Need advice about meds

So, as some of you know, I've decided to seek a second opinion with another psychiatrist in another practice. My problem is that I don't know if the current meds I'm on I should stop taking to see what sort of difference there is when I do go see the new pdoc on the 12th. Any thoughts?

Personally, I would stay on the meds and address your concerns with your new doctor. I would hate for you to just stop taking everything and have to experience the side effects from that.

That is one of my concerns. Thanks for your input.

I am trying to recall -- didn't you have psychological testing?
This is important info to make available for a consult.

I wouldn't stop my meds for a consult.
I think you can talk with the doctor, make the results of your psych testing known and see what transpires.

I hope all goes smoothly and according to your best interests.


WC

I did have some psychological tests done and was planning to bring those with me along with some other progress notes and such that I got copies of. It's not my complete file, but at least it's something.

I agree with staying on your meds until the other psychiatrist makes a decision.

Its best to consult with a doctor before making any changes, particularly when it comes to psychiatric meds, so best to speak with your doctor and get a second opinion. PsychCentral offers a great list of questions to go over with a doctor regarding medications. Maybe it will be helpful for the upcoming appointment, Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Medications | Psych Central

I would definitely keep taking meds, you'll talk over with the new pdoc if he/she wants to change things up and if you agree.

I'd bring your whole chart with you, not just portions, to give the pdoc a more complete picture (if possible). They'll come to their own conclusions as they get to know you, but it's good to have background.

I'd also recommend -potentially- seeing this second opinion pdoc more than once; it's hard -I think- for a pdoc to come to a responsible opinion about someone by only meeting with them once.

I think you should probably stay on your meds.

Have you been on them for awhile?

I don't think two weeks is long enough anyway to wean off of them, depending on what you're on and how long you've been on them.

Assuming things go alright during our initial appointment I will keep seeing both of them until I can hopefully figure out who I'm more comfortable with.

The only way to do this is if they both know about each other, and only one of them is doing any prescribing changes. You could end up in some serious psychiatric $h|T otherwise.

Yeah I know, I just don't know what else to do right now.

I'm in a bit of the same boat. I don't like my current psychiatrist, but don't really know that I have a better option. It's so always hard to know.

I am in the same boat as you. I have been with this pdoc about 13 years...she knows my ups and downs and really became too involved with my drinking issues this past year. judging me. so told her off in a letter/email reminding her of my psych history in regards to meds. She was very cool when I saw her last. So was grateful for that.
But now I feel like she wants to discharge me because i refuse to be abstinent from alcohol she thinks I am in denial.
She also thinks I am under medicated....that I like my hypomania too much.
I am afraid that if I change pdocs they will want to change my meds which I am afraid to do. It is the devil you know sort of thing.
bizi