therapist just made me feel worse ! As though I am abusing my meds

[Joeysst1]

I was assigned a new practitioner. I thought I was in the maintenance phase of my journey . I had been meeting every 6 months for an evaluation . This guy changes it to 30 days . Now he’s stretching the appointnts to 6weeks but on the same 30 day prescription ! I call in for a refill and meet him today and he’s angry . Said he was rushed when he did my refill but now it’s too late ? Tells me he wants to taper . Ok I’ll try it . But no plan ! Still on the same script and see him in another 6 weeks which even at a taper would not work out . This guy obviously thinks I’m abusing my meds and now I feel worse than ever

[EndUser13]

I've been there with some "professionals" in response to using benzodiazepines.

I'd be looking for an escape plan if I were you, this person should be helping you not making you feel judged or pressured.

May I ask what medications/dosages you're using? No pressure to answer.

[akbj]

I'm sorry that's happening to you. I've taken klonopin for over20 years, was started on a fairly high dose without being aware of this class of meds, I had no idea. Years later I was tapered (very slowly by 2/3's down & I was grateful it was such a slow taper. Those meds can be horrific to go off of. Since then I was stable on the new, much lower dose with the same provider, (NP) but after she left, the clinic I go to has had a lot of turnover & every single provider there seems to have widely varying opinions on benzodiazapines. One new provider wanted to yank me off right away & I know they need to be tapered slowly. I also felt like she was judging me & didn't approve of me at all. After 2 visits 3 months apart I sent the clinic a written complaint about the situation asking to see someone else, & eventually they allowed me to switch providers. (I'd never done that before) So since then some have wanted to taper me off & I don't want to go off completely. Very low dose is fine but due to side effects from other meds they've prescribed me I feel at least a low dose helps. The other issue I've had is when they say one thing, like they were fine with me being on that amount, then the next visit apparently they changed their mind & want to take me off or lower the amount. Apparently they don't chart what they say. It's very frustrating dealing with those meds because many providers make you feel like you constantly have to remind them or ask them. I feel like after 20 years of being on them & being my age, I should be allowed some choice.

If you're a client at a clinic where you don't have a choice in providers, I know that can be very problematic when you're just "assigned" to a provider. This person you have sounds unprofessional in the way they're dealing with you. They definitely shouldn't be treating the situation like this. Leaving you without meds for 2 weeks is very wrong because suddenly going off these types of meds can make you ill.

If you're in the US there should be some way to contact an administrative person, there's usually a person in charge of client / provider issues. Maybe check to see if there is a contact form on their website? These meds need to be withdrawn slowly & carefully. Ask if there is someone else you can switch to. I know it's extremely awkward. They'll probably tell you they won't do that. It's really hard to advocate for yourself. It would be great if patient advocates were available.

There is a web community called "benzo buddies" about tapering off these meds, tons of scientific information. I think providers should be required to refer to this site. Maybe google it & check it out. (Don't know if I'm allowed to do this)

Advocate for yourself!

[Midori]

He's not the right therapist for you and it's dishonest of him to deprive you of medication without a tapering off regimen to follow.

Find a new therapist.

Cheers, Midori