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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 Tiggercat on July 29, 2005, at 13:04:31
I just saw an MD for an eval last week and was switched from effexor to prozac. I was thrilled after that session because he described my tangle (diagnosis?!) perfectly. But the switch was really rough (even though I mentioned my withdrawal symptoms when I forgot effexor), and I feel wary and unsure of his approach and whether I can talk to him. He increased the Prozac to 40 mg which helped, and over the next couple of days I felt better--a little under the weather and bruised from the withdrawal, but 85% human (equivalent to an annoying and uncomfortable cold that one can function through).
He called today cuz I'd left a message (there were no scheduled follow-ups for the week, and he's going on vacation for a few weeks), and said 'why don't we increase the prozac dosage?' I was surprised and when I asked what I could expect, was told 'nothing'. It's a jump from 40 to 60 mg.
It feels very peremptory (as I've seen many posters mention!): 'take two aspiring & call me in 2 weeks'... I'm very, very leary of being prescribed meds without a discussion of benefits (!) and side effects, and with no follow-up to see how I'm doing.
So, I have the name of a pmed who's experienced in cognitive therapy, which I've done and liked, and which maybe tells me he'd be less into automatic prescribing. He's also on insurance's preferred list, so I'd get more benefits. I feel guilty, like I should talk to my pmed, or be able to talk to him about this, and work it out.
But I sure don't want to just up my dosage without a sense of why or what to expect, and with no follow-up for 3+ weeks.
What do you think? How would you handle this?
Thanks!!!
Posted by Sonya on July 29, 2005, at 13:55:11
In reply to Frustrated with new psychiatrist: should I switch?, posted by Tiggercat on July 29, 2005, at 13:04:31
Just speaking from my experience with my pdoc...whenever I was prescribed a new drug or increased a dosage, he'd want to see me in one week. I think that is a good practice, especially dealing with depression. As a testimony to that being good practice: a year ago he prescribed Paxil for me. Within 5 days I became more depressed and very suicidal. By the time I saw him (the one week mark), he could tell I was in a bad way and stopped the Paxil and switched me to something else.
You need to monitored closely when a drug is started or increased. Get a doc who will do that for you.
Take care.
Posted by Poet on July 30, 2005, at 13:56:27
In reply to Frustrated with new psychiatrist: should I switch?, posted by Tiggercat on July 29, 2005, at 13:04:31
Hi Tiggercat,
I just switched pdocs (due to insurance coverage) and the new one increased my Effexor XR, but is doing it slowly. I have a followup appointment scheduled next month.
When old pdoc changed my meds from Paxil to Effexor XR he scheduled an appointment two weeks later, and then each month for six months.
I think I'd try the new pdoc. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to get in, so keep that in mind. Good luck. I like my new pdoc (so far...)
Poet
Posted by Tiggercat on July 31, 2005, at 18:57:44
In reply to Re: Frustrated with new psychiatrist: should I switch? » Tiggercat, posted by Poet on July 30, 2005, at 13:56:27
Thanks Sonya and poet, It really helps to get your perspective. I'll contact a new psychmd. :-)
This is the end of the thread.
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