Posted by fachad on August 27, 2002, at 14:30:46
In reply to Re: doctors and stimulants, posted by awake at last on August 27, 2002, at 9:42:46
I don't know for sure, but I'd bet that this person's doc is not holding out because he thinks he is lazy, or it's all in his head.
He's holding out because stimulants are Schedule II Controlled Substances, and asking for them could be construed as "drug seeking behavior".
Docs are specifically trained not to give stimulants for fatigue or apathy, and they are under pressure from the DEA not to over prescribe controlled substances or prescribe them "off label".
I really hate this situation, but it is very common with all controlled substances (e.g., stimulants, benzodiazepines, narcotic pain killers, etc.)
People with legimate need get excluded from treatment to avoid prescribing for a potential abuser.
See this prior post on this situation:
The Controlled Substance Catch-22
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020416/msgs/103521.html
-fachad
> I'm a true believer in finding one's true illness and curing that when possible, and not using meds to just cover the symptoms, if a root problems exists that isn't treated, it will only get worse and more meds will be required over time. But sometimes there are no cures and treating the symptoms is all that is available.
> I would be curious as to why this doctor doesn't want to give you stimulants, especially if you've been diagnosed with ADD. ADD can definitely be causing the apathy and lethargy. If you doctor is holding back on these meds in order to allow for further dianosing - that's one thing. But if your doctor is making you feel as if you are just being lazy or that this is all in your head - it's time to move on to another doc.
> I can give you a suggestion of another med to try - especially if you stay with this doctor. If you are looking for a med to help increase motivation and alertness - request to try Provigil (Modafinil) instead of the Ritalin. Provigil is the new replacement drug for Ritalin and other stimulants in the treatment of Narcolepsy. They are currently testing it for ADD with positive results so far. This may give you the lift you need without the worry (or your Dr's worry) of stimulant side-effects.
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> > hello,
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> > My prescriber makes me feel like using a stimulant to improve my quality of life is "cheating"--my current med combo is:
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> > celexa 40mg
> > lamictal 50mg
> > anafranil 50mg
> > ritalin 5mg 2x's p day
> >
> > We recently added the ritalin at my request (it was like pulling teeth) in order to address my symptoms of apathy and lethargy. it really seems to be the missing ingredient. I have recurrent major depression--the atypical sort--as well as symptoms of inattentive add and social anxiety.
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> > My prescriber warns that it's risky to use stims long term and that research has shown that it is not useful for apathy or lethargy. From what I've seen and read this is not always true, but when I offered my own research she said "I'm the doctor here".
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> > What do you think about stimulant augmentation in the short and long term? And what do you think of docs with God complexes?
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poster:fachad
thread:117811
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020821/msgs/117952.html