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How to ask my doctor to put me on SSRIs?

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Posted 5/17/2015 5:23 AM (GMT 0)
I have reason to believe that I have depression and anxiety. The bulk of it is from my UC. Ive tried tackling the depression with diet, exercise, and sleep but the feeling of hopelessness and low motivation is hanging from my shoulders like weights.

The anxiety is not so easy to deal with. Most of it comes from panic when I'm not near a toilet.

Prior to my UC dx I was put on Zoloft a few times for around 6 months and it did wonders for my motivation and concentration. Really helped me to get better sleep and to not be so polarized in my feelings.

How do I approach my doc about this without coming off like I'm a drug seeker? I just want to feel productive and normal again.
Posted 5/17/2015 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Usually you have to go to a GP or a psychiatrist to get those types of meds. I have been on them a few times and the doctor never thought that I was anything other than depressed. Everyone who knows anything about chronic illnesses has to understand that what we deal with is difficult. What type of doctor are you planing to go to for this? I got antidepressants from my GI once. She said certain ones can help with UC symptoms but unfortunately I was headed into an awful flare and I never really got to try them.
Posted 5/17/2015 12:08 PM (GMT 0)
I agree, I don't think a GI would prescribe but a GP or psychiatrist will. Both will understand (or should if they are worth anything) that you UC has also caused some anxiety and depression and its affecting your UC also. MY GP gave me Xanax for as needed anxiety but it does sound as if you need something for daily use. If zoloft helped in the past, I would ask for it again.
Posted 5/17/2015 12:39 PM (GMT 0)
I wonder why you were prescribed Zoloft before several times, it seemed to work, but somehow no one thought to refill the prescription?
Posted 5/17/2015 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
I asked my family doc and he had no problem prescribing me something. And never feel like you're going to viewed as a drug seeker. You have a debilitating, sometimes embarrassing chronic illness. I'm in awe of people who deal with this withOUT any kind of help!
Posted 5/17/2015 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
How long have you been seeing this GI? I have a long relationship with my current GI, I once asked him for ambien because I wasn't sleeping well...he told me that he was comfortable writing me scripts because he knows me so well and that I'm not a drug seeker.

My GI also told me that it is common for some IBD patients to need antidepressants for long term use.

I think what you wrote is a good place to start when you talk to your dr, you stated your current symptoms and how the meds have helped you in the past prior to UC. You probably have a better case now for these meds since you last took them. If your doctor says no then ask why and if the dr thinks that you should see a specialist about this.
Posted 5/17/2015 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
I assure you that your doc won't think you are drug seeking. Drug seeking is usually related to opioids/narcotics. You are asking for a medication that will allow you function better on a daily basis. I asked my pcp several years ago for an anti-depressant and his only question was "do you feel depressed or do you feel anxious?" Certain meds are better for anxiety and vice versa.
Posted 5/18/2015 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
I actually just asked my PCP for antidepressants specifically related to my UC flare. She definitely did not think I was in anyway drug seeking. As a nurse, I can tell you people who drug seek don't typically ask for antidepressants- more like narcs and opiouds as platinumpixie said.

My PCP decided that an SSRI would probably not have the most therapeutic effect since the depression is directly related to the flare and the meds would take about 6 weeks to work. Also, keep in mind some meds can even exacerbate the flare slightly. She instead prescribed me the lowest dose of Klonopin (Clonazepam) 1mg and said to take a quarter of it on rough days. It has worked wonders with my anxiety and helped me to sleep through the night (on 40mg of pred). Prior to this, I literally was crying about 5 or 6 times a day...like not weeping, balling for hours and the illness consumed all my thoughts. The low dose is just enough to take the edge off on bad days without making me feel weird.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. The stigma associated with depression and anxiety is not what it once was. Suffering from depression is no different than suffering from UC...and lets be real- how can you not get down when every trip to the bathroom is a bloodbath?
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