Posted by Pam on January 4, 1999, at 2:16:59
In reply to Finding a Doc, posted by Bill Jones on January 4, 1999, at 0:06:11
> I have been treated for depression since the late 80's with varying degrees of success. In that time I have had three doctors, one for each of the places I have lived.
> Does anyone have any suggestions on how to select a new doc? I had very good results with my previous Doc but he is not an option since I moved out of state. He started me on Dexidrine in addition to an SSRI with pretty good effect. I was concerned with addiction at first but from what I have read this is not really a problem. I was on 40mg for some time but dropped it to 30mg because I thought I was too focused.
> The doctor I have been seeing for the past 1 1/2 years is also associated with a drug treatment center and seems to be very focused on addiction. I personally like him but I am worried that most of his experience with stimulants is with getting addicts off of them rather than using them as an effective tool. While he is willing to continue prescribing Dexidrine (actually I asked to switch to Adderal) he made it clear from day one that he does not believe in using stimulants like this. Now everytime there is a problem he suspects the stimulants are the cause. I finally decided to try eliminating the stimulants but I am not sure this is the right approach to deal with the problems I am having right now.
> It doesn't seem like a good idea to call all of the Docs listed in the yellow pages to ask if they are in favor of using stimulants for ADD/Depression, especially since I have moved to one of the "Meth" capitals. What I really want is someone who is experienced with difficult to treat depression and will consider all of the potential treatment options, including stimulants.
> Any sugestions on how to choose?
> Bill
>> Do you have a hospital around you that has
a Psychiatric unit with a teaching staff? Teaching hospitals seems to be most up to date
on all the available options and interactions.
Since you seem to have ADD as well, they may be in a better place to help you and monitor the meds.
Good luck to you
poster:Pam
thread:2027
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990101/msgs/2031.html