I finally saw my psychiatrist today. It was an OK visit I guess. I told him how all I do is work, eat, sleep repeat and stress and worry about work. He didn't change any of my meds but added Klonopin because of the work related panic attacks and stress. He's given me 7 for a month. Now don't get me wrong, I am thankful he has prescribed me something I hope will help in my panic at work, but I work 5x week, and that's 20 days a month. 7 pills over 20 days doesn't stretch too far. I understand it though. My area is hard hit with opioid addiction and these medicines won't cure the hell that is that workplace, but in a positive spin -- although I have panic pretty severe every day that I work, I can probably manage taking one twice a week at max taking them if needed. I'll just have to pick and choose what warrants it more. So really, I'm being both cautious and careful with the medicine, which is responsible, right? So in the end I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I'm not upset by it.


He asked about my education and I explained to him I have a masters degree in education and I used to be a teacher and now I am working in a call center. He was positive, but was more or less "You need to just realize this job is temporary and is meaningless in the grand scheme of things for you and move to a bigger city and get a teaching job. The game is just tolerating what you have now." All valid points, all problematic points too lol. I have a lot of this discussion with my therapist but it is something I'm working on.

Anyway, just wanted to update you on my visit to the doctor. It's like my last resort to tolerate where I work, so let's hope it helps me some.

[Moose72]

Overall, I'd say that's a great appointment! Yes, doctors are stingy with the addicting drugs. That's everywhere. I assume you've been working on coping techniques with your T? Have you ever taken a DBT class, or has your T done some one-on-one DBT with you? That might help you sort out different ways to think about your situation at work.

[*Beth*]

Thanks for the update, MA. Sounds like the appointment went pretty well. I agree, however, that 7 pills of Klonopin isn't much. I understand the addiction thing...but Clonazapam isn't an opioid. Nothing will be helped by doctors taking away pain and anxiety meds, but not replacing them with anything. It makes me so angry.

Anyway, if you're finding that you're super anxious to the point at which you need more than 7 pills, please contact your pdoc...don't just suffer.