Seen the psych today. It didn't go well, but when does it? She wants me on remeron. Thinks it will help me with sleep, anxiety and depression. Told me I need to trust her and that her hands are tied with me.

I don't trust her and I haven't filled the prescription.

What do you guys think?

bec

Bec, do you know much about Remeron? Have you read about its side effects and so on? It is approved for use in medium to severely depressed patients, and also useful for anxiety, appetite problems and insomnia. It is usually used as an "add-on" along with other anti-depressants, are you on other meds as well? The possible problem I foresee for you particularly is that common side effects can include visual hallucinations (if the medication is taken in the daytime) and vivid nightmares. I see those side effects as possibly being difficult for you as you already have PTSD. However, you may not have those effects either. It's difficult to say unless you try the drug.

As you know, I am not a big fan of medication generally, however, it is good for many. Why do you not want to try it? Do you not feel you do not need it? Is it mistrust of the doctor solely? Are you worried about side effects? If you do try it and do not find it helpful for whatever reason, there is nothing saying you have to continue taking it. Perhaps you are simply too stressed at the moment to add another uncertainty to your life? Perhaps wait a week or so until things with Matt are settled and then give it a try if you like? I honestly don't know the answer, simply throwing out different suggestions to you. Take good care.

In addition, there is another well documented side effect, weight gain. I'm not trying to play dr or anything. I"m sure your dr has already mentioned this to you. Good luck in whatever you decide.

What did she mean, her hands were tied?

Is it possible for you to write up a list of concerns for her to address with you? If you could really be listened to and heard on this, you might feel more comfortable trying a new med.

I'll try to answer what I can. I'm not in good shape and can barely verbalize at this point.

I wasn't told a thing about any side effects. I'm not on any type of medication.

I can't talk to the psych about anything. I go in pissed off, I leave pissed off. I really don't freaking like her. She questions everything and disbelieves everything. I feel like I'm some sort of criminal.

I don't want to try it because I only want some god forsaken sleep. That's it. I want to sleep. I only want meds for sleep and she refuses to give me any. She wants to treat the "anxiety" and then I won't have sleep problems. Well the last year and a half of meds for just that reason proves that doesn't work. Last thing I need is another ****ing drug that doesn't help me sleep and just causes me more issues. I had no idea this stuff causes hallucinations. Great. I already have vivid nightmares and don't need help in that department either!

The psych says her hands are tied with me because she refuses to put me on sleep meds, I can't take SSRI's because of my seizures (which she thinks I'm making up btw) and have reacted to all the other meds. She treats me like it's my fault.

This doctor could care less about hearing me out. Frankly, I want to quit the psych. They refuse to put me in therapy for trauma, telling me they don't do that there. I feel that all of it is ****ing useless.

I don't want to go back anymore. I can't stand her.

I wanted to add that I have already been threatened about being "non-compliant" for refusing to take meds and basically they will not deal with me further unless I take this no matter what it does to me. I'm not being given the right to work out side effects or even my discomfort with the medications.

bec

Bec that really sucks the way they are treating you, I guess I just lucked out I found my own psychologist that specializes in Trauma, and she is great I trust her a fair bit and I don't trust anyone, but she is expensive and thats one of the reasons that if I take the break from work she would like me too I would have to pay it all out of pocket and that I cant afford.

As for my Psych doc I have a family doc that has a big interest in PTSD and so she Rx. and calls the Psych doc to see if he agrees I have only seen him once now I have to go again next week for a drug eval. I am really praying he brings down some of the doses I feel like a junkie.

Anyways I wish you could find someone who you can trust somewhat, I think I would be considered non compliant , many times over.

Good luck Bec you'll make it its just tough.

Amber

Ah, hell, what a bind you're in. I gather there's no option to switch psychiatrists to try to find one that doesn't try to strongarm you into a med? I have no advice, I'm afraid, except that it's not appropriate to try to force you into trying a med when you have clearly thought-out reasons for being resistant. That simply doesn't work.

Well Bec, my short answer is, if you simply want sleep, Remeron is not the drug for you. You should be trying several other sleep aids first. Remeron would be an absolute last resort. Most GPs (family doctors) will prescribe sleep aids. Could you go to your family doctor and ask for a prescription, or perhaps even a sample? And is there any way you can change psychiatrists? This one does not seem like a good "fit" for you.

*sighs* Due to our lovely doctor shortage, I have no family doctor.

I am looking into a way to switch psychs as this one is just not working for me.

Why would Remeron be a last resort?

bec

Ugh, what a frustrating situation.

I was going to suggest the GP too. My GP is very relunctant to give out sleep aids generally but she did with me after a lengthly discussion about the reasons for taking it the danger of addiction etc. An adult conversation. She asked me some questions, she was satisfied with the answer. She gave me a very small amount & we made a deal that I would only use sleep aids 3 times in one week, for no longer then a month (I have no prescription past this). I've stuck to my promise.

It baffles me that your psych wouldn't be willing to come to some agreement with you when you are clearly in desperate need of some sleep. Sleep deprivation is clearly something your psych has not had to deal with.