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doctor issues please read longterm benzo users

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BananasAndOranges

Bluelighter
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
1,982
O.k. I have a doctor who I have seen for about a year exactly now. I thought this doctor was for me but now I am just scared shitless of her. Let me start by saying I have been on benzos mainly xanax and valium for six years now Almost possibly seven. I had been having issues with finding the right dosage of add medication that I have been on for..well since I was in the second grade. My most recent appointment I brought my friend with me. Hes more of my partner but due to thes fact he looks like my daddy we just said the rs was of friends. I really was let down by the nurse who came in and looked at my friend funny. It was actually Very rude of her...im 22 male hes 46 male. Already I had a bad feeling about the apt. Previously she was the doctor who Let me be back on Xanax which seems to have always worked best for me. I was first put on 3 mgs a day then 4 then when we took a break from each other and I came back it was back to 3mgs. Of course tolerance plays a role so around last summer I told her 3 mgs of xanax was what I was on when I was seventeen and that I needed 4-5mgs max 5 only on bad days honestly. She was very nice about this and instead of just giving me what I asked for she gave me more than I asked for 3 2mg xanax sticks a day and please note I have Yet to take 6mgs in a day. Maybe once or twice but I know how stupid that is. So with this being said back to the apt. The inconsistancy or the reliablitiy out of her has became an issue. She first walked in with papers and I knew it was stupid. My friend/partner basically told her what he has been seeing from me and said something about me being unhappy. THEN my doctor seriously asked me if I would detox I said um No. I wasnt rude I listened to her and trust her but I told her I would Never do detox when theres a less painful way to do it called a taper on diazepam. EITHER way I do not find this Is a point in life that issue needs to be addressed. I had to tell her she isnt in my insurance and Im getting billed and rhat I am Seriously broke. I was seeing a shrink in order to get dexedrine andIt was just weird so I stopped that after I found out the insurance issue. Sliding fee isnt even doable. I really get annoyed with her now. She was comparing me to another patient who she just detoxed and I thought seriously? this has nothing to do with me. She Even brought up in her exact words " im afraid ill get a call from the cops and blah blah" And note this is random. She then goes I know how pupils dilate on xanax and dexedrine and she acted like a cop could arrest me for my pupils which was just redic. She mentioned vicodin and other drugs which had again no relevance to my visit and said she cannot post date scripts and basically said I have to come in on the dates I need them. A big concern was the fact my ears have been full of fluid and I asked her to look and she was more concerned about xanax at a dose I didnt ask for and it really ticked me off. I dont hate her but I think it may be time to move on?It is MY choice right? I have a psychiatrist apt soon with a new doctor so I want input on whether I should completely stop going to this doctor because this is Stupid. She even acted like ativan and xanax are the same. I really dont understand this and I want input. I have an amphetamine issue not abuse just dependence my benzo use makes me function so this is what I find stupid. SHE ALSO wanted me to do a 20 dqy detox which is wayyyyy too short and I am not ready for that. Is this sound like I should just look for a new gp or what? The psychiatrist I am seeing seems to be a good guy so I dont think there will be issues. input anyone?
 
I would say definitely move on.

Doctors, once they see red flags, will never go back to neutral/partnership with patient. This is my extensive experience. Even when the flags are imaginary, the attitude just is not nice. For example (I know, antecdotal story for ya..) I was getting Adderall from my GP, calling in the script every month and picking it up at the desk. I asked for it to be switched to XR, and he wanted to see me. For the next 8 months, I was subjected to visits, getting weighed, and possible drug tests (which were inaccurate!!). I should have just taken what I was getting.

It is not advisable to be a "high needs" patient. And it doesn't usually help to tell the Dr. or Psych what you need. Just display the symptoms very obviously. My goal when I see a prescribing doctor is to specifially not stand out in their memory; I am just a run of the mill patient they won't remember. This was always my best chance of getting meds.

Especially since appointments take so long to get, start making them now. It won't look bad if you make several appointments with several doctors, because you are trying to find the right fit. I have waited 6 months to see a Psych (appt is finally in January), and what if he is a total jerk? Waste of 6 months wait. (FTR I am off benzos and amps so I am just hoping for everything to stay the same :D).

Take a long look at what is good for your mind. Then do it <3
 
Definitly find another doctor, this one is crazy. Just shop around and you'll find the one that really wants to help you and not do all of this to you. You're trying to get help, not to be treated this way.

< I know you don't mean doctor-shopping as in finding one who will presscribe pills to take recreationally, as the OP has a legitimate need for the medication, but please be careful how you phrase things as "doctor shopping" discussion is not allowed on BL - thank you! -effie>
 
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The doctor sounds like a cunt, which isn't a word I use a lot except when it comes to doctors. You are stuck in a quandry, will another doc write the scripts you're on? Will he or she fill your needs? What are you willing to tolerate, and what do you want in a doctor?
 
Split into paragraphs for easier reading, you'll get better responses that way. :)

BananasAndOranges said:
O.k. I have a doctor who I have seen for about a year exactly now. I thought this doctor was for me but now I am just scared shitless of her.

Let me start by saying I have been on benzos mainly xanax and valium for six years now Almost possibly seven. I had been having issues with finding the right dosage of add medication that I have been on for..well since I was in the second grade. My most recent appointment I brought my friend with me. Hes more of my partner but due to thes fact he looks like my daddy we just said the rs was of friends. I really was let down by the nurse who came in and looked at my friend funny. It was actually Very rude of her...im 22 male hes 46 male.

Already I had a bad feeling about the apt. Previously she was the doctor who Let me be back on Xanax which seems to have always worked best for me. I was first put on 3 mgs a day then 4 then when we took a break from each other and I came back it was back to 3mgs. Of course tolerance plays a role so around last summer I told her 3 mgs of xanax was what I was on when I was seventeen and that I needed 4-5mgs max 5 only on bad days honestly. She was very nice about this and instead of just giving me what I asked for she gave me more than I asked for 3 2mg xanax sticks a day and please note I have Yet to take 6mgs in a day. Maybe once or twice but I know how stupid that is.

So with this being said back to the apt. The inconsistancy or the reliablitiy out of her has became an issue. She first walked in with papers and I knew it was stupid. My friend/partner basically told her what he has been seeing from me and said something about me being unhappy. THEN my doctor seriously asked me if I would detox I said um No. I wasnt rude I listened to her and trust her but I told her I would Never do detox when theres a less painful way to do it called a taper on diazepam.

EITHER way I do not find this Is a point in life that issue needs to be addressed. I had to tell her she isnt in my insurance and Im getting billed and rhat I am Seriously broke. I was seeing a shrink in order to get dexedrine andIt was just weird so I stopped that after I found out the insurance issue. Sliding fee isnt even doable. I really get annoyed with her now. She was comparing me to another patient who she just detoxed and I thought seriously? this has nothing to do with me. She Even brought up in her exact words " im afraid ill get a call from the cops and blah blah" And note this is random.

She then goes I know how pupils dilate on xanax and dexedrine and she acted like a cop could arrest me for my pupils which was just redic. She mentioned vicodin and other drugs which had again no relevance to my visit and said she cannot post date scripts and basically said I have to come in on the dates I need them. A big concern was the fact my ears have been full of fluid and I asked her to look and she was more concerned about xanax at a dose I didnt ask for and it really ticked me off. I dont hate her but I think it may be time to move on?It is MY choice right?

I have a psychiatrist apt soon with a new doctor so I want input on whether I should completely stop going to this doctor because this is Stupid. She even acted like ativan and xanax are the same. I really dont understand this and I want input. I have an amphetamine issue not abuse just dependence my benzo use makes me function so this is what I find stupid. SHE ALSO wanted me to do a 20 dqy detox which is wayyyyy too short and I am not ready for that. Is this sound like I should just look for a new gp or what? The psychiatrist I am seeing seems to be a good guy so I dont think there will be issues. input anyone?
Click to expand...

I absolutely recommend finding a new doctor who understands the basic facts about benzo dependency, there is nothing wrong or suspicious about that. Its up to you to solicit the proper medical care you need, nobody is responsible for your health but you. If you feel your doctor is incompetent (which she is), you must find a new doctor -- and quickly. There are plenty of psychiatrists out there who will be more accommodating about your medications.

That being said, staying on benzos is a sucker's game. I would recommend beginning a slow, gradual diazepam taper as soon as you get to a point in your life where that's feasible.
 
Yeah, time to talk to another doctor by the sounds of it. My doctor has been tapering me on diazepam for 2 years now. As quick as doctors like to do tapers, they don't just stop people from taking benzos when on a dose that high.
 
Thank you to the poster who made my rambling worry into something more readable. I really am just waiting for my last script then not seeing this doctor again but theres no Red Flag raised she just doesn't understand. I also want to say she Doesn't even want a taper and thinks 20 days of detox will be enough. I am just sooo confused at why doctors think certain medications are not for long term when people take Diazepam until the day they die for instance. She isn't a "cunt" I could never say that because the Irony is that when I started seeing her for my meds she agreed with me on so many things and she is well awate I do NOT take Benzodiazepines to catch a buzz of any sort. Why would Any doctor send a 6 year benzodiazepine patient to a short fucking Hell of a detox? This is the part I do Not get One bit.


She mentioned that one day I wont even get relief from the medecine anymore which is whyI asked for Diazepam as a preferred medication as its best for long term. She then mentioned that I will start getting all these cramps and weird symptoms I have not Ever heard of for any Long Term Benzo patient. I guess All I can do is pray this Psychiatrist appointment I have goes well. The odd thing was she does Not care about amphetamines just the benzos. It just Sounds Stuupiiiddd.

On top of all the randomness she mentioned her worry for getting a call one day about me in jail which Seriously Serriooussslllyyy did Not add up. I went In today to Get my Dexedrine refilled and I was ignored for nearly a half hour so I guess its pretty obvious.
 
I agree you would need the taper but I believe after so long benzos do not help. In fact, I believe they make the situation worst while you become more physically/mentally dependent with a growing tolerance you also mess with the GABA in your brain. After using benzos for so long they definitely have the potential to throw your brain chemistry off. I can see why your doctor suggested coming off of it, in the long run benzos will not help out your situation. Switching to diazepam is not going to help either, you're going to run into many of the same issues with that as well. I went down the benzo route before and nothing good comes from it.
 
I am Well aware of Alll long term issues associated with long term benzodiazepine use but if you think getting someone off benzodiazepines when they are Not even ready then you Are foolish. I really dont care about Your Route you went down. You are Not ME. I make the call on what my body needs and doesn't need so please do not rant like this in serious topics. My doctor is trying to scare tactic me and even tried saying the whole process is PAINLESS After commenting I wouldn't be able to move for a "few days" which is Very unprofessional. People can make claimslike what You just did way to much. You cannot compare your body to My body functions. Well you can but its really not needed. Thanks though.



switching to Diazepam would make a big difference. Look at a half Life chart. I was on Diazepam for a few years and it never really gave me rebound like short acting benzos. I do not think you are reading what I am saying/said.
 
Like I said, long term use of benzos leads to worser conditions, when it comes down to it a lot of people are never ready to give it up. I think looking for a solution through benzos is only going to make things worse, I'm not comparing you to me or anybody else thats just the reality of using these type of drugs.I agree with the taper, even swithcing to phenobarbital never helped me personally. The reality is benzos, should never be prescribed for long term usage. For someone who seems like they're looking for a solution to their anxiety or whatever condition at hand, benzos make it worst.

No need to take offense.
 
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I'm not a doctor, but I'm telling you the reality of it.
I can see how after using benzos for seven years, you'd hate to give it up.
 
I just went off of 6mg daily lorazepam after 4 years. I was ready to get off, which differs greatly from your situation. I did it in three months without the doctor telling me to. I made sure that I still had some when I went from .5 mg per day to the cut off. I had some sore muscles, but that was about it. As far as your next shrink goes, in my experience just smile, be pleasant, and thank him for helping you. Shrinks are well aware of the danger involved with benzo withdrawal, so he probably won't tell you to get off of them if they help you.

Lose the female doctor. She sounds pretty screwed up Why would she want you to go off of benzos if they help you? there are a lot of GP's out there willing to help you. Lose her, and find someone interested in helping you.

Good luck and I wish you the best.
 
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BananasAndOranges, I am so sorry you are having a hard time. It does sound like your doctor is being unfair and unreasonably difficult, which is the last thing you need <3

I agree that if you feel like your doctor isn't listening to you or meeting your medical needs anymore, you should maybe look for someone else. Sometimes we have to accept that what we want perhaps isn't actually what is best for us, and sometimes doctors tell us things we don't want to hear - but it is important to be able to have a proper dicussion with our doctors and feel like our views are being respected. It is your choice whether you stay on the medication, taper down, or detox, and it doesn't sound like your doctor is respecting that from what you say. Let us know how it goes with your psychiatrist - good luck! :) <3

Regarding long term benzo use - there are differing opinions about that; in the UK, doctors do tend to take the view that long-term benzo use is detrimental due to addiction/tolerance but also the fact that it does seem to exacerbate depression/low mood, and it is extremely difficult to get them prescribed for anything other than short term. Therapy such as CBT or counselling, and SSRIs (amongst other medications) are far more commonly used here. There is a very different culture in America, and being British it took me by surprise initially how many people on BL are prescribed benzos long-term. I would definitely have a think about whether there are any negative aspects to staying on them long term and if you would like to do a taper, but don't feel pushed into anything and if you want to stay on them, then it is entiely your choice <3

I am not saying which approach is correct - my personal opinion is that they aren't an ideal long term medication for various reasons, and do tend to mask the problem and potentially make matters worse, but others have different opinions. Ultimately it is B&A's choice and while opinions and advice are valued, it is important to respect their autonomy to make that choice <3
 
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lets try not degrade or disparage input that is merely giving different perspectives/view points. We're all here to support each other. TDS staff does an excellent job of handling those whose intentions aren't exactly pure so there's no need for any of us to be at each other's throats. We're all on the same team
 
^ indeed, sorry if I wasn't very clear (has been a long day!) - respect goes both ways and we are all trying to help each other here, expressiong opinions, advice and support is what TDS is about :) <3
 
I Dunno if I have mentioned this because a lot of these answers kinda threw me. She gave me More Xanax than I will even take. I get One more Refill and then I am going to have a talk with her. I guess I should tell everyone Why detox Is Not even a question. I am on MMT and have been for 3? years. I am doing tapers there and I am working on That.

To me its an embarrassing issue. I turned gross junkie for way to long and I was told its my decision whether or not I let any doctor I see know asusually if you tell them especially being young they wont help and wont meet your standards. I always read interactions and Know whats dumb. I follow my pill directions and know whens enough.

I still think Prozac cold turkeyd after years of use made my anxiety way bad. I would hardly talk off of Benzodiazepines. Im not oblivious to any long term effects of prolonged long term benzo usage. I do think a tapers good bit once I got my life straight job wise and everything wise. I know that I always got best Effects from Xanax but I mentioned Diazepam as it treated me with less rebound. I would like to get a sleep aid like serax for insomnia at times and I do feel all the benefitsright now outweigh negatives
 
For a taper, you can also explore the option of Klonopin and its also possible to start your taper with the script you have. Its going to be hard and expect to go through some difficulties involving both mental and physical withdrawals. I'd look into possibly using Lyrica to aid with your nerves, it also acts an anti-seisure med as well which also has anxiolytic effects which should make things easier. A lot of doctors are ignorant on issues like this and I do believe there isn't enough emphasis put on addictive medicine in their training but perhaps if you're considering a taper it may be in your best interest to find a good addictionologist whose willing to help .
 
I do believe that your physician ultimately has your best interests in mind. However, you disagree, which has left you in a position where you may
have to choose a new physician. You may have difficulty locating ANY physician who is willing to prescribe benzos in the amount in which you take.
It doesn't matter if you tell the doctor that "I never take that much, I just want you to write the prescription that way." Doctors don't work that way, and
for good reason: they have your health to protect, especially given the fact that you are on a number of different medications.

My advice to you would be to schedule another appointment with your current physician and try to remain open-minded. It's a dialogue between
two people, but ultimately, it's her call. She's not going to leave you hanging in the breeze because that would not be responsible either, but you
cannot expect her, or any doctor for that matter, to simply do as you wish.


And a doctor can NEVER EVER put a date on a script that is different from the that it was written--that is a good way for a
doctor to lose their DEA registration.
 
Do as I wish? I don't think asking for 4mgs of Xanax and getting 6mgs was anything I Asked for. What the hell? Does no one read? I dont go to doctors and just ask them for scripts but I Always let them know about medications I have been on for a good part of my life. You guys really are Rude. Do you not see the whole flaw of this? I would never Taper on Just Xanax. Thats not how you taper. To the person who just said switch to Klonopin would you stop trying to be right? Read. I cannot take Klonopin due to very Nasty paradoxical effects which is why I mentioned Diazepam which is why you need to stop talking about your benzo "road" when my questions have been answered already by other posters. Damn if this is where people post for help I dont see any help in the last 2 posts. I am not disobeying my doctor nor have I mentioned leaving this one as I said my doctor is far from a cunt, which is what someone posted. I think I need to ask why I would see and addionologist when Im dependent not an addict. I dont sit around and eat Xanax to feel "good". I take benzos because they help me function normally and I am far more of a vegetable when I wasnt on the med.
 
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