Stubborn psychiatrist/where to go next

[Allegraj]

I've decided not to continue going to my current psychiatrist. I feel she belittles me and she refuses to prescribe me anything except gabapentin, hydroxyzine (neither of which worked for me), and buspirone (which she pushes on me constantly even though I told her I don't want to take something everyday). I'm extremely frustrated and sad realizing how much time and money I've wasted on this woman when she refuses to help me. I just want to get better and I'm exactly how I was before I started seeing her, but more sad and stressed. I don't know if I should wait and go through the long process of finding a new pdoc/getting an appointment, or if I should go to my GP to see if they can give me something. I'm afraid if I go to my GP they'll just try to put me on antidepressants, which I have tried in the past and did not work. Any advice?

[JustaGal]

I've decided not to continue going to my current psychiatrist. I feel she belittles me and she refuses to prescribe me anything except gabapentin, hydroxyzine (neither of which worked for me), and buspirone (which she pushes on me constantly even though I told her I don't want to take something everyday). I'm extremely frustrated and sad realizing how much time and money I've wasted on this woman when she refuses to help me. I just want to get better and I'm exactly how I was before I started seeing her, but more sad and stressed. I don't know if I should wait and go through the long process of finding a new pdoc/getting an appointment, or if I should go to my GP to see if they can give me something. I'm afraid if I go to my GP they'll just try to put me on antidepressants, which I have tried in the past and did not work. Any advice?

Find another psychiatrist. I have found that they can be arrogant and very clinical in their dealing with people. You pay too much for that non-sense. Dont be sad, put your energy into the search for a good one. Get what you need.

disclaimer- unless she knows something your not sharing ; )

[Allegraj]

I don't know what you're hinting at but no I'm not drug-seeking nor do I have a history of substance abuse so..

[Allegraj]

The only medication I mentioned to her was pregabalin because it's similar to gabapentin and I thought it might work better for me and she shot me down immediately because she doesn't prescribe it.

[JustaGal]

I don't know what you're hinting at but no I'm not drug-seeking nor do I have a history of substance abuse so..

I was just saying that who am I to say what she is thinking... wasnt thinking about drug abuse. : )

[Allegraj]

I just feel like she has some checklist of medications she prescribes. Since right off the bat I told her I'd tried antidepressants and had bad side effects that apparently only left three options... I feel like a good psychiatrist should work with their patient not just rattle off different "options" for them. Three options haha. If those three don't work, oh well I guess!

[JustaGal]

I just feel like she has some checklist of medications she prescribes. Since right off the bat I told her I'd tried antidepressants and had bad side effects that apparently only left three options... I feel like a good psychiatrist should work with their patient not just rattle off different "options" for them. Three options haha. If those three don't work, oh well I guess!

I agree. I know you will find a good one!

[Ritch]

Unfortunately some psychiatrists believe that only their opinion matters and fail to listen to others, especially their patients. If she is willing to prescribe gabapentin I am surprised that she will not give pregabalin a try as they are both very similar and both yielded the exact same results for me. If you are determined to go down the medication route then I would seek a second opinion from a psychiatrist who may be more open to suggestion and tailors treatment to a patients needs. Also if the psychiatrist is a source of added stress than I would suggest you do not visit them again, If you are in the Uk a GP may prescribe pregablin...... they did for me and I did not suggest it.

What I would say is that medicine is not going to make you better, yes it may offer symptom relief but it will not make you better. So perhaps a psychologist would be a better option if you want to be "better"

[Dahila]

allegray thanks for this post, I am on gabapentin and so far so good, but is good to know that there is a stronger version. It seems to help with the neurotic pains and anxiety too. what about small dose of benzo? Is it no no for her? Change the doc. I was on mercy of my stupid gp and she was pushing ad on me even I can not be on them. Psychiatrist keeps me on gabapentin and one 0.5 mg of clonazepam a day. If I want to stop it the last I can. she believes it is such small dose and I am not upping it. I am grandma already so no much time left here, on this plane;)) I am not scared of benzo addiction:) I hate antidepressants you are like zombie, also ativan works like that on me

[Rube Goldberg]

What I would say is that medicine is not going to make you better, yes it may offer symptom relief but it will not make you better. So perhaps a psychologist would be a better option if you want to be "better"

Agreed. This can be the hardest pill to swallow...