My Dr isnt in the office today. But im running low on my anxiety med thats helping me cope with this disease. Can my Lyme Dr prescribe some for me even tho thats not his field?
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
I believe the answer is yes but, a lot of doctors also want you to get consulting before they prescribe it to you.
Just ask him/her, maybe they�ll give it to you with out consulting.
Posted by desertwind (Member # 25256) on :
The answer is yes, if he/she is a licensed MD, then he/she does not have any restrictions on the type of meds he/she prescribes.
IOW's, a Psychiatrist is not the only person who has prescription rights to psychotropic meds such as anti-anxiety.
Whether or not your LLMD is willing to is a different story.
IMPE, most PCP's will prescribe anti-anxiety meds without ever doing a full psych. eval.
Posted by Nicole2011 (Member # 30672) on :
up
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
It's 'usually' easy to get anti-depressants. I've had a harder time ever getting Benzos. My first LLMD in my state would Rx anxiety meds w/o thought. lol. Others not so much. It's all which doc it is.
Posted by Nicole2011 (Member # 30672) on :
I know but my anxiety is bad that i like something to kick in right away. Like xanax that im taking now. Anti-depressants are more long term
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
I agree with Seekhelp. Most docs will prescribe antidepressants, some are more hesistant to prescribe meds like Xanax. All you can do is ask.
Posted by Nicole2011 (Member # 30672) on :
Okay thats what i'll do
Posted by gwb (Member # 7273) on :
My previous LLMD Rx'd Xanax and pain medication to his patients who needed it. He believed the less the patient suffered with pain and anxiety the quicker their healing process would be. Not all LLMD's are willing to RX these two meds, if that's the case you'll have to get them from you PCP.
Gary
Posted by phyl6648 (Member # 28522) on :
Nicole, I too take xanax I don't know how I would manage without them. It makes me so mad that doctors will prescribe antidepressants but not anti-anxiety drugs. With me antidepressants didn't work. The GP I was seeing had no problem prescribing them but she has moved and I have to see a new doctor.. Not sure what will happen.
I have had only one visit with the lyme doc waiting to hear about my test/labs. She did mention giving me a muscle relaxer and maybe changing from xanax to klonpion since it is longer lasting. . I have been on xanax for 8 years sure don't want to change. I will let you know what she decides or does..
Posted by phyl6648 (Member # 28522) on :
Nicole, how are you doing with the antibiotics?
Posted by Nicole2011 (Member # 30672) on :
Yes i need something that kicks in right away not something that takes a while too work. Bcuz my anxiety is bad not feeling like myself
Posted by Nicole2011 (Member # 30672) on :
i just started Zithromax 4 days ago so im goin thru a bit of a herx
Posted by kday (Member # 22234) on :
Yes, your doctor can prescribe Xanax. Though he/she may not be willing.
I believe some states have laws where you have to visit the doctor to receive Xanax, so you might have to see your doctor to pick up a prescription.
A lot of doctors think benzodiazepines such as Xanax are evil drugs, but they don't understand the extent of torture one can experience. In many cases of Lyme and co-infections, they are truly necessary as alternatives are too mild in comparison.
Posted by Nicole2011 (Member # 30672) on :
Well he knows im currently taking it but i dont think he knows im running low. I forgot to bring it up when i saw him.
Posted by Camp Other (Member # 29797) on :
I have found about half a mg of Ativan and sometimes even less helps when having a herx or the symptom of abdominal pain (of unknown origin, to be clear on it - I wouldn't take Ativan if I had symptoms of appendicitis without getting it checked out first).
I've been able to get small amounts from my primary care doctor or LLMD. I use it sparingly because these drugs are addictive, and also because the more you use them, the less effective lower doses become. It can get to the point where even high doses are completely ineffective. So I try to find other non-drug methods of reducing pain (acupuncture, hot pads, ice, baths, stretching and massage).