[learningtoaccept]

For example, I have done a lot of research about Bipolar Disorder and BPD and I want to be on a mood stabilizer(lithium works well for me), an antidepressant(would like to try Effexor), and Abilify. Abilify has interested me since before I went on any meds, but I have been turned down every time I asked for it. The others I am working on getting. I just have a feeling that a combination like this would benefit me more than one or two meds.

Anyone else think like this?

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by learningtoaccept

For example, I have done a lot of research about Bipolar Disorder and BPD and I want to be on a mood stabilizer(lithium works well for me), an antidepressant(would like to try Effexor), and Abilify. Abilify has interested me since before I went on any meds, but I have been turned down every time I asked for it. The others I am working on getting. I just have a feeling that a combination like this would benefit me more than one or two meds.

Anyone else think like this?

Learningtoaccept, do you have a pdoc? This would be a good conversation to have with them.

[learningtoaccept]

Unfortunately I am on a long wait list. My doctor is less than helpful as well..

[Lexi232]

yikes, are there any other nearby docs you can go see that would maybe be your psych med doc until you can get into the real one, after letting them know that it's just temporary until you can get in to see the PDoc?

And yes, lol I do something like that with ADHD meds. sorta.. lately i've been pushing for a non stimlant like intuniv with my stimulant vyvanse. But that's also because my old PDoc told me the next month i was going to be put on it and see if it helped.. and that appointment never came cause I moved out of state...

[nicoleb2]

I have a combination I'd like to try again, but my pdoc doesn't seem interested in trying it....

[Lexi232]

Perhaps since this really seems to be a more common thing being done... the Pdoc's should be taking into the count that by us stating this, that we are trying to say, things aren't right, they aren't like they should be, and please help me get to the place I need to be.
I wonder if PDoc's ever take it in that way? or if they all just take it as we're alll wanting to be drugged up, or trying to tell them how to do their job? ...

[AniManiac]

I don't think it's at all unusual for a well-informed, involved person to know what they want to try for meds. I've found that docs tend to be more open to that if you've clearly done your homework and can articulate exactly why you think the meds would help better than other options. And of course, check for interactions in advance with a drug interactions checker thingy.

My meds cocktail, though still in refinement, is mostly what I would have asked for. I didn't have a strong opinion about which mood stabilizer so the Lamictal is fine, but the AD is (and probably always will be) Wellbutrin because the others turn me into a raving nutball. I would flat-out refuse SSRIs! They didn't initially give me the ADHD meds I wanted, so when I went in for follow up I said I couldn't even tell the difference with that med at that dose, and could I please have the one that I know works? After 10 years on ADHD meds, I think I know best on that. So I got my wish there.

The only thing that hasn't worked the way I'd like is anxiolytics. They don't want to give me benzos and I guess I must not seem adequately distressed or impaired or whatever. I'll avoid the rest of the rant that goes with that...