[Squirrel1983]

On Thanksgiving, after I got home from having dinner with my mom, I sent pdoc an email asking if my new med would affect my mood because my mom seemed to think it did. Well...I got a reply this morning that I feel did not answer what I was asking. Maybe I was unclear in my email? Maybe pdoc mis-read my email and didn't understand what I was asking?

I'd like some input. Below is what I sent him and what he replied with. Was my email clear? Or was it confusing? Did he mis-read my email (which shows maybe I shouldn't email him)?

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What I sent him:

Dr. V,

When I was in for my last appointment (Nov 18th) we switched my Risperdal to Latuda, since I was lactating on the risperidone. You said to continue taking the risperidone (at a lower dose than I was on) for 2 weeks, so I wouldn't have to stop it cold turkey. The 2 weeks will be up this weekend.

You also gave me samples of the Latuda (in addition to the prescription you wrote). You gave me some 20mg samples and some 40mg samples. You said to take the 20mg first, then the 40mg. I took the 20mg for a week, then started on the 40mg (this coming Monday will mark one week on the 40mg).

Anyways, I have a question about the Latuda...would it affect my mood at all? I had Thanksgiving with my mom today. She asked if I was still taking medication. I told her I was. She asked if you lowered them. I said kind of...I was taking one at a lower dose and I was starting a new one. She said she could tell because I seemed happier and looked healthier and was smiling more. I don't feel any different on Latuda than I did on risperidone (except that I am no longer lactating).

Would Latuda have this effect? Or is it a better combination with my other medications and having this effect "jointly"? You also have me on 100mg Lamictal twice a day and 40mg fluoxetine every morning.

Is it common for others to see a change, but personally not feel a change?

Please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Squirrel

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What he replied with:

You sound anxious about this change. We needed to take off the Risperdal because of side effects. Latuda works a bit different and is a very safe medication. It's ok with the other meds

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What do you all think...did he answer my email correctly? Was I unclear?

[archipelago]

Well, the response isn't quite what you were asking about, but I think it is picking up on the wonderings you were having and simply using the word "anxious" in place of your wonderings and then trying to reassure you.

But what you were asking was clearly about the mood change, and that wasn't answered. Still I don't know that I would stress about it, especially since it sounds like the mood change is for the better. Perhaps if it had created a worse mood, then I would have insisted on more of a direct answer.

[Syra]

I agree with archipelago.

At first I didn't think he was responsive, and then I thought - it sounds like things are going well. YOu are following his instructions, and seeing improvement. And yet you are asking questions so it could seem like anxiety. I'm not saying he's right. Just that I can see how he read your email that way.

I wonder if your major question is your last sentence - wondering why you don't feel the change that you mom noticed - that he didn't respond to, probably because he wasn't concerned about that? if so, I think that is normal, although I'm not the best person. I was on an anti-depressant. I could look at myself and observe that I was behaving differently. But it didn't FEEL different. It felt natural.

[unaluna]

Your mother is being a b ! t c h. You were there for a holiday, you've been working a side job, your xmas shopping is all done, you no longer have the stress of the cats - there are a lot of reasons you would be looking happier. Maybe your mother needs there to be a magical reason, but you are simply putting in the work - including managing your meds - and it's paying off. Go you! Your pdoc i think is saying, he doesnt necessarily know what all else is going on.

[healingme4me]

I agree, with archipelago and syra. Your pdoc, did mention, different people are affected different(paraphrase). Perhaps,,mention of sounding anxious, could be also, a jotted mental note, for your pdoc, when you have next appointment?
Glad, it's a positive change.
The anxiety, could be addressed, is it med, or anxious reaction to your moms observation, which could be addressed in therapy.

Sent from my LG-MS910 using Tapatalk 2

[Daeva]

He didn't seem to answer your question but perhaps he would rather answer in person and until then just reassure you things would be okay. Thats how it sounded to me.

Sounds like he's basically saying relax and enjoy the positive effects. Sounds like a question that can be saved for an appointment if you want to try to clarify with him.

[Lauliza]

Originally Posted by Squirrel1983

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What do you all think...did he answer my email correctly? Was I unclear?

I think he tried to answer to your general concerns but prefers to talk about it any more in depth in person. Many doc's don't like to discuss meds at great length via email/text since a lot can be lost in the translation. Just bring it up the next time you see him, try not to stress about it.

[archipelago]

amee220 has a really good point. In fact it may be unethical or at least unwise to give med advice in this format in general if not an emergency. Psychopharmacology is very detailed and yet not a precise science so it's better that you have a cautious doctor.

[possum220]

Meds aside, maybe you were feeling happier because it was thanksgiving. Emotions don't always stay the same when we are on medications.