Avatar Posted by choatepaul 312 days ago (Question)
I think I have had problems all my life, they got really bad and out of control about three years ago when my history of impulsive actions led to a divorce after twelve years of marriage.
I spent about a year after that totally out of control, finally got some help. I was diagnosed as depressed and bipolar, perscribed seroquil and lexapro. Neither seemed to work 100%, I had to taper off of the seroquil because of the cost. I cant see my psyc dr anymore either because of the cost, I started taking lexapro 10, have moved up to 20 every day in an attempt to feel better. I had a pretty good drinking problem for a while (drunk every day, sometimes drinking in the morning, then it tapered into the evening)
I don't drink at all anymore, it seems to make my moods worse.
I have since remarried, I am trying to have a normal life.
I can't afford therapy, or a psych dr. My only option is my family dr.
I hurt my foot one night at work and one of the guys gave me a lortab to help with the pain, it really helped my mood as well. Everyone on that job was abusing them so they were easy to get, I found that one lortab 10 made me feel "high" but greatly increased my mood. I didn't like the "buzz" though, so I tried taking a half of one. The change in my mood was immediate. It helped with all of my negative thoughts, it seemed to calm me down very well, I managed my irrational anger over everything much much better, it seemed to make me a better person.
I have reserched it on the net and no one seems to think it is a viable treatment because of the dangers of dependence/abuse.....some studies found remarkable effectiveness though.
What do you guys think?
How do I talk to my family dr. about it without coming off like a drug head?
All I want is to feel better and be normal.


Answers

Written by Edahn 311 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I read what you wrote and I don't think you come off like a druggie at all. You come off as someone who wants to improve their quality of life and is open-minded and curious when it comes to medication. Just tell him everything you told us and you'll be fine.

I would also suggest scheduling more follow ups with your family doctor. You probably shouldn't be experimenting with drugs on your own. :)

Written by drjean 311 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Paul, It's good that you stopped drinking, but it appears you have replaced it with another way to "self medicate." :(

Yes indeed discuss this with your MD. Be completely honest! You do need something to help you adjust to life, for some reason, and while the other prescribed medications didn't seem to last, there are plenty more meds to try.

I would be afraid of what I'd be doing to my body and brain when taking other people's pills. Today's medications aren't the simple aspirin and coke type solutions of yesteryear, but have specific areas of the brain where they work/activate.

Be sure to tell your doctor that you don't have money for a psychologist, he/she might have a resource for free or very low cost therapy. Things/feelings/habits like this don't go away on their own. You need expert assistance to find a life worth living. TC

drjean

Written by Clyde 307 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I too think it sounds good the way it is.

I also recommend telling the doctor you dont have the $ for a psychologist, and asking for possible "cheap money wise" referrals...

Best,

Clyde


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