being in a fog, lethargy and anxiety. At this point in my life, it has become almost where I can't function. I'm considering going off the Effexor, even though I think it will help, because I can't live like this sleeping all the time. I don't know what else to do.
Does anyone else have problems getting their doctor to respond? And is that common place to have to pay for another appointment a week later just to talk to him about the medication?
Thanks in advance.
Posted by NotAddicted on March 3, 2004, at 11:22:41
In reply to Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsive, posted by confetti on March 3, 2004, at 10:22:02
> Does anyone else have problems getting their doctor to respond?
~~~ I don't have a problem getting my doctor to respond.
>And is that common place to have to pay for another appointment a week later just to talk to him about the medication?
~~~I would hope that's not common practice for doctors.
~~~What you describe is unacceptable. Speak with the doctor about this and if that doesn't make a difference in your relationship with them, I guess you have a choice: Switch to a Dr. more receptive or go to your local Medical or Doctor's Association and ask for guidence on how to handle this.
Posted by sjb on March 3, 2004, at 12:24:38
In reply to Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsive, posted by confetti on March 3, 2004, at 10:22:02
IMHO, I think return call should be made within 24 hours. At the very least, due to an emergency, the office could inform you that the Dr. will get back to you shortly. Again, this call should be made within 24 hours.
This is unacceptable and this treatment only adds to our misery and lonlieness. Whoops, guess I'm projecting here. You didn't say anything about lonliness! Sorry.
Find another PDoc. You certainly are entitled to a brief, followup phone converstation regarding the meds prescribed at your first visit.
Posted by Jaynee on March 3, 2004, at 14:44:21
In reply to Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsive, posted by confetti on March 3, 2004, at 10:22:02
No wonder more and more people are ordering prescription drugs off the internet and bypassing doctors all together. With the treatment I've gotten from most doc's lately, I am better off treating and experimenting all by my little ol' self. Most of us have the internet and can read what the interactions are and how to take and when to take the drugs we select. I usually know more than the doc when it comes to what to expect from the pharmaceuticals they choose for me. It's like having some one tell you what car you have to buy and why it should be good for you, then you have to drive around in some shitbox without your input. With my luck the car they'd picked out for me would have no brakes. Crap on that. It's my frigin life. I can't get started on this topic, because I will snap, "oh ya, I forgot, apparently I already have."
Sorry I am sure I haven't been much help, maybe you should just look up and do your own research and then go to different walk-in clinics and ask for the meds you want and think will work best for you. Oh ya, if you actually find a good doc, hang on to them.
Posted by NotAddicted on March 3, 2004, at 15:32:31
In reply to And they wonder why more people order meds......, posted by Jaynee on March 3, 2004, at 14:44:21
> No wonder more and more people are ordering prescription drugs off the internet and bypassing doctors all together.
~~~I understand your point, but the fact remains PRESCRIPTION drugs are PRESCRIPTION drugs for a reason.
I really dislike this trend of "order it up yourself" and this board seems to be almost encouraging (by default, in some cases) that type of behavior. I have no desire to debate the fine points of "why" it is done. I think it should be illegal to do so.
I know I can't be the only one uncomfortable with this... so.... I'm going to rethink my reading and posting here.
Posted by snarley on March 3, 2004, at 15:38:27
In reply to Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsive, posted by confetti on March 3, 2004, at 10:22:02
well, if its a new doc that you just started seeing, its understandable that he would want to start you out on as low a dose of ritalin as possible, and will probably taper it up weekly until it works. That is standard and it's a patience game on your part. They dont want to prescribe you 20 if they can find that you do ok with 15, etc. Cautiousness can be good, but if 20 is what worked for you before, he will probably raise you up to that over the next week or two and you'll be set.
ABOUT THE EFFEXOR: I've tried a ton of different antidepressant/antianxiety meds over the past 8 years or so, and they all work differently with everyone. I have been on effexor 150mg/day for the past year and it works beautifully, but there's a laundry list of other ones ive tried, with sometimes disastrous results, before i found one that worked. You shouldnt give up on finding an antidepressant with antianxiety effects, but if the effexor is making you miserable, stop taking it, tell the pdoc, and get him to give you something else to try! Paxil, prozac, etc. who knows, there's a ton to choose from.
As far as the doc being unresponsive to your calls, that's really crummy. When you finally do get him on the phone, talk to him about it. Maybe he's just been really busy, or then again maybe he's just an a-hole. But you should find out before you give up and switch doctors. He could have just been having a rough week too. However, if he -IS- just a loser, you can find waaaay better pdocs out there. I have been recently starting treatment for my ADD w/ my doc, and for the past month or so we talk on the phone at least once a week to determine dosage increases/med switches WITHOUT having to go in and make an appointment. We decided over the phone that strattera wasnt working for me, and he left a prescription for ritalin for me with his receptionist so i didnt need an appointment to pick it up. I'm still going in next friday to see him, but in the meantime we're probably going to have one more phone pow-wow to increase the ritalin again before i see him next (i'm on a TINY dose right now that isnt doing anything, like you). <-- that is a good pdoc. Find one who actually looks out for you and will help you out in between visits even if he's not getting $225 bucks for it.
Just my 2 cents...
Snar
Posted by Emme on March 3, 2004, at 16:40:58
In reply to Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsive, posted by confetti on March 3, 2004, at 10:22:02
Unacceptable. Find a new pdoc. Calls should be returned w/in 24 hours. And there *are* fine doctors who will be responsive and will have short phone calls with you when you have problems after an appointment.
Posted by sjb on March 4, 2004, at 7:07:20
In reply to Re: Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsiv » confetti, posted by Emme on March 3, 2004, at 16:40:58
Agreed. Unresponsive behavior just adds to feelings of worthlessness and that "nobody cares" attitude that a lot of us experience. Most of us here are commpasionate adults who realize that Dr's have many patients. We do not wish to monopolize their time or think our problems and any worse or better than anyone else's. However, we suffer, a lot. A return call within 24 hours is treating us with respect.
Posted by Emme on March 4, 2004, at 9:44:05
In reply to Re: Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsiv, posted by sjb on March 4, 2004, at 7:07:20
> Agreed. Unresponsive behavior just adds to feelings of worthlessness and that "nobody cares" attitude that a lot of us experience.
Absolutely.
> Most of us here are commpasionate adults who realize that Dr's have many patients. We do not wish to monopolize their time or think our problems and any worse or better than anyone else's. However, we suffer, a lot. A return call within 24 hours is treating us with respect.
Yes. Doctors should plan a strategy to allow them to respond to us. Mine sets aside time at the end of her day to call people and we communicate by the next day if not sooner. In return, I try to make her job easier by being as succinct as I can and if possible, faxing a quick summary ahead of time so phone calls can be quick.
Posted by confetti on March 4, 2004, at 15:29:13
In reply to Re: Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsiv, posted by Emme on March 4, 2004, at 9:44:05
I wanted to thank all of you for all of your responses. "sjb" talked about being lonely, and even if you have family and friends around, I do still feel lonely in this because they have no idea how I feel. And honestly, I don't think most people really believe this is a "condition", so I *really* appreciated the replies.
I had a very bad day because I was ready to give up and then my mother and sister started nagging me, saying that this doctor has given you medication, one a controlled substance, he at least OWES you a response if you're having trouble. So I did call back and leave a message (again) saying that I was sleeping all the time, yadda yadda, and I also mentioned that I thought it was unprofessional for the receptionist to say the only way I could speak to him was pay for another appointment after I had just seen him a week ago.
He called yesterday evening and said that he thought I had left the country (I'm a flight attendant). I have no idea why he would think that, I think it was just an excuse. But he said he would give me the 20mg Ritalin SR and to come up in the morning (this morning) to see him. I thought it was just to pick up the prescription.
A nurse weighed me, took my blood pressure, he talked to me for about 5 minutes about why they don't have microwaves on airplanes. And then he charged me again for the appointment.
He also wrote "ADHD" on the diagnosis part of the check-out slip. I thought to myself if I had ADHD, I probably wouldn't have come to you complaining about low energy and lethargy, but whatever...
I have my Ritalin for a month, effexor for 6 weeks, and I'm going to find a *good* doctor, like "emme" said. I thought after he called that it may be like "notaddicted" and "snarley" mentioned and we could work past this, but I think the charge for the appointment was him giving me a "what for" because of what I said on the message.
I just want to try to learn to cope with my life, I don't want to play games with a doctor.
Thank you again! Your messages kept me going! :o)
Posted by confetti on March 4, 2004, at 17:09:49
In reply to And they wonder why more people order meds......, posted by Jaynee on March 3, 2004, at 14:44:21
Jaynee, I could relate to your post. I have researched my problems on the web for over 5 years now, and then always doubted myself when I got involved with physicians because they wanted to solve all my problems with Prozac or a Vitamin B shot. But I am serious about getting help this time if I can keep my spirits up. And while I do believe we have a need for medication being prescribed, I think a LOT needs to be changed in the medical industry.
Unfortunately the drug that has made a difference for me the most is one that has had a complete media blitz and had "cause" people protesting it. I wish my magic drug cold have been Wellbutrin. :/
Posted by confetti on March 4, 2004, at 17:19:25
In reply to Re: Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsive » confetti, posted by snarley on March 3, 2004, at 15:38:27
Hi Snarly,
I don't want to stop the Effexor, and I won't without a good fight, because I truly believe it will help me, but with the serotonin effect and too little Ritalin, it was making me more lethargic than I was already. I want to eventually take a higher dose because I read that's when the Norepinephrine kicks in, but I never dreamed I'd feel so many side effects.I take it at night and I am having, of course, sleepiness, less and less nausea than at first, shakey legs in the morning and one I never thought I'd have - sweating. (more than you wanted to know ;o) )
I just wondered, because you are one of the few on the web that seem to have been helped by this drug, did you have side-effects when you started, and if so, when did they eventually subside (if they did)?
Thanks for your informative post!
Posted by snarley on March 4, 2004, at 18:03:30
In reply to Re: Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsive » snarley, posted by confetti on March 4, 2004, at 17:19:25
Confetti! someone else with the sweating! =(
I had terribly gross sweating on the effexor for the first month or two, but it did eventually go away. So if you're like i was, with sweat dripping off your palms if you hold a hand up for a few seconds, or just soaking through pages you are trying to write on, i've been there. It's rough times. Mine was mostly centered around my hands and sometimes my face. Even if i was cold my hands would still be gross, but overly hot buildings definitely made it a little worse (thats when the brow sweat would happen). It should go away soon if you can muddle through it in the meantime...
I never had any problems with sleepiness on it; if anything i was taking trazodone at night for the first few weeks so i could fall asleep more easily. But that went away as well, much more quickly than the sweating. However, i have been having incredibly vivid dreams maybe once a week ever since i've been on effexor (about a year). They're not dark or disturbing or anything, so they dont really bother me (i was never one to remember dreams much before effexor, and if anything they were hazy, so i'm guessing this is a side effect for me).
Also, I take mine (150mg) in the morning. Have you tried that? i know it sounds wierd considering your tiredness effects, but taking stuff at night has always done strange things to me. Maybe you're the same way. Couldnt hurt to try for a day or two if you haven't tried yet.
The only other thing that hasnt ever gone away is that i'm an eyedrop fiend now when i wear contacts--i guess effexor dries out the eyes a bit. I have dust/pollen allergies that already made it annoying, but effexor made it bad enough to warrant daily use of eyedrops whenever i decide to pop in a pair of contacts.
And a final note: I'm one of the few "happy" effexor posters here because i'm on the board lately for problems with other stuff--ie being recently dx'd with ADD and dealing with meds for that now (strattera was a headache and a half). The effexor i love, but the other stuff is what i'm on the board here working on.. When i see an effexor post though i try to let people know it can actually work =D hehe
Snar
Posted by green hornet on March 4, 2004, at 18:09:40
In reply to Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsive, posted by confetti on March 3, 2004, at 10:22:02
Confetti,
Sounds like a permenant case of out to lunch to me ! Send him a registered letter keeping a copy for yourself. If you want to be nasty, when you get the answering machine just leave the phone off the hook (without leaving a message).
Best answer NEW DOCTOR !! GH
Posted by confetti on March 5, 2004, at 11:37:13
In reply to Re: Prescribed New Medication - Doctor Unresponsive » confetti, posted by snarley on March 4, 2004, at 18:03:30
Snarley,
I have a different type of sweating. :/It's underarm and not profuse dripping or anything, but (more than you wanted to know) it smells. !!! The first day I thought I might have forgotten deoderant so I made sure I put deoderant on the next day. That was the day I was so whacked out because I couldn't ahold of the doctor and I sweat out of nervousness I guess, and it smelled again. (I hate to even say that word!) I can't handle smelling like BO! I work with the public in an enclosed atmosphere.
I took my dosage in the morning to start with and was so sleepy, that's why I changed to nighttime.
I can only hope that the side-effects will subside soon I guess! My thinking is you can't get something for nothing. If you could, we'd all have perfect brain chemistry. :o) I'll hang in there.
[I took my 20mg of Ritalin today from my new prescription and yes! I feel focused and wide-awake! I am waiting for the afternoon to see if I get sleepy as I have been, but hopefully I won't.]
This is the end of the thread.
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