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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by stargazer on November 12, 2006, at 17:17:01
CT (Example)-Henry Smith M.D., Hartford, CT, 860-666-1000
I live in New England, Connecticut, to be specific and have a psychiatrist who I have been going to for >15 years. He's been managing my meds pretty well but now I'm thinking I need to get another opinion by a pdoc who has more experience in psychopharmacology for Treatment resistent depression.Can anyone provide me with names of pdocs they go to who are experts in their field? I thought this would be a helpful thread and easy to use if you list the state first, followed by the pdoc name, location and phone # if you have it.
Then you wouldn't have to read through each thread to find the doctor in your state, you could just scan the thread to see what state was relevent. Hopefully, this may make it easier to use, just a thought.For example:
CT...Henry Smith M.D., Hartford, 860-666-1000.
After listing this on the top line (for ease in use)... you can give any other information you feel is relevant such as how your meds were adjusted, what meds worked, what didn't and what meds were eventually prescribed.
I'm hoping to find adoc who can help me sort through what meds would be most helpful given my history and past treatment for TRD.
THANKS.
SG
Posted by tensor on November 12, 2006, at 17:34:13
In reply to Psychopharmacologist (medication experts) by State, posted by stargazer on November 12, 2006, at 17:17:01
SG, we seem to have same diagnosis, what have you tried? Best so far?
/Mattias
Posted by stargazer on November 12, 2006, at 22:40:37
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist (medication experts) by S » stargazer, posted by tensor on November 12, 2006, at 17:34:13
Are you under the care of a med specialist?
I do remember getting the best response on Nardil and Marplan, separately. I'm currently on Seroquel 100 mg alone, having just come off Cymbalta (30 mg, since 60 mg caused headaches) in the last week. I had been on Lamictal (200 mg)along with the Cymbalta, but had episodes of falling and had to stop it. I was on Marplan 30 mg a few months ago with minimal improvement. Prior to that I was on Celexa, Wellbutrin and Adderall for a year or so.
I have had alot of relatively stable periods in my life where my depression has been controlled fairly well. What seems to happen every year or two is I get tired of feeling apathetic and lifeless and I want to try something else to give me a shot at a "normal" life. This usually results in trying a few new drugs which can take weeks and months and may not result in a better outcome, so there can be much disappointment with these trials. But if you don't try something new, you feel like you are preventing yourself from achiving full remission.
I also have difficulty with reading (no retention)and with focus and attention. In jobs, when there are alot of competing demands, I get paralyzed by the inability to make decisions. When I'm not depressed I can handle these decisions and not be overwhelmed by them. That is a big difference between being depressed and not. With depression, your thoughts get in the way of taking any action.
I see my pdoc tomorrow. I've been seeing him weekly for the last 2 months trying to get the right combination of meds to help me without feeling drugged. I am seeking assistance from others to find a doctor, who is an expert in psychopharmacology, to evaluate my situation and suggest better medications. I feel like I have wasted many years of my life on the wrong medications and I'm certian there are meds that are better suited for my type of depression, whatever it is.
SG
Posted by Phillipa on November 12, 2006, at 23:17:14
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , Anyone know a good 1?, posted by stargazer on November 12, 2006, at 22:40:37
Stargazer I used to live in Fairfield County, Connecticut. If you're near there babblemail me. I used to see a Dr. Hamilton in Wilton Conn. He had me med free til I move. Office was at his house. And he was affiliated with Norwalk Hospital. Love Phillipa ps he's the best pdoc I ever had
Posted by tensor on November 13, 2006, at 6:18:59
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , Anyone know a good 1?, posted by stargazer on November 12, 2006, at 22:40:37
Hi SG,
No, I have no contact with a specialist in phych meds. I have an appointment with a pdoc in less than two hour and I'm going to ask him about it.
>Lamictal (200 mg)along with the Cymbalta, but had episodes of falling and had to stop it.
What do you mean with "falling"?
>What seems to happen every year or two is I get tired of feeling apathetic and lifeless and I want to try something else to give me a shot at a "normal" life.
Yep, that's my siuation too. I work as a floor sander since I can't manage to have a more academic work, my mood isn't stable enough, so my self confidence is low. But the work is very demanding physically so I need to be in shape mentally to cope with it. I haven't worked for two months now.
>I feel like I have wasted many years of my life on the wrong medications
I think many of us here feel the same.
/Mattias
Posted by stargazer on November 13, 2006, at 7:57:35
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , Anyone know a good 1? » stargazer, posted by tensor on November 13, 2006, at 6:18:59
I was tripping and falling while walking with my dog, sometimes alone, no serious injuries but usually I have very good balance and this was starting to worry me. Instead of immediately thinking med side effect, I thought I might have M.S., since I had all of the symptoms listed when I went to read about the disease, since my sister in law was just diagnosed. I said to myself..."that's interesting, she only has one symptom but I have all of them...what's that all about?" So I went for a W/U w a neurologist and luckily the workup was negative. We thought the lamictal could be the cause so it was stopped. I didn't really feel any improvement on it at 200 mg, and there was no way it could have been increased any higher.
I still feel lightheaded at times and now I hold onto the railing when climbing our stairs. I fell two weeks ago down the stairs in our house. I think I was moving too fast, it was a warning sign for me to slow down. Have you ever heard that depressed people are much more accident prone than others? I never thought this before now but since I have fallen about 6 times since last Nov, I believe it. Bad fall last Nov, pre-Lamictal...hit my face, teeth, needing 2 root canals....it has been a BAD year not only with this but other losses in my life.
It has got to get better, so I am on a mission to find a better answer for my depression. I have some free time now d/t unemployment, where when working I was SO stressed, I couldn't do anything, but work, worry and be miserable.
What a life...SG
Posted by tensor on November 13, 2006, at 9:41:36
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , Anyone know a good 1?, posted by stargazer on November 13, 2006, at 7:57:35
>Bad fall last Nov, pre-Lamictal...hit my face, teeth, needing 2 root canals.
Ouch! AD's may cause poor coordination but that sounds more severe. Is there any other med that can cause this?
/Mattias
Posted by stargazer on November 13, 2006, at 11:00:56
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , Anyone know a good 1? » stargazer, posted by tensor on November 13, 2006, at 9:41:36
Well I suppose any med could cause this but I think I was so depressed, with symptoms of feeling out of control at times, I was doing things that put myself at risk. I always was very sure footed and had an incredible sense of balance, but in the last year that has gone away. But even today I have a lightheadedness which must be from the Seroquel I'm taking since that's the only med I'm on.
I see my pdoc today to determine what to do next. I may try and see if he thinks starting nardil, perhaps Emsam, is a good next step. I almost want to try Nardil first because the cost of Emsam is outrageous and I may be paying out of pocket soon.
SG
Posted by tensor on November 13, 2006, at 11:36:31
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , Anyone know a good 1?, posted by stargazer on November 13, 2006, at 11:00:56
>I see my pdoc today to determine what to do next.
How restrictive is Emsam on diet? Is it as restrictive as Nardil? The pdoc said I should keep Aurorix(moclobemide) in mind, have you tried moclobemide? Let us know what you decided.
/Mattias
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on November 13, 2006, at 12:36:34
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , Anyone know a good 1? » stargazer, posted by tensor on November 13, 2006, at 11:36:31
>Aurorix(moclobemide) in mind, have you tried moclobemide?
I know you didn't ask me, but I think you might find it a good fit.
You can feel it working after a day or two. Its quite activiating, but prevents panic.
I've tried it for about 5 days, but I had to stop because I got a little rash on my hands.... so the pdoc advised me to stop, but he never saw the rash and actually two months later I got it again and this time I wasn't taking anything, soooooooo....
Anyway I doubt stargrazer has tried it, its not available in the states, due to patent thingys.
Posted by corafree on November 13, 2006, at 12:49:38
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , Anyone know a good 1? » tensor, posted by Meri-Tuuli on November 13, 2006, at 12:36:34
Hmmm ...
I didn't even realize that a psychiatrist wasn't a 'psychopharmocologist' ... all they do 4me is prescribe psychiatric medication.
I'm not very good w/ common sense. Ya' know, everything is a big production w/ me, not good at seeing what's right in front of my face!
Anyway, agree spent too many years 'prob' on wrong meds'.
Phillipa, wonder what the psychopharmocologist you spoke of, would think about thyroid probs'? Could you write him or call him?
Guess will google psychopharmocologists and see whose around down here.
cf
Posted by Phillipa on November 13, 2006, at 19:16:46
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , Anyone know a good 1? » stargazer, posted by tensor on November 13, 2006, at 11:36:31
On the 6mg patch no diet restrictions. On the 9 and l2mg size they are the same as a regular MAOI. Google the original EMSAM thread here. A lot of good info . I think it was April or May. Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer on November 14, 2006, at 19:09:37
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , Anyone know a good 1? » tensor, posted by Phillipa on November 13, 2006, at 19:16:46
Hi,
I posted to this thread last night and it is missing. Too bad since it was a good one saying since no one, with the exception of Phillipa, responded to my request for names of psychopharmacologist, it must mean there are either none in CT or none that are good enough to be recommended.
I went onto say that I what I really think about all of the meds being developed and thrown out for consumption by the masses. It's got to be a major problem for any good pdoc to get their arms around all of the side effects, interaction, warnings, before safely prescribing them.
How do the pdoc learn about all of the new drugs, do they have inservices for understanding how to treat the most resistent depressions or is it all trial and error? The drug reps can't help with anything but the med they sell. And unless a pdoc is working in a setting which allows collaboration with other pdocs they are really on their own to figure out what can med is safe to prescribe with another and at what dose.
I read the package insert for EMSAM and Seroquel last night and learned some new facts that I was not aware of and that my pdoc did not mention to me. So as long as my mind can read and understand this stuff I can help myself. When my mind is under the influence of many of the meds, I have no ability to help myself. And unfortunately that is why depression is so debilitating. You are useless to help yourself.
So I guess there are NO good psycho-pharmacologists in CT, with Yale and UCONN you would think there would be a few names that came up. Now that's depressing. Too many generalists can't handle some of these complicated cases requiring polypharmacology.
How about any in NYC? Anyone got a name? Now I'm doing this merely to see if there are any others would rec as being experts anywhere on the east coast, north of DC. If necessary, I could always travel for a good second opinion.
Let's get a list going. I can't be the only one who wants the name of another pdoc for a second opinion?
SG
Posted by Phillipa on November 14, 2006, at 20:10:47
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , My post is gone..., posted by stargazer on November 14, 2006, at 19:09:37
Stargazer I'm sure Yale New Haven have some. There are sites to google for docs. Have you googled Connecticut psychopharmacologist? Someone told me they were really just pdocs who used that title but I don't know. Love Phillipa think I'll do the same for North Carolina
Posted by stargazer on November 15, 2006, at 1:16:20
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , My post is gone... » stargazer, posted by Phillipa on November 14, 2006, at 20:10:47
I have googled to find a doc but nothing comes up and despite thinking that Yale has some good ones, I have not had that experience. So my best bet is getting a referral from another person who has gone to someone that has really helped them with medication adjsutments and trials.
SG
Posted by Phillipa on November 15, 2006, at 18:51:00
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , My post is gone..., posted by stargazer on November 15, 2006, at 1:16:20
Stargazer I heard the same thing about Yale from someone who used to post here. But I googled the definition of a psycharmacologist and it seemed to say that it was the study of medicine and a phychiatrist prescribed the meds. So I'm confused as someone told me they were for people who had brain problems like seizures. Anyone know? Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer on November 17, 2006, at 10:04:35
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist , My post is gone... » stargazer, posted by Phillipa on November 15, 2006, at 18:51:00
One last appeal for names of psychopharmacologist,or known psychiatrist with exceptional expertise in TRD (Treatment Resistent depression). Thanks...SG
Posted by corafree on November 17, 2006, at 22:27:08
In reply to Psychopharmacologist in CT or w/i 1 hour of ?, posted by stargazer on November 17, 2006, at 10:04:35
Am I too late?
The following shows 2 in California and 1 in Washington. Not sure if letters following the doc's name .. like M.D. .. maybe credentials(whatistherightword?) .. specify you would think PP or something like that.
http://www.jurispro.com/search/profile/subcategory/2478
cf
Posted by erik98225 on November 18, 2006, at 4:58:08
In reply to Psychopharmacologist (medication experts) by State, posted by stargazer on November 12, 2006, at 17:17:01
My pdoc is a psychopharmacologist. He charges $375 per visit, but he's worth every penny.
Herbert Orenstein, M.D.
901 Boren Avenue #702
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 623-7444
Posted by stargazer on November 18, 2006, at 13:23:08
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist in CT or w/i 1 hour of ? » stargazer, posted by corafree on November 17, 2006, at 22:27:08
Thanks for response.
That website you posted is for expert witnesses if you want to sue your doctor,not for treatment of patients.
Thanks for your concern....SG
Posted by stargazer on November 18, 2006, at 13:33:02
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist (medication experts) by State » stargazer, posted by erik98225 on November 18, 2006, at 4:58:08
Erik, I live in CT so your doc is a bit far from me but thanks for the referral. He is a tad pricey(!), does your insurance pay for him or do you have to pay out of pocket? Just curious, it's so difficult w/o insurance.
What makes him worth it, has he been able to get your medication straight and what techiques are used to to try differnt medications? Is it somethingthat can be explained?
The next time you see him, would you mind asking him how he would make a referral to someone in another part of the country. He may have a network for such referrals. Thanks so much if you can do this, if not, I just appreciate your help...SG
Posted by erik98225 on November 18, 2006, at 13:43:26
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist/erik, posted by stargazer on November 18, 2006, at 13:33:02
> Erik, I live in CT so your doc is a bit far from me but thanks for the referral. He is a tad pricey(!), does your insurance pay for him or do you have to pay out of pocket? Just curious, it's so difficult w/o insurance.
Insurance does pay for it once you've satisfied your deductible. If you have a $500 deductible, you'll hit it after just two visits, and then you only pay 20 percent of the 395 -- that's $79 which equals about 3 bags of groceries. :)
> What makes him worth it, has he been able to get your medication straight and what techiques are used to to try differnt medications? Is it somethingthat can be explained?
He is willing ro try meds that I have suggested to him, and he wants me to call him (at any time of day or night -- he gave me his home number -- if I am having problem). Most of the doctors I've fired in the past have an authoritarian attitude: "I'm the doctor, you're the patient; I'm the expert, listen to me!" These idiot doctors often put me on drugs that made me WORSE.
I have my next appointment on Wednesday and I will ask him for referrals in Connecticut and New York City.
Erik
Posted by stargazer on November 18, 2006, at 20:48:19
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist/erik » stargazer, posted by erik98225 on November 18, 2006, at 13:43:26
Thanks Erik,
Are you currently stable on your treatment and what meds do you take. I too have a kind and understanding pdoc who I have gone to for many years but I think I may have wasted too much time trying too many meds, when there might be one that is more specific than the ones I've already tried. It might be the difference between one med or another, which can make a dramatic improvement. I don't want to lose any more time if another pdoc may have a better more specific approach to treating my condition. It's the only thing I haven't tried, out of loyalty to my pdoc, but he agrees to a second opinion. I just want to have a name or two of my own and then do some more research on them before deciding who to see...SG
Posted by erik98225 on November 19, 2006, at 0:24:28
In reply to Re: Psychopharmacologist/erik, posted by stargazer on November 18, 2006, at 20:48:19
> Are you currently stable on your treatment and what meds do you take. I too have a kind and understanding pdoc who I have gone to for many years but I think I may have wasted too much time trying too many meds, when there might be one that is more specific than the ones I've already tried.
Yes, I'm currently stable on the following:
Morning:
0.5 Klonopin
300 Lyrica~1 PM:
300 Lyrica~8 PM:
1.0 KlonopinThis totally eliminates the social anxiety (my primary diagnosis) and helps me sleep better, too.
This is the end of the thread.
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