[DechanDawa]

Is there are forum for questions about trying to recover without medication?

[bluekoi]

DechanDawa,

You might like to try this forum: Other Treatments

why are you adverse to taking them? Is this something YOU want to do or has someone else suggested this?

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by rcat

why are you adverse to taking them? Is this something YOU want to do or has someone else suggested this?

I took an SSRI years ago and had a very bad reaction. This year my new GP immediately prescribed an SSRI for anxiety. I told her I did well on benzos and just want something to cut the anxiety short-term - so I could calm down and interview for jobs. She insisted I try the SSRI. I had an even worse reaction to this SSRI even though it was not the same one I had tried earlier. It brought my anxiety to an extreme level that stayed elevated even after I discontinued the SSRI, which my GP said I was allergic to. Also, my hair started to fall out. She refused to prescribe a benzo or anything for my sleep, telling me to take a Benadryl! Because I didn't want the SSRI my GP has basically refused to give me any other medications, telling me to "exercise" - that's about it. Because of my insurance I can't change doctors. I can't believe this GP is refusing to give me anything to reduce my anxiety --- and I have been in this position since July, 2015.
I am going it alone, and am determined to recover.

In my experience I was misdiagnosed as having Depression multiple times. Each time I was prescribed an antidepressant. Many of them have adverse effects for bipolar persons. They tend to result in increased anxiety. In my case they ultimately triggered an event which put me in the hospital where I was finally diagnosed properly by a psychiatrist.

[*Laurie*]

I don't think there's a pdoc anywhere who will prescribe a benzo these days before insisting on an ssri.

One thing I will mention is that because you had a bad reaction to an ssri years ago doesn't mean you would now. There are many ssri's, and other classes of antidepressants, too.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by rcat

In my experience I was misdiagnosed as having Depression multiple times. Each time I was prescribed an antidepressant. Many of them have adverse effects for bipolar persons. They tend to result in increased anxiety. In my case they ultimately triggered an event which put me in the hospital where I was finally diagnosed properly by a psychiatrist.

WOW. That is just a very very scary and sad story. So many people have responded to my story by telling me their misdiagnosis. I am so ignorant. I just did not realize this happened on such a wide scale. I am happy you were finally properly diagnosed. Is the key here "psychiatrist? Another member of this forum from Canada asked why GP's in the US are diagnosing mental conditions. I simply don't have an answer for that. I also WAS NOT told by the GP or pharmacist that the SSRI might cause an increase in anxiety. If they did I would have refused that medication because my anxiety was already dangerously elevated. I cannot imagine the effect on someone with bipolar. These are dangerous waters we are navigating...thanks for your (as always, stellar) comments.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by LauraBeth

I don't think there's a pdoc anywhere who will prescribe a benzo these days before insisting on an ssri.

One thing I will mention is that because you had a bad reaction to an ssri years ago doesn't mean you would now. There are many ssri's, and other classes of antidepressants, too.

Hmm. I took an SSRI years ago, but again most recently it was this past August, 2015. It really messed me up. I felt insane on it. If anything it was much worse than what I took years ago. I think maybe I have run out of medication options because I would never again take an SSRI. I have whined about benzos on this site until I am sick and disgusted with myself. I am sure people think I am an addict! I'm not. They just worked for me, and SSRIs didn't and it is really frustrating to have the one shoved in my face and the other denied me. Although it's hard I am going to walk the holistic path. Thank you for your input. I am not a hysterical idiot although I think I sound like one today. The era of benzos is almost over. I really need to catch up.

members in Canada asked why GP's in the US are diagnosing mental conditions

DechanDawa - yes, that is correct. They might diagnose and prescribe medication for Depression. Thing is, mental illnesses like Bipolar often present at Depression (when do we ever go to a doctor hypo/manic and say hey Doc, I'm feeling terrific I think something is wrong).

A family doctor here will generally refer the patient to a psychiatrist which is a 3-4 mos wait (at least here). They will try to treat their patient in the meantime.

But all in all, a GP is merely a stopgap measure.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by rcat

DechanDawa - yes, that is correct. They might diagnose and prescribe medication for Depression. Thing is, mental illnesses like Bipolar often present at Depression (when do we ever go to a doctor hypo/manic and say hey Doc, I'm feeling terrific I think something is wrong).

A family doctor here will generally refer the patient to a psychiatrist which is a 3-4 mos wait (at least here). They will try to treat their patient in the meantime.

But all in all, a GP is merely a stopgap measure.

Wow. Again. A 3-4 month wait? That's truly a broken system.

[InTheProcess]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

I took an SSRI years ago and had a very bad reaction. This year my new GP immediately prescribed an SSRI for anxiety. I told her I did well on benzos and just want something to cut the anxiety short-term - so I could calm down and interview for jobs. She insisted I try the SSRI. I had an even worse reaction to this SSRI even though it was not the same one I had tried earlier. It brought my anxiety to an extreme level that stayed elevated even after I discontinued the SSRI, which my GP said I was allergic to. Also, my hair started to fall out. She refused to prescribe a benzo or anything for my sleep, telling me to take a Benadryl! Because I didn't want the SSRI my GP has basically refused to give me any other medications, telling me to "exercise" - that's about it. Because of my insurance I can't change doctors. I can't believe this GP is refusing to give me anything to reduce my anxiety --- and I have been in this position since July, 2015.
I am going it alone, and am determined to recover.

You can't find another doctor because of your insurance?- there is no other participating/in network providers near you? - in that case you can contact the insurance and inform them you want a new doctor and they may be able to work something out.

Have you tried see a psychiatrist(whoever can prescribe)? Sometimes GP aren't well informed in that area.

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