confrontation with physician over provigil?

Question

Im pretty bummed.

there is a study that shows that allergies cause microarousals leading to sleep disturbances, basically the doc just panned me and said I don't prescribe people provigil if they don't have sleep shift work disorder or narcolepsy. i said it is also approved for hypopneas according to the FDA and he walked out =/

maybe next time i'll just lie... yes doc i fall asleep constantly and work the night shift.

haha, some people will have no idea what the hell i am talking about just ignore it. im venting.

probably has something to do with it being scheduled IV, farking feds.

amelikali... i agree. i would be uncomfortable in the reverse setting being told what my job is.

however, i am not a physician, and they should be adequately trained to deal with such a problem, I'm sure it comes up often.

Answer 1

First off-no doc wants to be told what his job is-whether you are right or wrong-but they SHOULD be willing to listen to where you got your info. from. If you aren't attached to your doc (judging by the q, i doubt you are), try another doc---good luck--and if you go to another doc, make it like they are your hero--i.e. show proof first, and then make it as though the other doc wouldn't listen to anything-it may want you new doc to show more compassion for the situation. If it is a new study, a lot of doctors probably aren't married to the idea anyway. But it is worth a try!

Answer 2

Doctors are idiots and/or assholes. It is absolutely amazing how so many doctors have an irrational prejudice against sleep or wake medication and how many attribute sleep disorders to some kind of moral failing or character flaw in the patient.

You need to go to a sleep doctor--one who specializes in sleep and wake disorders. Many major hospitals now have sleep disorder clinics. Check the internet or your local hospital. BUT BEFORE you make an appointment, try to find out whether the doctor or the clinic has a bias against medicaton. This may be tricky, but you could lie (this is not a real lie) and say your brother (who lives in a different city) is just like you, you both have the same problem, and his doctor prescribes Provigil and Ritalin and you would like to talk to the doctor to see if those medications will help you. The receptionis may respond by saying that "We don't prescribe thos kinds of drugs here," if you are lucky. But otherwise, you will have to go to more than one doctor until you find one who is not prejudiced and who will prescribe the medication you need to live your life more fully. While these doctors hold the key to making life significantly better or even livable, they often withhold it for no good reason other than their own ignorance. So be prepared to spend more time than necessary to get the treatment you need.

BTW, do not waste your time at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore--they have a highly regarded sleep clinic, but they do not prescribe medicine!!!! Just why they are highly regarded is beyond comprehension.

Answer 3

Jon,
First of all, you're to be applauded for taking a pro-active role in your own health; it's becoming ever more important for each of us to do this.
Physicians by nature have over-active egos so that if you were at all "confrontational" during your visit, you provoked that ego response yourself. Next time, try going on a "fact-finding visit" rather than first being an antagonist.
You need to vent somewhere else like here at Yahoo instead of the doctor's office.
And don't think I don't sympathize with you; I've gotten so bummed out about the medical system myself that despite have been given several scripts for this or that, I've gotten on the internet and found ways and means for eliminating my medical problems. In fact, I've eliminated all the meds prescribed for me one by one with no ill effects. Naturally my primary physician isn't thrilled with me either!!!
There are always alternative medicines and ways and means other than the orthodoxy we've been brain-washed to believe to be the the only way.
Again, Good for you in becoming your own best health guide; we've all lived with our own bodies and know them a whole lot better than any doctor could, even if he took the time beyond the normal 15 minute visit.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Answer 4

Your doc is right, those are the only approved uses of provigil, but it used for other disorders but those are off-label uses. If he did prescribe it for you for something other than narcolepsy or sleep shift work disorder your insurance would not pay for it and it is extrememly expensive.

Answer 5

Yes, find another doctor willing to work with you. I had a similar experience when I was younger when my dad asked a question about a medication a doctor had prescribed. The doctor was so full of himself he was actually yelling at my dad "Do you think I would prescribe something that would hurt her!!" My dad and I were so shocked at the out burst we just left and found another doctor. Not all doctors think they know everything and there are some that will actually listen to you and work with you on your issues. Good luck!!

Answer 6

I take Provigil and I don't have narcolepsy. I don't sleep good at night, so my mental health doctor prescribed Provigil to keep me awake during the day time and I sleep at night. It works for me, maybe you could see another doctor.