Question: Dosage

I have discovered that my medication has some limits as to its effectiveness. Tuesday I got necessarily (really) irate at some moron and the exitement was followed by a little bit of an emotional roller coaster, not to bad but it still sucked. Last night I got some (later found out to have been misinterperated) really upsetting news and got really emotionally messed up, that was settling a little when someone else upset me. Needless to say I've had a not so great couple of days. Anyway, after that little synopsis, if you want details let me know and I will expand upon the story, I am wondering if maybe I might need to get my dosage increased, or is this pretty normal. Being relatively new to the whole drug thing I'm not yet sure of the limits of control that I should expect. Any insite would be most appreciated. Oh yeah this was great, my doctor left me a message to call, I called and they couldn't remember why they called, and would get back to me when they remembered. Uh, I hope it wasen't important.

A little big of a mental milkshake going on right now,

Travis

Answers:

A: Hi Travis! Sorry to hear about your Very Bad Day. From what you included in your message it sounds as though there are at least two issues which you need help on: anger and perfectionism. It sounds as though your expectations of others are really high; perhaps too high (for the Real world). If I'm close, it's only because I've been there myself. Are you in any kind of therapy other than meds? Perhaps having a psychologist one-on-one and/or getting into a supervised group therapy (by "supervised" I mean led by a professional such as a psychologist) would help you get closer to these issues in a safe environment; group therapy helps bring out how you are Actually appearing to others during your anger.... It's tempting to think that meds will solve all our problems; unfortunately, they only help keep the uglier aspects of our behaviors SOMEWHAT under control.

By the way, I would lose a lot of confidence in a doctor who took the time out to call me and then forgot why!!

One thought that's been running around in my mind (no pun intended) since I joined this group is how many of our members are being treated by a psychiatrist versus an internal medicine or general practitioner type doctor. There are doctors who will prescribe psych drugs who are not nearly as qualified as a psychiatrist who only treats psych cases. It's something to consider. Imagine having a broken leg and seeing a psychiatrist. Further, there are psychiatrists who are REALLY GOOD with meds (up on the most current trends, drugs, actions, reactions, side effects, experience with other patients on the same drug...) and some who are not. I think the
most important thing to consider first is whether you trust your doctor, do you feel comfortable with him/her, does she/he appear to be knowledgeable and competent? Sometimes, referrals from psychologists or even friends can help. One of my rudest awakenings was that very few of the psychiatrists I've been to appear to have the time to listen to all your problems. I've learned that one really needs that kind of support and fortunately, I have a good psychologist. I've been to many doctors; most of them were disappointing.

Ultimately, though, you're the one in the drivers' seat. Bummer, huh! Be patient and kind to yourself (defy some of your perfectionism (if I'm right)and cut some slack for yourself and others; no one is perfect. I can't tell you how hard I was on myself and others throughout my life until I just got fed up with being rejected, battered verbally and/or physically, etc. etc. It's kind of like Newton's law that for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. I'm not saying turn the other cheek; sometimes you just have to walk away saying to yourself, what's this guy's problem? Hope this helps! I've got to go (I'm still at work!).

Have a nice weekend all of you!!

A: Thanks for the insite :) My meds are prescribed by an psychiatrist. I don't actually have a regular doctor, I don't get sick much and if I do I just use an urgent care, it only cost me $10. I also see a therapist once a week, I think that she has been a REALLY big
help to me. I (to myself anyway) think that I have made BIG strides in comming to grips with the things that brought me to the state I was in (I think I aready told the story but if not, and you want to know let me know and I will tell it). It was the psych. doc. who called, he's in the same office as my therapist so maybe she had given him some information that maybe he needed to alter my meds.? I go back on Wednesday so if I haven't heard by then I will ask. I do seem to have a big problem with ignorant people, I
tend to think in a more logical manner and so non logical stuff sometimes irks me. I am also really hard on myself (BIG BIG BIG self-esteem problem). Sorry that I am ranting again. Thanks again:)

Have a great
weekend:)

Travis