Time to go back to old pdoc?

I like my current Psychiatrist and have been with her for probably 7 years, but I feel she has not been as understanding about my anxiety and out of treatment options. My previous pdoc was good, but at the time, there were a lot of problems at the office, so I switched and stayed with my current one.

My previous pdoc had me on klonopin and would give me enough were I can take it about 3=4x per week. I have no desire to take it beyond that and never had a problem. I understand why pdocs are nervous about prescribing it and am well aware of the risks. A low dose works fine for me. My current pdoc will only give me a small amount to take every 3 months, even though my anxiety is more severe. I have tried other options and not looking to take klonopin daily. I tried buspar (which increased my anxiety), SSRIs (which caused psychosis/mania), Gabapentin (made me feel woozy), propranolol (no effect), hydroxyzine (sedating and no effect), and I haven't had much relief.

I know my body best and what feels right to me, If she has one more suggestion, maybe I'd consider it, but I would rather stick with a more regular PRN plan, and I feel there isn't a good one in place. I just haven't had much luck and at least was being prescribed what I needed by the other pdoc. I'm not trying to be "med seeking" and have tried hard to cope in other ways, but nothing seems to be helpful and I feel my job depends on it when it comes to my meds helping me function.

I told her I would try therapy, but it only helps to an extent, and anxiety is still interfering with my functioning significantly.

I see my pdoc again in a few days, but I scheduled an appointment with my old pdoc for the very end of the month in case I decide to go back to her. I just wonder, is it time to get a second opinion or should I stay with my current pdoc?

I'm not sure if I am making the right decision and feel very anxious about this.

I don't know much such things, but I think a second-opinion is definitely something to consider if your illnesses are interfering with your work and life and current treatments in not effective enough. Maybe I am wrong, but that is my opinion. Not sure about how your seeing another doc would affect your relationship with your current doc unless it is done secretly. Sorry I don't know how to be helpful to you. Sure hope others see your post and respond with really helpful ideas. My heart goes out to you!

Seven years is a long, long time to give a pdoc a chance to help your anxiety, Raven. I also struggle with severe anxiety. While Gabapentin has helped me quite a bit, in my experience it is every bit as physically addictive as benzos are, yet pdocs are prescribing it a lot these days. If your former doctor helped you more than the current one does, make an appointment and check things out there. That's my idea, anyway.

Thank you. I had a visit with my current pdoc today and decided it will probably be my last. She suggested benadryl for anxiety, and when I said that doesn't make me feel good, she seemed dismissive and said we are out of options (although I tried to share what has been helpful). It was a deciding factor for me that now it is time to return to my old pdoc from 8 years ago. I'm sad to have to part ways and wish the visit went differently, but it's time to move on.

I think your right in making a change. It seems like long term provider can be good at times but sometimes your treatment goals needs a set of fresh eyes in finding a good combo.

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Thank you. I agree. I also found it off putting yesterday that I wasn't given a straight answer when it comes to calling in my clonazepam. If she does not want to prescribe it, then ok, but she should tell me. She left me hanging by say she "isn't sure if an office visit is needed" (not her own personal policy, but she said she is hearing this is going to be a requirement soon). I felt she should have had an answer for me as to whether she can call it in or not. So I called the office today to see if she ever found out and what she decided. They said they would call me back, but never did. So I have no idea what is going on with that prescription, but I feel a doctor should be up to date on these things and prepared as to what to do with their patients regarding this matter. So frustrating and kind of unacceptable.

I definitely think you are making the right move. And how trivializing to prescribe Benadryl, especially now that you have already tried Atarax, a stronger antihistamine, and it did not help.

Thank you. The office still did not call me back yet about whether to call in my prescription or if I have to be seen. It's been 2 days, and nothing. I don't know if I should give it more time or call back. All I want to do is know what's going on.

"We're out of options" is the deal breaker and Benadryl is a joke.

TWO days? Definitely call again.

Yes she should either fill it or not. Some medical providers should not be actually treating patients. Hope you get that sorted out soon

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