How to tell T/Pdoc

My Pdoc put me on a new med to help with my depression. It's been about 4 weeks and it does seem to be helping some. However one of the side effects I am having is increased appetite. It's sending my anxiety through the roof. I have been trying to relax and just wait it out, but already I have abused laxatives and used amphetamines(just once) I want to tell T, But I am afraid. I am afraid she will see this as attention seeking, and I am afraid of what she will say about the amphetamine use. I have used/abused alcohol and drugs of all sorts on and off for several years, but never told a T. What happens if you tell your T youv'e done something illegal???

I feel so bad because we have already tried so many meds and there seems to be a problem with just about everyone. How is the cure(treatment) is worse that the illness itself.

Maggy Jo

Oh yeah and if I admit to the drug use to T is there any mandating reporter rule that would apply?

Maggy Jo

Just a note on the mandatory reporting issue-- assuming you are in the US, T's are not allowed to break client confidentiality unless they know that you are going to hurt someone else. So there is no reporting rule and at the same time, T's are not allowed to "report" drug use. If they did, then treatment for substance abusers would grind to a halt. Imaging poor Lindsay Lohan's T . . . .

I was on anti depressants for about 9 months about 15 years ago, so I'm not exactly fluent in medications for depression now. I know from others' experiences that it can take a long time to find the right med that works for you. I think it is really essential that you let your T and your PDoc know how the drug is affecting you and everything else you have written here, or they can't help you properly.

Anne

You should definitely tell your pdoc that it's causing problems. You are better off taking care of it now, before you have more amphetamine/laxative issues.
That said, it can be incredibly difficult to admit things to pdoc's or t's.
As for med issues, it can definitely take a while to find the best med for you, so try not to lose hope

Hi, I had my first appt. with t-doc last wed.. 3hrs. I told him everything, including lots of drug abuse in my lifetime. He wanted to admit me, but I got out of it. I was desperate to tell someone. I'm walking in the ER tomorrow, still desperate. I think you should be honest nothing to worry about.

Hi MaggyJo,

My advice is to always be very honest with your pdoc. He is a medical doctor and can adjust just about anything if he chooses to. It does take about 4-6 weeks for most anti-depressants to really get to full strength. Sometimes just taking it a different time of day, say morning instead of at night, can make all the difference in the world. Sometimes they can put you on an ER - or extended release one that doesn't have some of the side effects. Being that I have an eating disorder, I flat out get ugly if the med is not at least "weight neutral" meaning that the average person neither really gains or loses on it. But be aware..there is not a psyche drug out there that does not say it may not cause weight gain, dry mouth, or whatever..those precautions are on almost every singe one. You just have to be specific and ask. Also be aware he may not be able to just "switch" you right away...sometimes you have to work off one and then on to another. I don't know...depends upon what you are taking... these are just some GENERAL tips that I have found to be fairly common over the years...I'm sure other people may have better info..

Take care and hugs to you..

Wysteria Blue

I don't think any pdocs or T's will see this as attention seeking. Who would want that attention?

If you could get a chance to be treated by a pdoc who has background in, or is currently involved in, substance use rehab - that might be the expertise you need. Sometimes these docs have a more understanding attitude. They can better appreciate the struggle you face. One of them said to me that success in substance recovery does not mean never having relapses.

Unfortunately, every anti-depressant I've ever taken and many other psychotropic mediacations triggered the appetite center in my brain. You might have to learn to deal with the increased hunger signals. I found that very very difficult. Like you, I used some very unhealthy ways to battle the appetite increase (e.g. started smoking cigs again, laxatives etc.) but when I finally talked with my therapist, we developed some other techniques. It's worth letting him/her know before things get out of hand. Good luck!

Oh yeah, you've got to tell early and often about the troubling side effects of medication. So what if they do view you as attention seeking, this requires attention!

IF a medication is causing more destructive behaviours than it is correcting, then something needs to be done.

I don't think it falls into the mandated reporting. You need to be straight up about meds, it literally took me 2 years to find the right med combo. Best of luck.

I think you should tell now while it is only potentially a problem rather than waiting til it gets out of hand. Best of luck.

The hunger feeling should pass. But you do not have to take a med that makes you feel bad. The meds are supposed to make life tolerable. Med adjustments can take forever so please tell them about your drug use. They may be able to put you on a different drug based on your drug history that is more effective. Certain drugs can alter the way the brain works forever and then these people need different drugs to treat common problems. Just a thought, but it may make your life better by sharing so you can get the right help.