whoa, I take a lot of crap

[sdjeff]

Ok,

Dx: nobody can seem to agree. The latest MMPI shows: Atypical Bipolar Disorder with psychotic features, Borderline personality Disorder, Some Type A and antisocial traits. I also have some problems with scoliosis causing neck and lower back pain. In short, I'm not a happy camper.

I take:

DAILY

1500 Depakote ER

200 luvox

2 mg cogentin

1.5 mg Risperdal.

PRN (might as well be daily)

Darvocet

Temazepam

Vistaril

Zyperxa

Valium (unofficialy)

So I was thinking the other day that perhaps I'm ovemedicated. The side effects even after nearly a year are terrible. The problem is every time I play with this combo bad things begin to happen. I'm trying to methodically reduce my daily meds because of the side effects.

Right now I only have a GP who is willing to prescribe the meds. He will not change them around. I would need a pdoc's opinion and that's not going to happen anytime soon.

So I'm trying to field some opinions about my combo. My next option would be a hospital stay I have no money for.

Any ideas?

[AirMarshall]

Thats asking a lot for people here to suggest med changes in a complex case, over a doctor's firm decision.

I'm skeptical about diagnosing multiple psych features with an MMPI, especially if someone just threw you the test. Did you get a work up from a Neuropsychologist or other psych professional for these dx?

My feeling is that you need to scrape together the means to see a psychiatrist to confirm diagnoses, and tune your meds. Pdocs are the experts at this.

Good luck,

a.m.

[LunaRufina]

So I was thinking the other day that perhaps I'm ovemedicated. The side effects even after nearly a year are terrible. The problem is every time I play with this combo bad things begin to happen. I'm trying to methodically reduce my daily meds because of the side effects.

The side effects might be really bad because your med combo produces a long list of interactions and contraindications and a few of them may also have increase effects as a result. And I really can't believe that your GP is willing to prescribe so many meds to you. To me, personally, I am just very very surprised.

You probably are over medicated or improperly medicated but at this point, trying to change it yourself or with your GP certainly won't be as good as seeing a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

You really really need to figure out how to do this. NAMI usually has resources for you to find local providers with affordable treatment or your GP may be able to suggest somewhere or find somewhere for you to inquire.

You need to find someone other than your GP to prescribe your meds though. And that makes much more sense than the hospital.

Do you get assistance with the cost of your meds? If not, would that help so you could afford treatment more easily?

[sdjeff]

Thanks for your input. I wasn't really looking for someone to come along and magically change my meds. It would be nice, but not feasible.

Some good news: My parents own a business and they found a good pdoc to trade with. In fact he is some sort of director of the hospital I went to.

The meds are partially covered through a woefully inadequate state policy.

I am also surprised at the amount of meds I'm on. the fact that I am so sensetive to side effects doesn't help. I've been through some 20 or so meds, not counting the ones I'm on now. The problem is (yes, I know, bad idea) When I try to withdraw a med, even if very slowly my symptoms come back. Thats why I am worried about the hospital. I go from zero to acute very fast.

Anyway, I don't really know why I posted. I guess I'm just looking for some sympathy. Sigh...