[darkeyes]

Hi Cam,
How are you? I started my first week with the Lamictal, so far so good, I know it is too early to know anything, the doc has got me at 25mg per week, increase up to a point of 100mg per day, we'll see. I have a question as to if I am being over sensitive or over conservative, here it goes : the other day when I got the Lamictal filled at the drug store which is in the A&P (grocery store) the regular pharmacist wasn't there and this lady that was there whose badge said "asst. pharmacist" asked me in front of other customers, what is my doctor prescribing this to me for, it is for epilepsy! She saw "psychiatrist" on the script I am sure that made her suspicious plus I think she was back in the dark ages, cause I sheepishly said to her "it's also for depression, bipolar disorder", besides epilepsy! Now shouldn't she have called my doc and question him and not me, the patient? Wasn't that unprofessional? I was a little embarressed, suppose I was getting a script for an STD, ha!ha! and all the other customers heard her. I was soshocked, otherwise I would have told her she was very unprofessional and she should call my doc, and not question the patient, but I could not think that fast due to being dumbfounded. But really if I did was I wrong to feel this way? Was she being unprofessional? Don't you think she should brush up on her meds? I probably know more about some of these "psyc.meds" than her just from the internet and reading and taking them, ha!ha! When you have a chance let me know what you think, and if anyone else reads this feel free to also let me know your opinions.
Thanks
"darkeyes"

[mylife]

It's perfectly normal for a pharmacist to ask the patient why they take a medication. It should be done in *PRIVATE*, however! The reason for asking you is because, well, you are there. I'm not even sure if a doctor can legally tell a pharmacist your diagnoses. My boss if offline already, or I'd ask him--I'll leave this up to Cam. Anyways, pharmacists will often ask the the patients about it to check on the strength of the medication, the dosing, directions, whatever. Medications are normally given certain ways, depending on what it's being used for. Cetain doses will be too high fron some problems, while for another it may be too low. Get the idea? So when a pharmacist asks you a question, s/he is looking out for you just to make sure of your directions. And you aren't over-reacting. Such questions/comments by a pharmacist or other should not be made within earshot of other people because because it doesn't pertain to them. By the way, I'm not up to Cam's level of expertise of course, but I am a pharmacy tech (among other things, .)

[darkeyes]

I guess I just got annoyed for 2 reasons, her saying it in front of everyone so they had to hear me and the way she said it was with an unpleasant manner, I've never had that before. I know she was busy, but hey, that wasn't my fault, and I always tell them "it's no rush" I'll come back later, so you see I'm not one of these "I gotta have it now" customers. I perfectly understand the concern for safety and all that, and I always appreciate the pharmacist stressing the facts on the printed out monograph that comes with the pills, I just did not appreciate her ignorance in letting my possible neighbors know my business, that's all. I'll be so happy when the day comes when I will no longer need to take these meds. and the doc said there is a possibility in months to come, but not to get my hopes up too high just in case. . . we'll see Mylife, thanks for your reply, BTW I hope you are doing okay these days
"darkeyes"

[bptoo]

DE, It's not unusual for a pharmacist to ask you what you are taking a med for, especially if it can be used to treat more that one illness. But yes, I agree that it was tacky if she asked loud enough to heard within earshot of other customers. Whenever my pharmacist educates me on a new med, if he or she feels that there is anything that might be a sensitive subject, say could have an adverse effect on my sex life for instance, they will take me to the far end of the counter and speak to me quietly so no one else can hear. I don't remember your original post, but I hope you addressed the issue with the person in question? If not I hope you do so in the future. That can be quite embarassing.

bp

"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was
'committed'."

[mylife]

I totally understand! I was just thinking about it and maybe with her tone of voice, she wasn't sure she believed your answer? Perhaps she noticed something in your profile. Your "profile" is the list of prescriptions you've had filled. If you've had any psych-related drugs filled there before, she may have automatically come to the conclusion that you prescription was for that type of reason. It's sad to say, but I've seen similar cases too much. Someone gets an Rx for seizures or something--a "psych" drug, or maybe even two--and automatically there is an assumption made.

[darkeyes]

Whatever, my "profile" with them is practically all and only "psych drugs", except for the occasional UTI's I get, ha!ha! Never in my life, did I think I'd be going to the pharmacy for so many meds., especially "head meds" When I was a teen I was always being prescribed antibiotics for acne and cysts, and "good ole accutane", but that was the extent of meds for me, whew, God knows what overkill all those antibiotics effect must of had on my immune system, ha!ha! That was in the "70's. Oh well, I'll stop my wise *** remarks and say "good-bye and thanks for getting back to me".
Oh one last "wise ***" remark, that lady should not "assume", you remember that old saying about assume?
Take care,
"darkeyes"

[CamW]

DE - No one ever said that pharmacists were very smart; I think the term "****" sums them up a little better. Everyone else was correct in their statements. Yes, you met with a cranky relief pharmacist. Pharmacists are in short supply now, so even the bad ones get jobs now.

As to knowing if Lamictal is used as a psych drug; most pharmacists would not know this. Using Lamictal as a mood stabilizer is an "off-label" use for the drug. It has not been approved for use as a mood stabilizer (ie. clinical trials have not been done by the company, yet.). Unless the pharmacist has come across this use for Lamictal, he/she probably would know about it.

- Cam

<font color=blue>"The minute you or anybody else knows what you are you are not it, you are what you or anybody else knows you are and as everything in living is made up of finding out what you are it is extraordinarily difficult really not to know what you are and yet to be that thing." - Gertrude Stein, 1937</font color=blue>

[darkeyes]

Thanks everybody!
Sorry, for my "uptight attitude", guess my Borderline Personality Disorder (Mild) and Bipolar II (Mild) Disorder is mixing and making themselves well known, good thing the docs affixed "Mild" after each diagnose when they "filled out my labels", but hey, those are my problems and I am sorry for venting them out on you, there not yours. Thanks for being there.
Take care,
"darkeyes"

[rmm5497]

Just to pop in my own two cents here because I work for a pharmacy...your doc can and probably does relay your diag to the pharamacists (at least in the US anyway) because alot of insurance companies require the info to pay the pharamcy when they bill...especially if your getting dispensed for an "off label" usage...still if they are unsure of your diag, need the info and want to ask you and not your doc, they definitely should do it discreetly...still...like as was said there are a shortage of pharmacists and they are generally very overworked...(not that they are not very generously compensated for their trouble...)

[deepthinker]

wow....
so when we go to our doctor and we think its all private, it really isn't?
gee whizz...

Its like if u want to get social security they need 'access' to your doctor and a psych to make sure your telling the truth.
From 1 doctor to like 3 people who now know YOU....

its a little scary. If you want to go to the police force they can do a personal history. Oops..up pops 'depression' etc.
Ehhh. nothing seems to be 'private' anymore.

** I agree with u darkeyes about the pharmacist. How rude! I probably would have gone red as a tomato and then hopefully been able to splurt something back at her. There is no need for a whole store to know what u have, let alone the pharmacist.

*hugs all*

[mylife]

At least around here, pharmacies don't need a diagnosis to fill prescriptions and bill insurance. That's done only in a doctor's office. The pharmacists here do, however, check to see that the prescribing doctor is prescribing within his/her scope of practice. (for example, to make sure a dentist doesn't prescribe acne medication or birth control pills) Asking for the patient's diagnosis is generally not done unless there is something "unusual" noticed. It's true, there is a definite shortage of pharmacists. Some days and times I've worked, even the techs can be in short supply. One of the most important lessons I have learned working as a tech is that I will never go to pharmacy school! My hats off to ya, Cam, for going so far! I could never do it. Nursing is still more my thing.

[rmm5497]

mmm...it may not be a standard type thing at the pharmacy level as I work in a billing office and most of what I see if for people with atypical insurance situations or numerous long term illnesses and I honestly don't deal too much with psych meds but I know that for alot of other things, at least if a pharmacy has to bill manually, a diag is required alot of times for payment...depends on your insurance and whether your meds are covered through a drug plan or through a medical benefit...I could never do pharmacy school either...you must have infinite patience Cam to deal with both with actual prescibing and filling, dealign with interactions, dealing with the insurance aspects and dealing with the patients...*applause* it's definitely a tough line of work requiring intelligence, compassion and patience.

[darkeyes]

Gee, what did I start here?? Tee Hee

[CamW]

RMM - It's just a job. You just put out the fires as they arise.

<font color=blue>"The minute you or anybody else knows what you are you are not it, you are what you or anybody else knows you are and as everything in living is made up of finding out what you are it is extraordinarily difficult really not to know what you are and yet to be that thing." - Gertrude Stein, 1937</font color=blue>

[darkeyes]

rmm5497 could I just put my 2 cents in? Of what I've seen here at the forum, it seems Cam has all those great attributes you mentioned, and I admire him and others like him in his profession greatly I feel someone like Cam would not have handled me and my prescription in such tacky manner, it was just obviously this woman, but it just got me so ticked off that day, and again I apologize for my wrath the other day. You are a great guy Cam, and I appreciate how you help all of us here, even with your busy schedule, many thanks
"darkeyes"

[mylife]

Do I see another excuse for a party--in honor of Cam?!

[darkeyes]

Hell, why don't we just have one big rip roaring party some day for this forum, that would be so cool to see the faces behind these monikers, wouldn't? I saw some mental health website that actually holds an annual picnic/party where they actually do meet all together, maybe someday . . . you never know . . .
Wishing you brighter days!
"darkeyes"

[rmm5497]

now for some reason I feel like I've somehow offended someone...I think it's fantastic that Cam lends his expertise here...I was just trying to say that it seems to me from dealing with them that being a pharmacist is a very stressful job with a lot of different things involved and some handle it better than others...obviously the pharmcist that made you uncomfortable wasn't handling things particularly well that day I really hope I didn't somehow offend someone...maybe it's just me...I'm all melancholy tonight

[deepthinker]

You and your parties mylife....haha. Any reason to throw a party and you will be there! Well...lets go. I'm in, yet again.
I'll bring some blue helium balloons... ooooh.....

[darkeyes]

Ever do them and make your voice sound funny? Kinda like a munchkin from the Wizard of Oz. Back in the 70's I did that and went to a stand and orderes a slice of pizza and a coke, the counter person flipped out, it was funny back then. . . I guess you had to be there, ha!ha!

[deepthinker]

hahaha i could just imagine you doing that. sneaky matie....
so if we do have a party and someone starts scaring off guests with their 'teenie high' voice - should i be looking at you?! hehe.
*hugs*

[darkeyes]

I think I've been pretty good about doing those things, especially at 45 yrs., it just ain't the same anymore But for some reason I should go off on a toot you never know how silly I may get At least my kid appreciates my silliness, my husband often scowls, and I tell himhe's being a stuffy old fart, smile!! Laugh!! Enjoy your days. . . BTW Doesn't "matie" refer to "males" or is it unisex? I always get a kick out of Steve Irwin when he tells a frightened animal "Your're alright mate, your're alright", he's a riot!! Actually I think he's a little sick, with the chances he takes sometimes, he has a sweet woman for a wife and child, he should live less dangerously so not to make her a young widow. There I go again with my opinions. . . I'll shut up now.
Take care,
"darkeyes"

[deepthinker]

*laughs* Your too good.
Ahh mate is more male. I have always called my friends matie. If you don't like it, let me know alrighty. :-)

As for steve irwin...he is a blast! His wild-life park is about 45 mins away from my house. I've been there twice this year. I just love it. I can see where you are coming from about living less dangerously, but I think if he did, his wife wouldn't like it that way. They are this team. They speak for the animals. That's what brought them together and hopefully will keep them together. He was on a tv show the other night where a snake nearly bit him (definately not the first time) and it made me think how short life can be. I guess he knows it. But he's just a blast and he does a lot for Australia.

I like when he holds up a snake and says "you bloody ripper...isn't she a beauty!!" *laughs*

**we aren't all like him ok..... hahahaha I don't go racing around picking up spiders and snakes...hmmm not for me thanks. When i was a kiddie we use to live in the sticks. (the bush). We had a lot of carpet pythons that would visit our house because we were surrounded by sugar cane farms. They only really scared me when they started popping up when you were in the shower....eeew. hehe **

Take care :-)

[mylife]

Darkeyes, I'd love to be with you for one of your <font color="red">S</font><font color="purple" size="4">i</font><font color="orange">L</font><font color="blue" size"4">l</font><font color="green">Y</font> times! We could be Danger, Danger, DANGEROUS together! LOL I love Steve Irwin, also. He is great (cute, too). I haven't seen that show for so long--since I moved out. I do miss it. I'll have to get the videos sometime. The guy does do some pretty crazy stuff sometimes. My sweet child named our turtle "Steve" after guess who? If we get another, that one will be named Terri!

[mylife]

You know, not to be morbid, but I've always wondered how this guy is going to die. I mean, with all the stuff he does, will it be something related or caused by something totally unforseen?

Snakes in the shower?! And I thought it was bad showering with 4-inch roaches when I was in the Army! (Now with the apartment I am so luxeriously living in (NOT!), I only have to check the shower for little ones.