What's the best way to answer the drug pushers?

KittyQ · 12-03-2010, 05:25 PM

I would like input from anyone, whose mind is working better than mine is currently, as to what to say to people, doctors included, who seem to think the only answer is to be on these drugs.

I have been off Paxil for 19 months. I don't think reinstating it at this point would be a good idea. I think it would be a horrible mistake. But I find myself arguing with those, doctors included, who don't believe me. I'd like a very sane way of answering them that perhaps I could even memorize (sort of a joke), so I didn't sound like a stupid, crazy person who doesn't know what's best for themselves.

Thanks

KittyQ

LCrawford67 · 12-03-2010, 05:47 PM

What are you arguing with them about, Kitty? What don't they believe?

KittyQ · 12-03-2010, 05:58 PM

They think I'm wrong. That I need the Paxil. That I'm wrong to try to keep going this way, (withdrawal), when I could just take the pill and it would all go away. I don't think I'm convincing them that I'm right about not wanting to do that and that it would not work anyway.

I realize many here have run into this as well and I thought perhaps someone had come up with a good way of explaining why the pills are not the answer.

LCrawford67 · 12-03-2010, 06:12 PM

Well, quite simply you need to just be firm and say, "I'm off Paxil and intend on staying off. Period." Of course, onl you know what your discussions are with people, but maybe it's best not to bring it up as much, if at all. Unless a person's been through w/d, or been close to someone who has, they don't understand. So, when they see (or hear about) your suffering, their first response is to tell you to get back on and feel better. It's not malicious; it's just ignorance.

You can also say, You're days of taking a pill to get you by are done and you're just looking for some support and understanding while you adjust.

As for doctors, it's just easy to give folks a "shut 'em up pill" and that be the end of it. If your doctor isn't working with you, find a new doctor.

KittyQ · 12-03-2010, 06:14 PM

Also, they think the withdrawal is not my problem, but, are my old issues coming back or that I must have developed new ones.... ( This horrible? This drastic? ) Like so many others, my symptoms are not anything I have ever experienced before. You know, that old argument....

KittyQ

KittyQ · 12-03-2010, 06:21 PM

Thanks Laurie, I like the "My days of taking a pill to get by are done......", response. I can use that. If I had unlimited funds, I'd keep looking for a doctor who understood, but, I'm on Ahcccs and don't have those options right now. I am going for counseling next week, though, so I'll see what happens and I'll use you suggestion if the issue comes up.

Hope I get an intelligent person.....!

KittyQ

LCrawford67 · 12-03-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KittyQ

Thanks Laurie, I like the "My days of taking a pill to get by are done......", response. I can use that. If I had unlimited funds, I'd keep looking for a doctor who understood, but, I'm on Ahcccs and don't have those options right now. I am going for counseling next week, though, so I'll see what happens and I'll use you suggestion if the issue comes up.

Hope I get an intelligent person.....!

KittyQ

And that's ok, if you can't switch doctors. Just as long as you remember he works for you; you don't work for him.

You just tell people, along with the "pill taking days are done" that you will find other ways to deal with your issues - whether they be w/d or original issues. You will handle this YOUR way and without a pill

KittyQ · 12-03-2010, 07:36 PM

Thanks, Laurie. That helps me a lot. Just needed some reassurance about sticking to my guns. It helps just feeling that there are other people who understand what I'm doing. As you know, the withdrawal takes a toll on ones self-confidence.

KittyQ

NoRx4me · 12-03-2010, 08:14 PM

KittyQ,

I know exactly what you're talking about (I think). When I went to a neurologist shortly after coming off meds I was terrified and I didn't have the right things to say when he suggested I may need to go back on meds. I was shaking and mumbling and just jumped off the table and started to put my shoes on to get out of there as fast as possible.

I still get nervous to go to doctors even though I don't think I'll ever mention my history again.

As for family, I'm still looking for the words to one day explain what these drugs did to me. However, I stopped talking about what was going on with me to them almost two years ago. They had said to me, I may need to see a psychiatrist and it terrified me that I couldn't put into words that the problems I was having were caused by a psychiatrist. After that day, my respons to "Hi... How are you?" was; "just fine... and you".

Hang in there.

GraceC · 12-03-2010, 08:23 PM

Have you asked your doctors for an alternate solution to The Pill?

KittyQ · 12-03-2010, 08:34 PM

NoRx4me, you got it.
See, I couldn't even say exactly what I was trying to ask....very well. I'm sure part of it is from the withdrawal as well, not finding the words you want. You have the concept in you head but no intelligent way of expressing it. By the time I get past all the "uhs", and "duhs" and studders struggling to find the right words, I sound like an idiot.

Good advice to just stop trying with some people. As for doctors, they seem like such robots anymore. I don't go to them unless I have to, but, what happened to really listening to patients? It sure beats me.

KittyQ

KittyQ · 12-03-2010, 08:43 PM

GraceC,

Thanks for answering.

Yes I did ask for any other solutions. I asked if there was anything else that wouldn't mess with my brain that would help calm me down. Evidently not. I wasn't surprised. The only other suggestion was to get counseling. That's fine and I'm hoping I find some coping skills doing that.

I think, one of these days not too far off, the proverbial "poo" is really going to hit the fan concerning all of this........and "they" won't be able to deny it any longer.

KittyQ

GraceC · 12-03-2010, 09:54 PM

Hi KittyQ. I am sending you best wishes. You are correct: "Coping Skills" are key words. Counseling helped me a lot. Counseling is hard work and we must be active participants. When I achieved the willingness to get better and accepted the fact that I needed to do the legwork, life became easier.

Pat Shields · 12-03-2010, 09:58 PM

Been there, done that, I said, "Whatever we decide to do, I will NEVER take an SSRI again." What could they do but agree with me and find alternative treatments?

And after 19 months? Nonononononono, don't go back on it or any other. I mean, 5 more months is 2 years away!

spikenala · 12-04-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KittyQ

NoRx4me, you got it.
See, I couldn't even say exactly what I was trying to ask....very well. I'm sure part of it is from the withdrawal as well, not finding the words you want. You have the concept in you head but no intelligent way of expressing it. By the time I get past all the "uhs", and "duhs" and studders struggling to find the right words, I sound like an idiot.

Good advice to just stop trying with some people. As for doctors, they seem like such robots anymore. I don't go to them unless I have to, but, what happened to really listening to patients? It sure beats me.

KittyQ

Thats the way things have come to be in this country. Docs dont have the time to spend with patients anymore because of increasing overhead. Its a sad state. We actually have a class in my medical school on dealing with ethics....and how to balance production vs actually listening to and spending time with your patients. If you are in a practice and you arent up to the quota of patients your other partners have set....guess where you end up? Is it right? Hell no...but its just the way it is at this point...and the reason so many people end up in our shoes.

On a side note....we had a hematology lecture yesterday on porphyria....and how there are porphyria patients out there who are marginalized and written off as psych cases...when their issues are due to a genetic disorder which can be triggered by environmental changes. I was THRILLED this was mentioned...and I just hope it stuck in peoples mind that somatic issues can cause psychiatric symptoms

Pat Shields · 12-04-2010, 04:55 PM

Dear Dutchguy, you said:

Quote:

The only way out is through

You get a gold star for the year, too!

Chime in more often, we like to hear from you. I"M the one who should chime out more often.

demotivated · 12-04-2010, 05:29 PM

It is really kind of funny...one time I was so fed up with saying "no" to drugs but having the psychs push them anyway (and suggest that my refusal was a sign of non-compliance).

So I said I'm allergic to....

Paxil
Prozac
Zoloft
Klonopin
Geodon
...all pills (psychiatric)

Actually I wouldn't suggest this route because it is a lie - but damn I was just frustrated (but then I ended up telling the truth later)

KittyQ · 12-04-2010, 05:31 PM

Ok, demotivated, that really made me laugh!!!!!!!! Thanks for the giggle.

KittyQ

12-03-2010, 05:25 PM	#1
KittyQ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 255	What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? I would like input from anyone, whose mind is working better than mine is currently, as to what to say to people, doctors included, who seem to think the only answer is to be on these drugs. I have been off Paxil for 19 months. I don't think reinstating it at this point would be a good idea. I think it would be a horrible mistake. But I find myself arguing with those, doctors included, who don't believe me. I'd like a very sane way of answering them that perhaps I could even memorize (sort of a joke), so I didn't sound like a stupid, crazy person who doesn't know what's best for themselves. Thanks KittyQ

12-03-2010, 05:47 PM	#2
LCrawford67 Moderator "Everybody poops" Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 34,483	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? What are you arguing with them about, Kitty? What don't they believe? __________________ aka LC aka Laurie C. Paxil, 20 mg since 1997, for IBS Two unsuccessful attempts to quit. Started tapering 11/27/06 PAXIL FREE 12/29/07 Today is the best day, EVER!

12-03-2010, 05:58 PM	#3
KittyQ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 255	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? They think I'm wrong. That I need the Paxil. That I'm wrong to try to keep going this way, (withdrawal), when I could just take the pill and it would all go away. I don't think I'm convincing them that I'm right about not wanting to do that and that it would not work anyway. I realize many here have run into this as well and I thought perhaps someone had come up with a good way of explaining why the pills are not the answer. __________________ _______________________________________ CT off 40mg Paxil, Apriil, 2009

12-03-2010, 06:12 PM	#4
LCrawford67 Moderator "Everybody poops" Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 34,483	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? Well, quite simply you need to just be firm and say, "I'm off Paxil and intend on staying off. Period." Of course, onl you know what your discussions are with people, but maybe it's best not to bring it up as much, if at all. Unless a person's been through w/d, or been close to someone who has, they don't understand. So, when they see (or hear about) your suffering, their first response is to tell you to get back on and feel better. It's not malicious; it's just ignorance. You can also say, You're days of taking a pill to get you by are done and you're just looking for some support and understanding while you adjust. As for doctors, it's just easy to give folks a "shut 'em up pill" and that be the end of it. If your doctor isn't working with you, find a new doctor. __________________ aka LC aka Laurie C. Paxil, 20 mg since 1997, for IBS Two unsuccessful attempts to quit. Started tapering 11/27/06 PAXIL FREE 12/29/07 Today is the best day, EVER!

12-03-2010, 06:14 PM	#5
KittyQ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 255	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? Also, they think the withdrawal is not my problem, but, are my old issues coming back or that I must have developed new ones.... ( This horrible? This drastic? ) Like so many others, my symptoms are not anything I have ever experienced before. You know, that old argument.... KittyQ __________________ _______________________________________ CT off 40mg Paxil, Apriil, 2009

12-03-2010, 06:21 PM	#6
KittyQ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 255	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? Thanks Laurie, I like the "My days of taking a pill to get by are done......", response. I can use that. If I had unlimited funds, I'd keep looking for a doctor who understood, but, I'm on Ahcccs and don't have those options right now. I am going for counseling next week, though, so I'll see what happens and I'll use you suggestion if the issue comes up. Hope I get an intelligent person.....! KittyQ __________________ _______________________________________ CT off 40mg Paxil, Apriil, 2009

12-03-2010, 07:36 PM	#8
KittyQ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 255	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? Thanks, Laurie. That helps me a lot. Just needed some reassurance about sticking to my guns. It helps just feeling that there are other people who understand what I'm doing. As you know, the withdrawal takes a toll on ones self-confidence. KittyQ __________________ _______________________________________ CT off 40mg Paxil, Apriil, 2009

12-03-2010, 08:14 PM	#9
NoRx4me Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 2,534	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? KittyQ, I know exactly what you're talking about (I think). When I went to a neurologist shortly after coming off meds I was terrified and I didn't have the right things to say when he suggested I may need to go back on meds. I was shaking and mumbling and just jumped off the table and started to put my shoes on to get out of there as fast as possible. I still get nervous to go to doctors even though I don't think I'll ever mention my history again. As for family, I'm still looking for the words to one day explain what these drugs did to me. However, I stopped talking about what was going on with me to them almost two years ago. They had said to me, I may need to see a psychiatrist and it terrified me that I couldn't put into words that the problems I was having were caused by a psychiatrist. After that day, my respons to "Hi... How are you?" was; "just fine... and you". Hang in there. __________________ Poly-drugged for 13 years (SSRI's and Lamictal for most of that time). Ended up on 4 meds (Cymbalta, Lamictal, Vyvanse & Lithium) before losing my mind, then realizing the drugs were MAKING me ill. Drug free since 9/27/08

12-03-2010, 08:23 PM	#10
GraceC Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 435	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? Have you asked your doctors for an alternate solution to The Pill? __________________ 2002 - Paxil 20 mg for anxiety and panic. Got sober from alcohol addiction 2005 - Unsuccessful four-month withdrawal 20 to 5 mg. Back up to 20 2008 - Another failed withdrawal. Back to 20 Oct 2010 - 20 to 10 mg. Nov - Dec 2010 - Stabilizing at 10 mg. Jan 2011 - 9 mg. Feb 2011 - 8.1 mg March 2011 - 7.3 mg April 2011 - 6.6 mg May 5, 2011 - 5.9 mg May 26, 2011 - 5.3 mg June 10, 2011 - 4.8 mg July 4, 2011 - 4.3 mg July 25, 2011 - 3.9 mg Aug, 2011 - 7 mg Aug, 2011 - 10 mg

12-03-2010, 08:34 PM	#11
KittyQ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 255	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? NoRx4me, you got it. See, I couldn't even say exactly what I was trying to ask....very well. I'm sure part of it is from the withdrawal as well, not finding the words you want. You have the concept in you head but no intelligent way of expressing it. By the time I get past all the "uhs", and "duhs" and studders struggling to find the right words, I sound like an idiot. Good advice to just stop trying with some people. As for doctors, they seem like such robots anymore. I don't go to them unless I have to, but, what happened to really listening to patients? It sure beats me. KittyQ __________________ _______________________________________ CT off 40mg Paxil, Apriil, 2009

12-03-2010, 08:43 PM	#12
KittyQ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 255	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? GraceC, Thanks for answering. Yes I did ask for any other solutions. I asked if there was anything else that wouldn't mess with my brain that would help calm me down. Evidently not. I wasn't surprised. The only other suggestion was to get counseling. That's fine and I'm hoping I find some coping skills doing that. I think, one of these days not too far off, the proverbial "poo" is really going to hit the fan concerning all of this........and "they" won't be able to deny it any longer. KittyQ __________________ _______________________________________ CT off 40mg Paxil, Apriil, 2009

12-03-2010, 09:54 PM	#13
GraceC Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 435	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? Hi KittyQ. I am sending you best wishes. You are correct: "Coping Skills" are key words. Counseling helped me a lot. Counseling is hard work and we must be active participants. When I achieved the willingness to get better and accepted the fact that I needed to do the legwork, life became easier. __________________ 2002 - Paxil 20 mg for anxiety and panic. Got sober from alcohol addiction 2005 - Unsuccessful four-month withdrawal 20 to 5 mg. Back up to 20 2008 - Another failed withdrawal. Back to 20 Oct 2010 - 20 to 10 mg. Nov - Dec 2010 - Stabilizing at 10 mg. Jan 2011 - 9 mg. Feb 2011 - 8.1 mg March 2011 - 7.3 mg April 2011 - 6.6 mg May 5, 2011 - 5.9 mg May 26, 2011 - 5.3 mg June 10, 2011 - 4.8 mg July 4, 2011 - 4.3 mg July 25, 2011 - 3.9 mg Aug, 2011 - 7 mg Aug, 2011 - 10 mg

12-03-2010, 09:58 PM	#14
Pat Shields Ms. Pee Pee!! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ft. Leonard Wood/Lebanon, Missouri area Posts: 8,392	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? Been there, done that, I said, "Whatever we decide to do, I will NEVER take an SSRI again." What could they do but agree with me and find alternative treatments? And after 19 months? Nonononononono, don't go back on it or any other. I mean, 5 more months is 2 years away!

12-04-2010, 05:29 PM	#18
demotivated Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 132	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? It is really kind of funny...one time I was so fed up with saying "no" to drugs but having the psychs push them anyway (and suggest that my refusal was a sign of non-compliance). So I said I'm allergic to.... Paxil Prozac Zoloft Klonopin Geodon ...all pills (psychiatric) Actually I wouldn't suggest this route because it is a lie - but damn I was just frustrated (but then I ended up telling the truth later) __________________ 2002-2009 - 2 months of Paxil, switched to Zoloft and been on that on & off w/ a few vacations in-between. Gradual taper off Zoloft 2010 - 18 months med-free lingering symptoms: anhedonia, emotional numbness, retained capacity to experience negative emotion, low tolerance to stress

12-04-2010, 05:31 PM	#19
KittyQ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 255	Re: What's the best way to answer the drug pushers? Ok, demotivated, that really made me laugh!!!!!!!! Thanks for the giggle. KittyQ __________________ _______________________________________ CT off 40mg Paxil, Apriil, 2009

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