How to talk to a Dr......

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2006
How to talk to a Dr......
5
Tue, 07-31-2007 - 4:46pm

What would be the best way for me to approach my DR. about changing/augmenting my meds.? I am not sure how to express what I am thinking in such a way that she will take seriously, and not assume that it is my illness talking. I feel that i am in need of an anti-depressant, as I am very low right now & am having a hard time caring for myself& my kids...but my Dr. feels that an anti-depressant may push me into a manic state , and that I should stick to my current Lamictal/Abilify combo. She is an excellent DR., very highly rated, so I usually defer to her judgement. I am mostly asking what i should say b/c I am so depressed that i am having trouble socially: not wanting to leave the house,or talk to anyone, etc. Thanks to anyone who can help...

Wonderbread77

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-01-2007 - 3:04am
See if your dh can go with you to your appt. Often, with a doc like this, they will listen to a family member better. You need to emphasize again and again during your appt that you are not okay with your current meds and that you need to have something to help with the depression. Tell her the severity of the depression. Ask her for a 3 month trial of Wellbutrin XL as it is the antidepressant of choice for Bipolar. If she's still not listening to you, regardless of her stellar rep, I would opt to see another doc.

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Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2007
Wed, 08-01-2007 - 6:01am

I agree about taking a family member. I went over a year and just never felt right, maybe

“...there's nothing, repeat, nothing to be ashamed of when you're going through a depression. If you get help, the chances of your licking it ar

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2006
Wed, 08-01-2007 - 10:14am

Wonderbread,


I believe all pdocs need to listen to their patients when they need help. I am lucky that my pdoc does. If I ask for my meds to be increased he does it. I love this man. I am so afraid he will retire and I won't have him anymore. I have been through sooo many pdoc before finding the right one for me.


I have heard many many bipolar people who are sensitive to anti-depressants say that Lexapro is a good med for them because it also

     ~ Tina ~

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2006
Wed, 08-01-2007 - 10:20am

Amcanmom,


I didn't know Wellbutrin was the anti-depressant of choice for bipolars. I was always told it triggered so many people. I have talked to some bipolars who say Wellbutrin and Prozac make them go into mania quick, but that goes to show the saying all meds work different on everyone is so true. That is good to know that Wellbutrin is another option...cool. Thanks for posting that.


Tina

     ~ Tina ~

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Wed, 08-01-2007 - 4:40pm

If you can take another family member who can help speak for you that's great, but if not, now is the time to take a stand with your pdoc and get her to really listen to your concerns.