ladyturkey217 Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 So my psychiatrist and I decided to start me on Lamictal about 2 months ago for BP2, and due to my just fabulous panic attacks and freaky stress levels, he also gave me klonopin to take as needed- nothing too major, .5mg. So at my first follow up appointment with him 3 weeks later, I told him the klonopin weren't really all that grand, and I remembered liking lorazepam which had once been prescribed to me by my PCP before my diagnosis (just 2 pills- ever) for a really scary dentist appointment. He shrugged and said I could totally have that instead. Well, now I know why. It's not nearly as effective as the klonopin for me in terms of calming me the heck down when I'm overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. But now here's the problem: I'm afraid to tell him i want the klonopin back because I am terrified he's going to think I'm a junkie or something! I feel like such a loser. Is it okay to ask him for the klonopin again? I was originally given just 30 .5mg tablets, and 9 weeks later i still have 3 left, so I know I'm not a junkie or anything... Maybe I've just watched too many ER episodes, and I worry that everyone is a junkie or lying. What do you guys think? and how should I ask?! My appt is tomorrow! THANKS!!! L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SashaSue Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 It's totally fine to ask to go back to the klonopin. He's not going to think you're a junky for finding one benzo more effective than another. Really. Promise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cetkat Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Agreed. There shouldn't be any problem whatsoever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarie Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 It's fine to prefer one med over another, and to learn by trial and error. Your pdoc should have no problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justme04 Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 i agree with everyone else. it's fine to ask for one medication over another one. I'm sure that your doctor will want you to have what works best for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladyturkey217 Posted June 22, 2011 Author Share Posted June 22, 2011 whew! thanks guys! I really appriciate it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 A lot of docs prefer klonopin over the other benzos anyway. You should not have a problem. Just explain to him that you've now tried the other benzos and k controls your sx better This really should not be a big deal. anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodoldneon Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 I feel the same. I’ve discussed my past drug use and abuse (never benzos) with my pdoc, and as a result, I’m reluctant to discuss dosage increases or med changes as they relate to them, the benzos. I was originally prescribed lorazepam, and in worked well, but a bit too spiky. It came on strong, great for acute panic attacks, but wore off just as quickly. I occasionally suffer from sudden onset attacks, but my real problem is an ever present, more generalized mid-grade anxiety. We discussed this, and she switched me to clonazepam – a much better fit – however, now I’m in need of a dose increase – I’m taking .5 twice a day at the moment. She recently upped my Cymbalta from 60 to 90 mgs – this is the second increase, and with each one, my anxiety ratchets up a bit (plus, I’m 6’3, 240 pounds with the constitution of a rhino, so, I often require a little bit more than the average dose). I’m seeing her this afternoon, and it’s on my list of subjects to discuss, but I will do so reluctantly because of the stigma attached to benzos. End of rant. Report back and let us know how it goes, please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowen Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 My doc isn't a benzo doc, but he was perfectly fine with me asking for a benzo. He didn't think I was a junkie. And shit, he prescribed one of my choosing. No biggie. Worst they can say is no. It's always good to ask for what you want. You pay their paycheck. So long as you're polite and respectful, it shouldn't be an issue. Hope your appointment went well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.