Seeking Advice

[Swgirl49]

I am on disability for major depressive disorder and anxiety. I have been on several medications for anxiety and depression in the past and my current regime consists of Fetzima, wellbutrin, ability, remeron and hydroxyzine. Recently, I have started having panic attacks again. The meds I am taking don’t seem to be working. My current psychiatrist does not prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety. However, I have been on these in the past by a different doc and have had some success. I am thinking of asking my primary care doctor to prescribe a small dose of klonopin for me. I am terrified of having another attack. Any advice on how to best approach this with my primary care doc? I sometimes find it difficult to advocate for myself when it comes to these types of issues.

[jkl5500]

Remember that you are hiring the doctor! That means he/she is working for you! Your doctor is not a judge in robes sitting up on a bench. He or she is there to work together with you on your health problems.

Tell your doctor the same things you mentioned in your post. Ask if it's safe to take an anti-anxiety med with the drugs that you're on.

[Swgirl49 in reply to jkl5500]

I never thought about the doctor as working for me. Thanks for the feedback. My appointment is next week and I just want to be prepared.

[jkl5500 in reply to Swgirl49]

Also, a good book for panic attacks is "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes. It's on Amazon. You can learn to get a handle on those awful attacks with her method and advice.

[Swgirl49 in reply to jkl5500]

Thanks. I will check it out.

[Swgirl49]

I think you are right. I’ve been on these meds for a while.

[susanringold]

I know the feeling of having multiple meds, formerly beneficial, suddenly not work. I am going through the same thing. I have had to go to the ER at times from the severity of a panic attack. So many docs these days do not want to Rx any benzos. They are afraid of it being addictive. I only use mine about three to four times a month. The ER docs give me valium and my Dr. had to give me a script due to multiple ER visits. It is better to have meds for back-up emergencies than end up with a huge bill from a trip to the ER. Have you considered changing doctors to one who is more understanding? It is such a struggle and major stressor to not have what you need when you are in crisis.

[Swgirl49 in reply to susanringold]

Yes, I have considered changing doctors. I live in a rural area and have to find one that takes my insurance. I just want the benzos for backup in case I do have another attack. I’m so afraid of that.