Opinions - SWIM, his problems and the Doctor

[Tanner Mirabel]

SWIM suffers from anxiety, including social anxiety (he gets very nervous when it comes to public speaking, presentations etc) and it's seriously affecting his lifestyle. He is thinking about talking to his doc about this and wants to know what the doctor could possibly prescribe him (the last time he mentioned anxiety he was prescribed Buspirone which didn't do anything at all).

At the moment SWIM is currently on Zopiclone due to screwed up sleeping patterns and insomnia. SWIM would prefer Ambien but when he asked his GP to prescribe something else he said that everything else is addictive.

Also SWIM has been suffering from migraines on a regular basis since his early teens - when he numerously complained about his migraines his doc suggested relaxation techniques, including yoga and stress management, so he normally just gets Immigran (Sumatriptan) over the counter, which is only sometimes helpful.

SWIM likes his doctor (who is quite old and rather old fashioned) but quite often SWIM doesn't say anything to his doc because he is tired of "complaining" and not being heard.

Any advice on how to talk to his GP and what SWIM can expect would be appreciated.
Thank you.

[Richi]

Originally Posted by Tanner Mirabel

SWIM suffers from anxiety, including social anxiety (he gets very nervous when it comes to public speaking, presentations etc) and it's seriously affecting his lifestyle. He is thinking about talking to his doc about this and wants to know what the doctor could possibly prescribe him (the last time he mentioned anxiety he was prescribed Buspirone which didn't do anything at all).

At the moment SWIM is currently on Zopiclone due to screwed up sleeping patterns and insomnia. SWIM would prefer Ambien but when he asked his GP to prescribe something else he said that everything else is addictive.

To comment on the first portion of your post, there are quite a few legal and natural herbals that can be quite effective in promoting proper sleep patterns and reducing anxiety.

If you would like, do some research on Melatonin, and Kava Kava, to start.

Please note, it may be dangerous or harmful to begin taking other medications in combination with the ones you are prescribed for.

Also SWIM has been suffering from migraines on a regular basis since his early teens - when he numerously complained about his migraines his doc suggested relaxation techniques, including yoga and stress management, so he normally just gets Immigran (Sumatriptan) over the counter, which is only sometimes helpful.

SWIM likes his doctor (who is quite old and rather old fashioned) but quite often SWIM doesn't say anything to his doc because he is tired of "complaining" and not being heard.

Any advice on how to talk to his GP and what SWIM can expect would be appreciated. Thank you.

This is a problem that I think many people have had before. How would you feel about looking for another doctor? It wont cost you in the UK to seek a second opinion, so this is what I would do.

[Tanner Mirabel]

Originally Posted by Richi

To comment on the first portion of your post, there are quite a few legal and natural herbals that can be quite effective in promoting proper sleep patterns and reducing anxiety.

If you would like, do some research on Melatonin, and Kava Kava, to start.

Please note, it may be dangerous or harmful to begin taking other medications in combination with the ones you are prescribed for.

This is a problem that I think many people have had before. How would you feel about looking for another doctor? It wont cost you in the UK to seek a second opinion, so this is what I would do.

Thanks for replying. SWIM tried natural supplements including valerian, melatonin, none helped. SWIM finds Zopiclone to work well but he feels the effects of it even the next day and wants to try other meds. He tried Ambien once and it seemed to be better.

Switching doctor is an option but SWIM would prefer not to since the doctor is quite good and has picked up on some things that others have missed in the past.

[Richi]

Originally Posted by Tanner Mirabel

Thanks for replying. SWIM tried natural supplements including valerian, melatonin, none helped. SWIM finds Zopiclone to work well but he feels the effects of it even the next day and wants to try other meds. He tried Ambien once and it seemed to be better.

Sleep problems may be difficult to treat, so if you are being prescribed medication I'm not surprised that weaker natural supplements don't work. At least you tried.

As for the anxiety, I know two people who suffer from a moderate level of anxiety and they use 30% kava kava capsules, which curb it quite well.

Switching doctor is an option but SWIM would prefer not to since the doctor is quite good and has picked up on some things that others have missed in the past.

It seems as though you've spoken to your doctor several times in the past, an he is reluctant to prescribe medication. Perhaps you could try to be more stern and straightforward, and politely insist that that you feel you require an anti-anxiety medication that works for you. Explain exactly how you feel, and, well, don't leave without it.

Switching doctors may be jumping the gun, but you could still consult another one before doing so. Even go to a walk in clinic where you can ask another doctor a few questions you may have, and get a feel of a different opinion.

[cnsns2ccl2]

Swim takes a low dose topamax (topiramate) in addition to a SSRI for anxiety. Topamax is an anti-epileptic medication but it is also somewhat effective in low doses for anxiety and migraines. My doc initially prescribed it to help combat the weight gain from SSRIs (though the weight gain from SSRIs is much more significant than the weight loss from topamax in swims case) so the lowest possible dose of SSRI could be used.

[bryanbabylon]

Doctors dont particulary like to prescribe anything for social anxiety. I have it really bad and my psychiatrist is just like "oh well" whenever I bring it up since I dont have panic attacks. B vitamins supposedly help some, so does a healthy diet. I treat myself by doing my best to avoid any social situations.

bryanbabylon added 1 Minutes and 6 Seconds later...

Oh yeah, sometimes doctors give beta-blockers like propranolol for social anxiety.