GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone! New Posters are very welcome to share your experiences with a GP too!

I had an appointment yesterday with my GP. He is aware of what I do on the Beyond Blue forums. I asked him about anti depressants and how he treats his patients with depression/ anxiety and why some GP's dont prescribe meds. This is what I learned yesterday from one doctor.

• He has always had an interest in depression and anxiety and prescribes AD's where the symptoms fit the criteria to do so
• He will refer to a psychiatrist if a patient shows symptoms of a more 'complex' mental illness and not prescribe meds himself
• Some GP's have little interest in 'getting involved' with depression and will refer to a psychiatrist with little if any discussion
• He isnt 'pro meds' or 'anti-meds' He treats depression as a serious illness with meds to improve his patients health & well being

• He mentioned that a pro-active GP can know more about AD's than some psychiatrists as GP's have more frequent patient contact

It did surprise me that some GP's have little or no interest in treating depression. I hope these GP's are in the minority.

I am interested to know any good or not so good experiences other people have had with a GP. I posted this thread originally so any people with untreated depression/anxiety have a better understanding of how experiences with a GP can be positive step towards recovery.

All your thoughts are most welcome

Thankyou for taking the time to read my thread

Kind thoughts

Paul

[Shred1106]

Hi all

I am currently in what my team calls a "washout phase" after having to stop meds yet again due to overwhelming itching. I have been on no less than 10 meds over the past year after having to change due to Seratonin Syndrome which I had after major surgery last year - drug interactions are hell!

I was on the same SSRI for almost 18 years - and,since last year have been seeing a whole gammit of people.I feel reasonably well at present but will have to face more major surgery soon. Started yoga but had to give it away due to my hips, and have started meditation with some effect.

My question to all is - I am in week two without meds and see my psych on wednesday. Is it reasonable to ask whether I can extend the washout period? I just feel I have had so many chemicals in my brain that maybe I could try without?

Thoughts folks? Oh, my diagnosis is Depression, Anxiety and PTSD.

Any responses would be much appreciated.

[Just Sara]

Hey Shred;

You've been in quite a pickle yeah? You're also pretty brave to confront living med's free, I don't think I could do it.

As for your question, obviously your GP and psychiatrist are going to be much more helpful. I can't advise or even comment except to say; 'I know my body and mind better than anyone'

Your instincts should play a part in recovery too. If you do extend time away from med's, you're only a phone call away from your GP or the hospital if it's out of hours. Plan, plan, plan...

Plan B that is. lol Keeping some med's close by in case? Contingency is always handy when the poo hits the fan. If it doesn't? Yay!!

I wish you well in decision making and your upcoming surgery too.

Take care hun...

Sara

[Shred1106]

Thanks for your reply Sara...I had kind of come to that decision anyhow and discussed it with my psychologist tonight.The problem though is standby med - perhaps just something for the anxiety? And I am in so much pain physically now I am really wanting to just get major surgery over and done..

Just mulling it over..

[blondguy]

Hey Shred (and thankyou Sara)

Im sorry that you are in pain at the moment pre op.

We have both been on the AD's for a long time. This is my 21st year.

Sara made a really good point about having a plan B. I still carry a couple of anti-anxiety meds in the car as a 'support mechanism' that I dont really remember using....but knowing they are there makes me comfortable and thus more relaxed throughout the day.

How did you go with your psychologist? (if its okay to ask)

my kind thoughts

Paul

[MarkJT]

Shred, without delving to much into your personal life, when will the major surgery be done and how long until you recover from that?

Don't want to confuse things at all but i reckon if you can stabilise either with or without meds, then once you recover from the surgery, then give it a good go at staying off them or trying another type.

I know this is what we are trying to work out here but if you are going to stay off them, i think the having a plan B supply of anxiety meds may be a good idea. I have two pill holders with daily meds and emergency calming meds should i need them. I have on my work landyard and one on my car keys. As Paul says above, they are there pretty much as my safety blanket!

One battle at a time is the gist of the story...

Mark.

[blondguy]

Hey Shred and thankyou Mark for your clarity and experience above

MarkJT Said: " I reckon if you can stabilise either with or without meds, then once
you recover from the surgery, then give it a good go at staying off them
or trying another type"

As Mark mentioned above....(if its okay to ask of course)...when are you going in for your surgery?

We are here for you Shred...no worries at all

my kindest

Paul

[blondguy]

Hey Okay

I hope you are still around. You are right Dr Kim is very very good.

Im only a volunteer not a GP but Ill be up for a little while if you need a chat....no worries

My Best. Paul

[Shred1106]

Hey blondguy

Thanks - both my psychologist and psychiatrist are happy for me to have an "extended washout." Plan B is anti anxiety stuff if I need it. I see the surgeon next Wednesday in hope of looking at theatre dates for both hips - a total replacement for my left hip and a scope and cartilage cleanup for my right hip (hopefully)

My old body is catching up with me - have already had one joint replaced last year which set all of this recent major episode off.

Thanks for your thoughts

[Shred1106]

Thanks Mark JT. Surgeon's appt next wednesday ...really in a great deal of pain now so hopefully will have dates set for surgery. Recovery time will be months - roughly 3..

Going ok without antid at present...has now been 12 days.. and a little flustered but ok so will continue.

[blondguy]

Hi Shred

Thats really good news that you have a good team backing you with the 'washout' period.

When I was a teenager.......back in the late 14th century lol There were so many old guys that told me the harder I worked the fitter & happier I would be in my later life.....They were so wrong....lol

The anti anxiety meds can be a great tool to get us over the potholes in the road, no worries there.

Thankyou for taking the time to post back 🙂

My Best

Paul