Drugs. Doctors. Confusion!?
Question by inthemiddleofnowhere: drugs. doctors. confusion!?
Hey there, My question is involving my husband more than myself, He has used paxil and adderall off and on for the last 8 years of his life, went off of it the last two years because he was traveling and just didnt bother with it. He is now back in the states and working a steady job as well as trying to attend school in the evenings. We have two little girls, and well basically without those two drugs he is no help at all just a fumbling mess. We have just moved into the town we live in and we havent established a family dr for us yet, just for our girls. So what i need to know is, When i get ready to schedule him an appt. what kind of dr do i need to be looking for? He gets only one full day off of work every month, so It would be convienent if he could get everything taken care of in one day rather than go to someone for a reference and then wait another month to go to another dr. Im just not knowledgable abotu these things, but he does need to get this taken care of.
oy. so some more clarification. He was off the medicine for two years, but he was very depressed, anxious and nearly tore our family apart. As far as his job goes, he loves his job, it makes a lot of money and he isnt looking for another one. the problems that he has are purely of being too worried and anxious and unable to focus. He has this job and doesnt want to lose it, but he freaks out at every little mistake he makes, school is also a whole other thing. Its hard on me as well, being that I am also working full time and then comnig home to what sometimes seems like 2 children instead of one. I want the person back who i knew was capable and able to be part of our family. this is his choice to seek help again and to medicate. My question wasnt what is wrong with my husband and what should we do, it was what is the best thing we can do when he have no drs records really and are new to town. thanks.
i meant 3 children instead of 2. gosh im all worked up now! haha
Best answer:
Answer by michele
If I were in your position (particularly since you need to get this matter addressed ASAP), I would start by gathering hubby’s records from previous physicians who prescribed the two medications you mentioned. ALthough this step is not essential, it certainly could be helpful. This way, when you see the psychiatrist, he/she will have some background, and may not require as frequent of repeat visits.
After you have gathered your hubby’s records, find a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is your best bet for managing psychtropic medications. Psychiatry is a specialty. Just as you would not employ your allergist to adminster anesthesia, so you do not benefit from hiring a general practitioner to prescribe psychotropic medications.
Finding a good psychiatrist can be tricky business. It’s always great if you have one or two PERSONAL referrals (perhaps a neighbor or friend who recommends the doc personally). Barring that, however, you’re basically stuck with “pot luck”.
Flip your insurance card over to the back, and look for a number which speaks to “behavioral health and substance abuse”. Give them a call. Ask for a minimum of 4 phone numbers to local psychiatrists. There are often waiting lists. Get on the waiting list for 2 or 3 of them. That way, you can get in with whoever has the quickest first available appointment (then cancel you spot on the waiting list of the others).
Before you show up for your appointment, get organized. Have his medical records copied, in a file, and ready to present to the psychiatrist. Be familiar with the times, dates, dosages, and exact medications your hubby took, and WHY you both think they were helpful (i.e., what positive differences did you notice while ON the meds, and what negative differences have you noticed while he was OFF the meds).
Both you and your hubby should write out a specific list of problematic symptoms you have BOTH noticed since the discontinuation of the meds. Be sure also to write down your “therapeutic goals” (e.g., improved focus, increased libido, increased energy, decreased sadness/apathy).
Best of luck to you and your family,
~M~
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