hi, question about new doctor visit.

[velvetcaterpillar]

Hi everyone,

I just joined a few minutes ago. I just have a simple question concerning seeing a new doctor.
I have recently moved from pennsylvania to Virginia, and it has taken me quite a while to find a psychiatric/psychotherapy facility -- 3, almost 4 months. It must be hard finding docs around this area or something. But anyway, I have emailed the main doctor from this facility numerous times, called and setup an appointment, which is for tomorrow morning. The doctor was actually willing to have me skip out on the initial 2 therapy sessions that are usually required of every new patient in order to allow me to see a nurse to get me back on my medications I had been previously prescribed before I made this anxiety wracked move.

I was wondering if anyone else has ever had to make kind of an emergency appointment or an appointment that was exception to the general rule after relocating from one state to another because you had to abruptly stop taking all medications? My intention was not to discontinue my medicines when moving, I realize how dangerous this could've been; and I've actually been suffering from mild agoraphobia because of the anxiety and panic attacks. I had no idea it would take this long to find an understanding doctor. I guess I was wondering what to expect? Do I need to bring paperwork on my usual medications... or what?
Thanks in advance!

[Nowuccas]

Hey velvetcaterpillar,

It may be helpful to take documentation along, particularly if you had previously been prescribed benzodiazepenes such as Ativan, Klonopin, or Xanax. Increasing reluctance to prescribe them is becoming common, owing to their addictive nature, and the fact that a recent study showed that their long term use considerably increases the risk of dementia. I am advised that in a small proportion people, their previous medications may be less effective, or ineffective the second time around.

Did you try Googling "clinics; mental health; (your location)" like https://www.google.com.au/search?client=opera&q=clinics%3B+mental+health%3B+norfolk%3B+va&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#q=park+place+health+and+dental+clinic+inc+norfol k+va ?

I suggest securing some weeks of supplies of medication before moving, in future, to avoid the potentially serious risks of abrupt discontinuation.

My previous posts on anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia may be viewed at:

ANXIETY or PANIC ATTACKS: http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?34755-Panic-attacks-that-last-for-hours

AGORAPHOBIA: http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?34181-Fear-of-getting-out&p=224994#post224994

GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER: http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?33964-New-to-the-site-and-looking-for-help&p=223989#post223989