Conflicting Advice with Doc - HELP

[Wee T]

OK, I'm very confused.
Just saw my psych and outlined to him my plans for WD.
When I mentioned liquid paxil, he sais I wouldn't need it and to use a pill cutter. Also, he said to cut out the zyprexa first as it would be "interesting to see what effect it has"!!!!!
Started magnesium, fish oil and valerian yesterday but not sure what to do regarding my meds???
HELP

[Katesmom]

<sigh> Well, it is possible to taper using a pill cutter, but not as slowly and not with as much control. He obviously wants you to cut much more quickly than we would recommend.

These are your options:

1. Using 10mg pills, quarter them with a pill cutter and taper by 2.5mg every 3-5 weeks depending on symptoms.

2. Call your doctor and tell him that you are having trouble cutting the pills. Tell him they are too small or not cutting at all evenly or whatever BS you want to say and ask again for the liquid in the hopes that he complies.

3. Get a different doctor who will comply.

Those are your only options.

[Wee T]

Thanks for this - I really appreciate it - just felt a bit down in the dumps after my appointment as I had a great plan (I thought) that he disagreed with.

Wee t

[Katesmom]

Originally Posted by Wee T

Thanks for this - I really appreciate it - just felt a bit down in the dumps after my appointment as I had a great plan (I thought) that he disagreed with.

Wee t

It frustrates the hell out of me when a patient goes in with a CONSERVATIVE plan and the doc opts for something more radical because that is his standard plan. He doesn't have to live it!

[altostrata]

See http://www.paxilprogress.org/forums/...ighlight=idiot

It will be "interesting" to see you quit Zyprexa? What is this guy, a sadist?

[summer bee]

watch the valerian -- that stuff made me EXTRA sleepy when i had it a few times during withdrawal! please use only the smallest amount that you need in order to get to sleep

[smithkat]

I go to my first psych appointment on Monday and I was REALLY hoping I would be able to get liquid paxil. I tried weaning off of 10mg using a pill cutter, cutting by approx 2.5 mg but it didnt work well for me. i dont know if the drop of 2.5 was too big for me or the fact that I only had two week intervals. Maybe if I stayed on for longer periiods of time it would have been better. Everyone is different though...
How have others gotten the liquid paxil?
Did you just have doctors that were more understanding?
Does insurance cover it?

[Katesmom]

Originally Posted by smithkat

I go to my first psych appointment on Monday and I was REALLY hoping I would be able to get liquid paxil. I tried weaning off of 10mg using a pill cutter, cutting by approx 2.5 mg but it didnt work well for me. i dont know if the drop of 2.5 was too big for me or the fact that I only had two week intervals. Maybe if I stayed on for longer periiods of time it would have been better. Everyone is different though...
How have others gotten the liquid paxil?
Did you just have doctors that were more understanding?
Does insurance cover it?

Doctors have to write a Rx for the liquid. Yes, people have found doctors who are either more understanding or who will simply 'play ball.' Sometimes insurance covers it, sometimes not. It depends on your coverage. The good news is that the liquid is now available in generic.

[nicemom]

I think he doesn't think you need the liquid because he thinks hes going to taper you quickly. He is not listening to you and that would tick me off.

No matter what~you insist on the liquid!!! What the heck is it with these docs? Tell him if he doesn't wite a script for the liquid you will go to another doc and not give him your business.

You will have to check with your insurance co to make sure they cover it. The pharmacy might be able to do that for you.

[Gino]

Valerian is REAL strong. And makes you VERY tired. Try small amounts and build up to it

[Fleet86]

Originally Posted by Katesmom

<sigh> Well, it is possible to taper using a pill cutter, but not as slowly and not with as much control. He obviously wants you to cut much more quickly than we would recommend.

These are your options:

1. Using 10mg pills, quarter them with a pill cutter and taper by 2.5mg every 3-5 weeks depending on symptoms.

2. Call your doctor and tell him that you are having trouble cutting the pills. Tell him they are too small or not cutting at all evenly or whatever BS you want to say and ask again for the liquid in the hopes that he complies.

3. Get a different doctor who will comply.

Those are your only options.

Hi Wee T,

It's so odd - some doctors just will NOT prescribe the liquid. It is readily available on the NHS over here but I have known of one instance when this really stubborn doctor wouldn't prescribe it to someone I knew, so the poor girl had to chip away at the tablets. I would like the doctors to answer the question as to why they will not give it. I always suspect it's because they want you to stay on the stuff and know how hard it is to do through chipping away at the tablets.

Not sure if the 10mg tablet is available where you are. We don't have it prescribed over here. I too would give it a day or two and phone back saying that it's too fiddly to cut the tablets and why can't you have the liquid as it's easier to measure etc. It's tough to stand up to doctors, sometimes it's easier to make an excuse like this.

[Tcg]

I don't understand either why doctors are so hesitant to prescribe the liquid. Don't they ever stop and wonder why it was created? I hope that either your doctor prescribes it for you or you find another doctor who will, but if you can't get it, you can cut the 10 mg. pills into 1/8 slices with a bit of practice. I don't know that it is always real accurate, but it is possible. I've had to do that with my Remeron as there is no liquid version. Please don't let your doctor convince you to do a fast taper, stick to the plan you are comfortable with. Best of luck to you!