[adellabk]

If someone has a headache and wants to take a Tylenol, we don't respond with "Tylenol is overused" or "medication is not the answer", and importantly, we do not call them "drug seeking". If someone wants goes to a doctor to hopefully be prescribed medication for a legitimate health issue, we don’t call them "drug seeking" (unless it's a controlled drug). Yet when someone has a mental illness and wants to try medication as a first resort, they are called "drug seeking".

I had severe OCD, which I take Prozac for. My symptoms were, I had to walk in a straight line. If I deviate from that line even slightly (or felt I deviated), I have to walk back and forth a certain number of times such as 4 times, 8 times, 16 times. Sometimes I moved my hands instead of walking back. Then I had to take the exact same steps back. I literally had to step on the exact same spots I stepped on walking the path. If I deviate once, same thing happens. I would spend an hour deciding which path to walk on, even both paths get you there in the same amount of time. I couldn't step on manhole covers, sidewalk ventilation gates, gum patches (which are everywhere in NYC). So if it takes you 15 minutes to get home, it took me 1-2 hours to get home. So I insisted on medication, as I knew this OCD was so severe therapy alone won't work. The 1st psychiatrist I went to refused to prescribe them. I posted online and people called me "drug seeking".

"Drug seeking" is when someone falsifies or uses symptoms to obtain a drug they are addicted to or will otherwise harm them, such as an addict claiming to be in pain to get a narcotic, or a suicidal person trying to get medicine that will kill them. Yes, drug seekers do exist, but a person who wants help for a legitimate mental health issue via medication is not "drug seeking".

I found another psychiatrist who prescribed Prozac. I could step on manhole covers, sidewalk ventilation gates, gum patches, I stopped counting steps. I am able to work and attend programs because of Prozac. Without Prozac I would be at home in my room all day mostly on the computer or in bed. Here are some things to keep in mind about medication.

1. Medication is not an easy decision. I didn't just wake up and decided I wanted meds. I was always against psych meds all my life. When I had OCD I at first didn’t like the idea of taking meds that would alter my brain. I eventually realized whatever side effects medication would give me, my OCD wasn't any better. The minute I started taking Prozac my whole attitude about psych medication changed. Prozac has let me live my life and I don't experience any side effects other than a cold, which lasts for a week than goes away.

2. I said I was "always against psych meds." You never hear people say they are "against pain meds", why are psych meds any different? They are supposed to help you live your life, like medication for any health issue.

I am trying to understand here and perhaps missed the point. You are specifically wanting that medication of your choosing? I would say this qualifies as drug seeking.

First, I wouldn't put much stock in what people say in regard to an online post. Some people are just jerks and intentionally set out to be jerks online.

Sounds like you have found some medical help for a very debilitating problem for you; be confident in that and don't let the turkeys get you down.

I will correct you to say people absolutely do say they are "against pain meds." There is an entire political issue revolving around the drug war against opioid medications right now which is a major problem for patients with true, chronic pain conditions who legitimately need pain medications but have difficulty getting doctors to treat them because of the political backlash right now.

The reality is, the people in this world who abuse medications make it much more difficult for patients who actually need them through the stigma that becomes attached to those medications (whatever they are for) and through the legislation that gets put in place that impedes doctors from being able to prescribe for their patients.

[adellabk]

Originally Posted by lolagrace

First, I wouldn't put much stock in what people say in regard to an online post. Some people are just jerks and intentionally set out to be jerks online.

Sounds like you have found some medical help for a very debilitating problem for you; be confident in that and don't let the turkeys get you down.

I will correct you to say people absolutely do say they are "against pain meds." There is an entire political issue revolving around the drug war against opioid medications right now which is a major problem for patients with true, chronic pain conditions who legitimately need pain medications but have difficulty getting doctors to treat them because of the political backlash right now.

The reality is, the people in this world who abuse medications make it much more difficult for patients who actually need them through the stigma that becomes attached to those medications (whatever they are for) and through the legislation that gets put in place that impedes doctors from being able to prescribe for their patients.

I was referring to non-opioid medications. SSRIs are not controlled drugs. They are safe and well studied. Yet many people in society are against SSRIs or sometimes psych medications overall even when it could legitimately help the person, and judge others for taking them, when they themselves never had a mental illness. We never people categorically against Tylenol, Advil and other OTC pain relievers, yet once it's a "mind altering drug", people judge you just because they can't see your pain and never experienced mental pain (everyone experiences physical pain) so they can't relate.

[Fuzzybear]

I would love it if I didn’t have a severe allergic reaction to almost all the psych meds I’ve tried

“Drug seeking” and other labels are often misused, unfortunately.

I’m glad you’ve found something that helps and which your body can tolerate.

[leejosepho]

I once had a problem with a medical doctor saying I was "addicted" -- mentally, emotionally, psychologically? -- to a certain medication I was already taking to deal with high blood pressure. As with several doctors over the years, he considered that particular medication an old one and was wanting to replace it with something newer. Over time I have learned to ask doctors about the possibility of taking a certain medication while allowing them to do the actual prescribing, but I have also managed to find at least one who will give me what I request unless he has a specific medical reason for some different approach.

[WildcatVet]

What a load...! Seeking legitimate and appropriate medications for a legitimate illness is not *drug seeking*...and MI's ARE legitimate illnesses. I remember going to my first pdoc and begging for meds after all the therapy and self-help crap...and his response was, *Glad you came here...because I believe that you need them*. He was a gem and I wish he was still my doctor.

[bobcat21]

I hate that word TBH when I was surgery a two months ago the doctor prescribed me some Valium to calm my nerves for the MRI and naturally my psychiatrist found out about it it was only 4 pills I wasn't drug seeking he prescribed them and naturally the psychiatrist said I can't prescribe you your Ativan if you are going to other doctors!! It is so frustrating when

[bobcat21]

[QUOTE=bobcat21;5876273]I hate that word TBH when I was surgery a two months ago the doctor prescribed me some Valium to calm my nerves for the MRI and naturally my psychiatrist found out about it it was only 4 pills I wasn't drug seeking he prescribed them and naturally the psychiatrist said I can't prescribe you your Ativan if you are going to other doctors!! It is so frustrating when aren't a drug seeker!!

[Biteplate]

I'm surprised you were called a drug seeker for requesting a non controlled substance. Usually the benzos and opioids get that sort of reaction from doctors. I didn't think Prozac was addicting.