Quote:
Originally Posted by franki_j
Anyways, my T and I have gotten over the whole emailing too much debacle. However, now we have another problem. T has been suggesting I see a p-doc for some time now, but I have always refused for the same reasons as button: scared of side-effects, don't want to mess up my brain, don't want to be a zombie, etc. I also don't want to get into the habit of taking a pill every time life gets hard.
SO I do not think my problem is so much being depressed; I am not the happiest person in the world or anything, but I wouldn't say I am chronically depressed. However, I am very very anxious.
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I don't really have any advice about the insurance stuff...neither my T nor my P-doc take insurance, so I pay totally out of pocket. Fortunately, insurance does cover prescriptions.
What I quoted above, though, totally describes me. I DID try an anti-depressant, prescribed to me by my GP, about 8 years ago, in an attempt to deal with daily panic attacks. I did end up feeling very "off" and quit taking them. So, when I started seeing my current T, I was very firm about no meds. Now, 3 years later, she's finally convinced me to see a p-doc. Two things finally convinced me - 1) T reminded me that a p-doc is not a GP. They specialize in mental illness and should work with patients to find the correct dose to alleviate symptoms without making you feel like a zombie. They know about the wide variety of drugs and what options might be best for each person. 2) T convinced me (finally) that my anxiety really is that severe and that I really could get relief and that I deserved to feel that relief.
I finally went and saw the p-doc my T recommended about 2 months ago. We talked, I explained my concerns, how sensitive I am to meds, the reaction I'd had to the anti-depressant, and how I don't want to go through that again. He understood, and said that while anti-depressants can work for anxiety, there are other options. He felt that a very, very low dose of a benzo might be better for me. It took trying 3 different drugs, and a little playing with the dosage, but oh my gosh!!!! The difference is amazing. I'm now on a super small dose of Xanax 3 times a day, and I actually feel relaxed for the first time in as long as I can remember. My thoughts aren't constantly racing, I'm not constantly on edge, and I don't feel like my body is always poised for action. The meds allow me to actually stop and think and work through anxiety rather than constantly feeling like I have to react.
So - it wouldn't hurt to just talk to a p-doc...going to one does NOT mean you have to take the meds if they prescribe them. But, it might be worth exploring, and you might be surprised (I know I was).