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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ryno on February 22, 2010, at 14:24:49
First a little background. I've been hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation a few times and tried quite a few different meds. The last few pdocs i've seen seem convinced i'm bipolar(although they disagree on which kind). They've all prescribed me depakote, which kind of works for me in the sense that I haven't had a manic episode while on it(it's debate able if I've had one off meds either). It doesn't help at all with depression(neither have lexapro and cymbalta). About 5 months ago I lost my insurance and shortly after ran out of depakote. Since then I still haven't had any mania issues, but I was getting really depressed again. A friend gave me offered me her leftover gabapentin, and after a little research I decided to try it. It really worked for me, the depression was almost gone and it eliminated my suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately it was only enough for about 2 weeks.
Anyway, on the my question. I am back on insurance, and have a pdoc appt. coming up. How do I go about asking him for gabapentin. I've read on here that docs will label me a drug-seeker, which is I guess what I am. I'm worried that I'll just get a lecture on taking other peoples meds and another script for depakote. Any advice on what I should do?
thanks,
ryan
Posted by linkadge on February 22, 2010, at 15:03:01
In reply to Asking pdoc for med by name, posted by ryno on February 22, 2010, at 14:24:49
Well, it depends whether you have a good case for the med or not. Gabapentin has some mild abuse potential - although I don't know how often people actually seek this medication from doctors.
Gabapentin is not approved for use in bipolar or depression. Some doctors will use it off label for bipolar, but most often it is used with anxiety. There are some case reports of it being effective with depression, but not much.
What exactly is your main issue right now?
Linkadge
Posted by ryno on February 22, 2010, at 15:20:17
In reply to Re: Asking pdoc for med by name, posted by linkadge on February 22, 2010, at 15:03:01
> Well, it depends whether you have a good case for the med or not. Gabapentin has some mild abuse potential - although I don't know how often people actually seek this medication from doctors.
>
> Gabapentin is not approved for use in bipolar or depression. Some doctors will use it off label for bipolar, but most often it is used with anxiety. There are some case reports of it being effective with depression, but not much.
>
> What exactly is your main issue right now?
>
> Linkadge
>
>
>
>
>Depression, and of course the suicide stuff. I also have some anxiety, but I've never had a panic attack.
Posted by floatingbridge on February 22, 2010, at 18:29:40
In reply to Asking pdoc for med by name, posted by ryno on February 22, 2010, at 14:24:49
Ryan,
My first thoughts are to tell your new doc why you are requesting it-- and the answer is your treatment history--it worked.
Link would know more about abuse potential--I had no idea that neurontin could be abused.
Good luck to you. If a doc is worth their salt, they'll want to listen to what you have to say and consider what has worked, even if they don't always agree 100%.
Posted by Phillipa on February 22, 2010, at 18:54:15
In reply to Re: Asking pdoc for med by name » ryno, posted by floatingbridge on February 22, 2010, at 18:29:40
Yup agree with above and also didn't know it had abuse potential? Phillipa
Posted by willey on February 22, 2010, at 19:09:57
In reply to Asking pdoc for med by name, posted by ryno on February 22, 2010, at 14:24:49
Ive been on gabpentin a long time,what ill say is first it doesent have almost any abuse potential,weird the first time,maybe second youll get a buzz,but it never returns.
It is off label for mood stablizer,but um the board needs to remeber every mood stalizer is off label,the term does not exsist,they are label anti epltics and used for mood,and gabpentin is one that is common among the ones used.
I remeber when ghb users first used it they thought there was finaly a legal substitute due to the initial buzz,but after it you can never get it back,which is good.Lyrcia,a cousin drug,is much more potent in the abuse department because at low normal doses sedation is possable.
Posted by calamityjane on February 26, 2010, at 9:02:30
In reply to Asking pdoc for med by name, posted by ryno on February 22, 2010, at 14:24:49
Well, you have the right to go in and ask for whatever drug it is that you need. Keep in mind, a psychiatrist is not there to talk out your problems with you. His business IS dealing psych drugs.
Why are you worried that he will think you are a drug seeker?
If there wasn't a need for this drug, then it wouldn't exist and docs wouldn't be prescribing it, right?
This is the end of the thread.
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