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who manages your meds?

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Posted 9/21/2016 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
So I finally got in to see a therapist today. I've never met with her before, which was probably good, as I'm focusing on this recent bout of extreme anxiety following a miscarriage, so a new perspective could be helpful.

We talked about plans for developing coping strategies, and I also asked her about medication. She's not a prescriber - I just wanted to get her opinion on what I should talk to my doctor about. I am currently on buspirone (buspar) 5mg 3 times daily. She said she'd rather have me on an SSRI like Zoloft. That was the impression I got from my primary care doc last week when I met with her as well - she said go ahead and try the buspirone (the OB doc had prescribed) and let me know how you're doing in a week. The therapist also recommended a psychiatrist to manage the medication.

So my question is - who manages your medication - a primary care doc, psychiatrist, or other doc? Who do you find to be most helpful? I've never taken any psych meds before the buspirone, so obviously I have limited experience with this and feel nervous and scared.

Any advice welcome!
Posted 9/21/2016 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Supafunk,I was prescribe Busparone too and have taken it a few times,I really don't know much about it I guess I haven't let it build up in my system.I am interested in what other responses you get because I am curious too.
Posted 9/21/2016 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
SF,

Consider a consult with a psychiatrist. This specialist has the best knowledge of medications used to manage anxiety.

You don't need to make a final decision at the time of the appointment...just learn your options.:)

Please don't be scared. With all you are doing for your recovery...you are going to be fine!

I am glad to hear your first appointment with your therapist went well. :)

Keep up the good work, and know we are cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 9/22/2016 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Supa,
I'm sorry to about the miscarriage. That would certainly be a trigger.

I've been on lexapro for over 10 years and I can tell you that when you find the right med it can be life changing. I have the utmost respect for people who have worked and found relief without medication, but for me, it helped me completely forget anxiety was ever an issue for me.

I weaned myself and ended up with more anxiety, but that's a whole other story.

There are plenty of horror stories out there, but it's made a huge impact on my life.
I was originally prescribed by my PCP, but have recently switched to a psychiatrist. As Scaredy said,
They are the most knowledgeable about these meds. I'm currently taking lexapro and Buspar.

I hope you find your best solution and find relief soon.
Posted 9/22/2016 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
i manage my own meds now and do a far better job than most of my drs ever did. i do through research on every med i take now after far too many med conflicts that drs should have caught but didnt. the final straw was my getting seratonin syndrone from zoloft and antibiotics (very strong ones ) even dark clouds like this can have a silver lining as i decided to quit ssri,s after this incident
Posted 9/22/2016 7:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

My psychiatrist manages my medication through my GP they are the experts when it come to medication so IMO it's best to speak with them.

Hibee
Posted 9/22/2016 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
supapfunk,

Well, I see a psychiatrist and a social worker. I have seen a psychologist. Differentiating a social worker and psychologist is difficult, but a psychiatrist can write scripts whereas a social worker or psychologist cannot. My PCP referred me to my psychiatrist and all he really does is write the scripts. I don't get into much detail about what's bothering me with him. He gave me Latuda to help my Lexapro as I would crash quickly on Lexapro and the same ol' feelings would return.

There are options out there!

-smooth
Posted 9/22/2016 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks all for the input!

The doctor that wrote my current Rx is an OB, so not someone who would manage it long term.

My primary care doctor was perfectly willing to manage any medication, and I do trust her.

But then then therapist recommended seeing a psychiatrist. The local clinic with multiple psychiatrists, where my care would be covered by my insurance (minus the $20 co-pay) has a 4-5 month wait, and I wouldn't get a choice of doctors. However, the psych recommended by the therapist is an independent doc, apparently very kind, up-to-date on research, and very well regarded in the community. The downside to him, however, is that he only accepts self-pay patients, so I'd need to come up with the money up front to see him. I need to call and get an estimate of charges to see if it would even be possible for me, financially.

Decisions!
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