[zarantha]

I have been on meds since May of 2007.

I am currently on Geodon 160mg at bed (told the doc that 120 was working fine but she didn't think so).... for auditory and visual halucinations. Depakote 1500mg at bed (which isn't helping) for mood stabilizing. Lithium 300mg at bed for mood stabilizing. And Cogentin 2mg at bed for severe tremors caused by the Depakote.

I can't afford to go to a different doctor because the clinic I go to is on a sliding scale ... since I don't bring any money in I don't have to pay for my visits nor my meds. I have gotten a second opinion through a local doc that a good friend of mine works with and he has stated that he believes that I am over medicated. since I can't afford the cost of going to this other doctor I have to suffer with what I've got ... I'm not sure how to get the doctor to see what is going on when she is never in the office in person... instead she is on webcam where she doesn't have to travel to get to the clinic. it is very frustrating.

[theotterone]

I know it is difficult, but I can't stress enough that you need to talk to your doctor about what is working and what is not. A doctor should encourage questions.

The reason I know it's difficult is it took me years and years to find my current doctor. I have now worked with him for over 9 years. It took me a couple of years before I felt I could be completely honest with him. Working through the discomfort, as hard as it is, is SO worth it! My doctor makes me a partner in my medication decision. When I was recently diagnosed ADHD, we had discussed medication options before my husband and I did the evaluations. When they were scored and the diagnosis was made, we were coming in to see our FT. My doctor pulled me aside, (I had already made my next appointment with him) and gave me the prescription. We had talked about the different classes of medication, so I already had an idea of what to expect.

Try to be as honest as you can with your doctor, approach them like a partner, not an adivsary. Let them know you feel you are over medicated in some areas and that the medication in others is not effective. Remember too, especially in this economy, there are other clinics with sliding scales. YOU are worth getting the right treatment you need!

[zarantha]

I have told my doctor several times that certain meds are too high of dosage or not working at all... She finally listened to me when I had my last appointment with her. I am now being weened off of Depakote and she has lowered the Geodon back to 120mg. My care taker is ready to kick some royal booty because the doc won't listen to me most of the time.

the doctor I see is the only doctor for all the clinics in Northern Nevada... she either travels to each place (which is very rare these days) or does it by telemed (web cam). I may have to wait to see a better doctor until I move next spring.

[VickiesPath]

I think I responded to you once in another forum.

The quantities of meds you take don't sound excessive. The other doc you asked, was he/she a psychiatrist? I have been taking psychiatric meds for 30 years and have had dozens of docs and regular docs do NOT know enough about the meds to give a worthwhile opinion. Just a word of warning.

Also, the webcam doc may or may not be good. I do understand your being squeemish about seeing her by this means but it's better than a nurse practitioner or not seeing one at all. I do understand you feeling that your meds are not working, especially if you are still having symptoms.

The only thing I would advise is not to stop altogether or alter your dosages yourself or you could be in for some nasty reactions.

Sending hugs your way.

[Yoda]

Why do you think you are overmedicated? Are you having side effects that bother you? You mentioned the tremors which could be a good reason to try a different med. You also said that the lithium and depakote don't seem to work which again might be good reason for a new med.

Lithium works well for many people but I took it twice and got toxic both times. I took Depakote for two years and gained one hundred pounds and I blame the doctor for not stopping the drug because I was too ill at the time to research the meds I was taking and become familiar with them.

Does your doctor listen to you? Have you expressed what bothers you with these meds?

[zarantha]

Originally Posted by Yoda

Why do you think you are overmedicated? Are you having side effects that bother you? You mentioned the tremors which could be a good reason to try a different med. You also said that the lithium and depakote don't seem to work which again might be good reason for a new med.

Lithium works well for many people but I took it twice and got toxic both times. I took Depakote for two years and gained one hundred pounds and I blame the doctor for not stopping the drug because I was too ill at the time to research the meds I was taking and become familiar with them.

Does your doctor listen to you? Have you expressed what bothers you with these meds?

I have been having severe tremors caused by the Depakote... it literally felt like someone was pummeling my internal organs. I was finally put on Cogenton to help with them... and it has helped. I noticed in the last 9 months that my mood swings were so severe... I have been in the psych hospital twice in the last 9 months from the severity. I have only been on Lithium for a few weeks so that isn't the problem.... other than the fact that the doc put me on 2 mood stabilizors at reletively high doses. The Lithium is starting to have its affect on my mood swings and I am glad of that.... it took me being persistant about the Depakote for the doctor to finally start the process of weening me off of it... why keep me on it if it isn't working... and it took quite a time of things to get the doctor to understand that the hallucinations and such were taken care of fine with 120mg of Geodon ... she kept trying to up the dosage to 160mg when it wasn't necessary.

I have been very frustrated with this doctor... but maybe things are finally working towards being better for me. I know that it is going to be a pain when I move next spring ... I'm going to have to find a new clinic to go to and everything... concidering that I am moving to the other side of the country.