Posted by Toby on August 13, 1998, at 9:39:58
In reply to Re: ambien, posted by Brooks on August 13, 1998, at 5:46:10
I have obviously triggered bad memories in The Plumber of bad docs who don't listen to what the patient is saying, both verbally and non-verbally and docs who just go by a cookbook approach and treat symptoms without looking at the big picture of what is happening in the patient's whole life. The Plumber accuses me of over-generalizing and being phobic of addictive drugs. Actually, what else can you do but generalize in a forum like this? There are many people reading these postings, not just the person who asked the question. In fact, the question was specific to sleep problems, not panic disorder and my answer was specific to that question. I do not like to prescribe addictive medications for sleep when that is the only problem (the reason being that if you just treat symptoms without treating the underlying cause can make things much worse in the long run -- like taking aspirin for a headache which gives you ulcers and doesn't treat the brain tumor that causes the headaches). As I said in the last posting, if there is depression or anxiety present, treat with drugs, and I will add: treat with whatever will get the patient better. I start with the behavioral stuff because MOST people get better with that if it is a result of bad habits or situational worry. However, while I still give patients the behavioral stuff, I will also give them medications if it's more than situational or bad habits. Both can work together. I also said that not everyone responds to all medications equally; so what it took to get you better may make someone else deathly ill and while SSRI's didn't work for you (and I wouldn't have futzed around for 6 months with them) there are many people who get complete remission of their panic with them alone.
I apologize for offending you, Plumber. I am glad you are better and found a doc who listens.
poster:Toby
thread:93
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990501/msgs/292.html