Would you rather be on a few meds at low dosage or less meds at higher dosage?

Hi. I have bipolar, anxiety, and adhd. I take five medications and recently my girlfriend has been talking to her psychologist (therapist not medical prescribing doctor) about my medications. They both feel that I am on too many medications and the things her therapist has been saying to her is just strengthening her opinions. So here's the story. I had my antipsychotic med lowered to the minimum dose effective for me so I can avoid side effects. I shortly thereafter had my anxiety med which is not a sedating benzo increased as I was having marked anxiety. I am happy with this overall switch because of the preferable side effect profile of the anxiolytic med. My girlfriend's know it all psychologist thinks I shouldn't even be on the anxiolytic med because my mood stabilizer and antipsychotic have anxyolytic properties. He has never met me by the way. I am very satisfied with the low doses of most of my meds and my overall symptoms of my three conditions. My girlfriend was very offended when I disagreed with her and her therapist and explained myself. What would you guys do and am I crazy to want to be on an additional med if it means lower dosages of other meds?

The tdoc is not a pdoc. And the tdoc has not interviewed you for a personal evaluation. To be honest, the tdoc is operating outside of her expertise and IMO this is inappropriate and unprofessional. But who knows what the tdoc actually said to your girlfreind. Giving supportive statements and being in agreement can be two different things.

Yes I agree. But he shares info with her about medications and how he doesn't think I should be on buspar for anxiety. It's so frustrating. There are very rational explanations for why I am on the medications I am and it's hard enough for me to accept that I need five meds. I don't need my girlfriend pressuring me to change things.

The point is you listened to what your GF had to say and disagreed , if she can't accept the fact that you take medications XYZ and are happy with your treatment plan and Pdoc , well then shame on her. I personally would not change medications based off her discussion with her T about your medications regardless of how many or what dose your on.

Otherwise are and her able to discuss things and get along alright? or does she want to control most if not all things? Just something to think about.

Hi ConcernedFriend1233

I agree with Tucson about this - it is inappropriate for your GF's psychologist to discuss your medication with her.

Addressing your more general question, I am on a single medication for Major Depressive Disorder.

It is prescribed by my psychiatrist and he and my psychologist (who provides non-pharmaceutical therapy) are my mental health care team.

They have my formal permission to talk about me (have a "case conference") should they ever judge that to be needed. They don't have "turf wars" - they work together as a professional team.

That combination works well for me - maybe it is something that you (and your GF?) could consider?

I have also been in the situation where I'm told I take too many meds. Just looking at the list could make you scared.

Luvox
Xanax
Halcion
Ritalin
Synthroid
Zantac
Naproxen

I don't see it as much med though. Naproxen and Zantac is PRN. I take the synthroid I need for my chemistry. Halcion I take the lowest dosage and as few nights as I can. I take a relatively low dosage of Xanax. I take the almost lowest dosage of Luvox. I take the lowest dosage of Ritalin.

Thing is all these meds do different things. If I want a certain symptom treated I need the specific med for that symptom. We're all different. Some are lucky and can get many symptoms under control with one med but maybe on a higher dosage. That makes them feel they are on less meds I guess. Still I feel less medicated with all this compared to when I was on full dosage Prozac.

I want a medication regime that works. Whether that means more meds, less meds, or whatever, if your meds are working for you I say stick with what works.

Thanks guys. Yes what I'm on works except that some evenings I ruminate about negative things and get myself anxious. I'm trying to implement deep breathing and meditation. I have three conditions being treated and the most severe are well under control. My girlfriend is very controlling and she has a hard time knowing what is her business and what is our business or my business. She makes a lot of ultimatums. I'm getting better at dealing with her over time since there is so much good in the relationship and we help each other grow.