PTSD meds

[Briza]

I am currently taking 40 mg Prozac since August for PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc. Have an appt with my GP tomorrow and want to discuss other antis. Prozac is working for me to some extent, it's my anti of choice, but I think I might need to try something else. Other than Prozac, I have only tried zoloft, that didn't work for me. Not interested in Effexor. Bladder is not sensitive to meds so that's not an issue and don't need an antidepressant for pain control. Thinking about wellbutrin...any thoughts or suggestions on wellbutrin or other meds to treat Post Traumatic Stress disorder. Thanks in advance.:) I am under care of psycholgist and my gyn. They are working together with my GP to get this under control.

[kennedy]

Hey,
I took wellbutrin a while back for depression. It worked, but had a strange side effect for me. It kinda had this zombie effect on me, like my emotions were suppressed. I wasn't sad or anxious, I wasn't happy or I didn't feel normal. I was just there, no emotions. Does that make sense?? But hopefully, it'll work better for you!!
Hope all is well.
Kennedy

[Briza]

Kennedy
Thank you for your repsonse. The effect you got with wellbutrin was the same effect I got with zoloft. Prozac hasn't ever given me any side effects, which is why I'm reluctant to try something else. My mom takes wellbutrin without side effects. As the saying goes around here, we're all different! so maybe it won't have that effect on me. Well, will see what the dr says today. She may have something completely different in mind. Back when I took Zoloft it was the only one designated for PTSD, maybe there's something newer that's around now. Thanks again. Best wishes :) I'm going to repost in anxiety/depression forum to see if I get anymore responses before my appt at 2 pm central.

[kennedy]

Hey Briza,
Well good luck on your search for a new anti-d. I'm about to set out on that journey too. I'm on Lexapro right now. It works to some extent, but I need something better. Some days are good and some days I am a train wreck. I'd like to be more stable and certainly without that much of a difference. If you find something that seems to work for you, would you let me know?? I'd appreciate the info. Thanks and good luck.
Hope you are feeling well and without pain!!
Kennedy :grouphug:

[Briza]

Been referred to a psychiatrist who specializes in PTSD. Got an appt for DEC 22!! Amazing, the wait for a specialist in my part of the state is usually 3 months! Will give another update after the appt. Will stay on current meds for now, then see what he has in mind. More good news is that my payments towards my deductible (which I've met) since October will rollover to January:woohoo: :bow:

[Briza]

Appt. was total disaster.
Treated me like an addict. I didn't HAVE to tell him all my conditions and history and medications I take AS NEEDED and SELDOMLY, but I did because I'm an honest person and all my drs and therapist are working together with me on everything to get me pointed in the right direction.

Spent less than 15 mins in consultation with him and was charged $250. No change in meds, except a script for ativan instead of xanax, which I didn't ask for but was given, and will take because I do want to downgrade from xanax if possible. Gave him all my drs and therapist names, told him he could call them right then and there and they would tell him I manage my meds and don't abuse. He didn't want to discuss any other antidepressants, didn't want to listen to the my symptoms from IC, VV, PFD, depression, PTSD. I did this all without losing control because I had to talk so fast to tell him all the meds I have, my conditions, etc., which luckily I had written down on a piece of paper for him, very condensed and to the point. Had he been in any way interested I would have left those notes for my file, but I grabbed that piece of paper as he actually stood up from his desk and grabbed my arm and escorted me out of his office in less than 15 mins.

I left note of complaint with the nurse. Called insurance company to say somebody's making some money here, and it's not me or you (ins co.) It was like an assembly line, this guy is making $1000 an hour ....4 patients an hour @$250!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And he doesn't even have to touch them, do surgery, etc. TOTAL BS. Sorry gals, you know I'm one to rarely vent on here, but this is exactly the reason I did not want to go see a psychiatrist and I told my therapist and drs that before hand, but they were hoping for his "expertise" in managing my meds for PTSD, since I have so many others in the med cabinet.

He wasn't even worried why I was there, nor what symptoms of PTSD I am having, nor my prior history with PTSD. Just "continue with the prozac" and "this is probably the only antianxiety script (the ativan) I will give you and come back and see me in 2 weeks." :cussing: He's the one that's crazy and needs some serious counseling and medication much stronger than I need. That appt is canceled as of NOW. Consulted with both my GP and therapist by phone both before and after the appt. and they said I should absolutely not go back and did right thing by filing complaint.

Only good thing is that insurance company says I may get my money back. I don't even care. Unfortunately, live in area where there are no good psychiatrists, I am willing to travel 3 hrs if I have to find one, this one was 1.5 hrs away.

I know there's no magic pill to make this all go away, but I know I have the sense that I need help. Time will help heal but I need and am seeking that assistance, when most people won't, it can be a very scary thing, you know?

[Babs RN]

I am so sorry this jerk treated you this way. What a schmuck. There are some in it just for the money, and I'm glad you might be able to get your money back, and that your GP and therapist are supporting you. As if you haven't been through enough...UGH! As far as changing your antidepressants, I might just stay with your meds as they are if they are working. You are one strong woman and this guy needs to be reprimanded.

Hugs,
Barb:)

[Briza]

Thank you, Barb. :) Thank you for the support and kind words and wise words....
My GP said exactly what you said, let's continue with my meds for now until we can find someone that might be able to help us find the right antidepressant or combo of meds that will work and that she will be there for me along the way.
Thank you so much for responding. I have been in such a state of distress since this appt. I am going to try to relax now, go get a hug from a good friend down the street, cuddle up with my kitty, and try to let it all go after a warm bath.
:kissing: Thank you

[Babs RN]

Anytime. Your strength has been inspirational to me in my own challenges. I hope you have a great evening with your :cat: :)

Hugs,
Barb:)

[Briza]

:grouphug: