Posted by Squiggles on April 17, 2007, at 9:01:28
In reply to Re: Non-compliance » Squiggles, posted by Larry Hoover on April 17, 2007, at 8:45:09
> > Some drugs (not lithium) have such unbearable side effects that people stop taking them or reduce the dose to below-therapeutic-levels.
>
> Yes! lithium. I have never felt so suicidal as when I was on lithium.
>As far as i'm concerned, lithium is a miracle drug-- at the right dose. Monitoring is required for blood level safety. I am referring to imipramine.
> > The consequences of this problem are socially devastating and often lead to suicide or violence.
>
> Non-compliance is a management issue. It speaks to the relationship established between the doctor and patient. No patient should ever feel that non-compliance should be concealed.I agree.
>
> > I know that some anti-psychiatry types think that this is a good thing, but i don't.
>
> I question the relevance of this comment. Who cares what critics think?The relevance is important. Because when people get harmful side effects they are likely to fall for the irresponsible propaganda from the anti-psychiatry camps, who while encouraging people to get off their drugs offer little alternative, except perhaps suicide.
>
> > So, what do doctors think? What can be done?
>
> Establish and maintain supportive management of the patient.
>
Yes, I agree.
> > More importantly, what do drug companies do?
>
> What does this have to do with drug companies?They can work on drugs that are tolerable to take, or even just give opiates and monitor the dependence.
Squiggles
>
> Lar
>
>
poster:Squiggles
thread:750582
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070413/msgs/750598.html