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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tone on November 15, 2006, at 22:37:01
I have a friend who was prescribed Xanax for panic attacks and she offered me one once when i was distraught(0.5mg). I know I shouldn't take any meds that are not prescribed to me but i cannot express to you how much more "Normal" I felt. I think that I really do have problems w anxiety and also acute panic attacks that seem to come on only during certain times, such as during a test--not such an opportune time mind you...is this normal or do panic attacks happen sporatically??Thanks for your input....should I mention xanax to my general practitioner?? Where do i find an approprite doc?
Tone
Posted by Glydin on November 15, 2006, at 23:38:33
In reply to Doctors and Drugs..........please help, posted by tone on November 15, 2006, at 22:37:01
I'm sorry for your difficulties. The impact of symptoms of emotional challenges can be very great on our functioning and quality of life.
You might begin by going to your GP and discussing your symptoms. The first step should be to rule out any underlying conditions that could be causing the distress. If it's ruled to be a mental health problem, there are a number of treament options to include a number of classes of meds - benzos included.
I wish you the best.
Posted by tensor on November 16, 2006, at 2:08:28
In reply to Doctors and Drugs..........please help, posted by tone on November 15, 2006, at 22:37:01
Tone, in which country do you live? I know Tone is a Norwegian name, but it's maybe an alias?
/Mattias
Posted by Quintal on November 16, 2006, at 6:28:43
In reply to Doctors and Drugs..........please help, posted by tone on November 15, 2006, at 22:37:01
Hi tone,
Many nervous people find benzos are among the only things that make them feel 'normal' and in control of their thoughts and behaviour. The last thing you want though is to be seen as a drug seeker, especially a benzo seeker, by your GP or any other health professional for that matter. Unfortunately benzos tend to carry a great stigma with many doctors these days and requests for these drugs on the first consultation are usually flatly refused and recorded in your notes. If this happens it would likely damage your chances of ever getting a prescription for benzos out of the same practice.
You may benefit from some doctor ego massage tips and persuasion tactics. I'm sure others could add some from their hard earned experience. Here are a few of my own off the top of my head thinking back to my own experiences of what has worked when trying to obtain specific meds.
Always let the pdoc think the choice of meds is his/her own and if you must make suggestions try to veil them in phrases such as : 'Are you comfortable with x?' or 'I think x may be helpful for me because of y. Do you have experience of using this drug/combination?'. Research as carefully as you can and take print outs of the most convincing evidence you can find. Confrontation with internet printouts is the bane of every pdocs working life though, so keep them hidden in a pocket/folder as backup and use them only as support to verbal persuasion if you feel your case is losing ground.
It is best to be honest and sincere, so maybe coming straight out with something like 'I have been having what I think are panic attacks for a while. I happened to have one in front of a friend and she offered me a tablet she gets from her doctor called Xanax. I know it's wrong to take medication prescribed for others, but at the time I felt like I was dying.'..... and go from there.
Q
Posted by tensor on November 16, 2006, at 6:38:27
In reply to Re: Doctors and Drugs..........please help, posted by Quintal on November 16, 2006, at 6:28:43
>'I have been having what I think are panic attacks for a while. I happened to have one in front of a friend and she offered me a tablet she gets from her doctor called Xanax. I know it's wrong to take medication prescribed for others, but at the time I felt like I was dying.'..... and go from there.
That's actually pretty clever.
/Mattias
Posted by Phillipa on November 16, 2006, at 12:10:33
In reply to Re: Doctors and Drugs..........please help » Quintal, posted by tensor on November 16, 2006, at 6:38:27
Benzos are very effective. But a visit to the doc first. Love Phillipa
Posted by fca on November 16, 2006, at 12:34:18
In reply to Re: Doctors and Drugs..........please help, posted by Quintal on November 16, 2006, at 6:28:43
The truth is clever--an excellent suggestion. I might add, if the doc suggests an SSRI as a first line TX (which is the appropriate course if there is an actual Dx of an anxiety disorder) welcome it and give it a fair shake. The doc may suggest a benzo to help manage initial symptoms. If not you can bring it up at the next appointment. If your anxiety is only sporadic or tied to specific situations the doc may recommend a benzo and there you are. PS if you are in the UK you are much less likely to get a Benzo. Good Luck
Posted by elanor roosevelt on November 16, 2006, at 22:46:01
In reply to Re: Doctors and Drugs......please help--Quintal, posted by fca on November 16, 2006, at 12:34:18
the great thing about xanax is that it kicks in quickly
you don't have to take it except when needed
there seems to be a lot of fear about addiction
i think it's a no fun drug but use it when i feel myself too rough around the edges for my surroundings
Posted by erik98225 on November 18, 2006, at 5:04:42
In reply to Doctors and Drugs..........please help, posted by tone on November 15, 2006, at 22:37:01
> I have a friend who was prescribed Xanax for panic attacks and she offered me one once when i was distraught(0.5mg). I know I shouldn't take any meds that are not prescribed to me but i cannot express to you how much more "Normal" I felt. I think that I really do have problems w anxiety and also acute panic attacks that seem to come on only during certain times, such as during a test--not such an opportune time mind you...is this normal or do panic attacks happen sporatically??Thanks for your input....should I mention xanax to my general practitioner?? Where do i find an approprite doc?
Tell your GP that you've been on Xanax in the past, and it helped, and you think you need it again. Unless you've had the same GP forever, they will not have access to your old medical records, and they will probably believe you.
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