Yesterday I faced the scary reality that I have been hooked on hydrocodone for 4 months. I was taking anywhere from 4-8 tabls 10mg per day. Today found a doctor that prescribed me Suboxone. I have also been suffering from anxiety for 2 years and depression since puberty (I am 33 now). Since Jan 2007 I have been hit by a semi truck, had a miscarriage, broke my ankle, and have been struggling with work depression, anxiety, and now substance abuse. My regular psychiatrist and counselor do not know about the pain medicine abuse, I didn't realize it myself until yesterday when I found myself obtaining them from "a friend" and I realized THIS IS NOT NORMAL! After the miscarriage, my Psych switched me from Celexa to Cymbalta. Cymbalta made me feel suicidal it was so scary. I am now back to Celexa and Provigil. I need advice, I am afraid to tell my Psych about the Pain Med abuse. What if she changes something and I feel suicidal again. I don't know if I can ever handle that again? Suggestions?
2007-05-17 16:06:55 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Thank you for your answers. I met with my counselor today with whom I have signed an agreement for her and my phsychiatrist to communicate. I told her about the whole thing. She was very proud that I told her the truth. I don't know if I would have been able to do it without everyones advise! Thank You. She thinks it would be a good idea to attend open AA meetings for a while so I can get support from other people with addictions. I am a little nervous about it, but am going to do it.. Does anyone have experience with these kind of meetings?
2007-05-18 11:33:36 · update #1
Using pain meds to self medicate is very common. Many people who receive pain medication for a physical injury find the effects satisfying other problems in their lives. Then they use it after the physical injury is over.
It is important to be honest and upfront about your medication use. Be proud of the fact you were able to see your behavior as a problem and did something about it. They may not see any need to change your medication, may want to just monitor you as you withdraw from this other med.
You have the right as a patient to be pro-active in choosing medication. If the Cymbalta made your symptoms worse, but the Celexa is helping you need to be upfront with them. They should listen to your concerns about changing meds you have something that is working.
This is a legitimate concern. Whatever you do, don't hold this information.
2007-05-17 16:25:04 · answer #1 · answered by katty0205 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly: if this new combination of drugs, the Provigil and Celexa, is working well, your psych won't change them - and even if she suggests it, you don't have to agree!
I think you do need to tell her about your issue with the pain medication; and she should respond sympathetically and offer help. You've been struggling with many problems and trying to help yourself feel better - you have nothing to feel guilty or ashamed of. Tell your psych and if for any reason you don't like the response you get - get a new and better psychiatrist.
It might be that you'd benefit from a second opinion anyway; sometimes a fresh approach can do wonders, and it's your right as the patient!
Hope you feel better soon.
2007-05-18 01:15:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to tell your psychiatrist about your drug addiction. How are you going to get anything out of therapy if you are not being honest?
Your psychiatrist will definitely not change your celexa. In the beginning of this year I also had to fess up that I had been abusing Oxycontin.
I went into a rehab to detox and my doctors kept me on my antidepressants (I actually take Cymbalta but it was working correctly for me).
I don't think they are going to want your body to be taken off everything all at once so don't worry about that. You can read more about my story at http://www.whatwinnersdo.com
2007-05-18 01:30:20 · answer #3 · answered by erin.savage 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The doctor that prescribed the suboxone has already started to treat your substance abuse issues. The medications you are taking are not addictive so even if you tell your psychiatrist there is no reason to take you off of them.
2007-05-17 16:34:18 · answer #4 · answered by nicole26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing you can do is to be honest with your psychiatrist. I doubt he will change your anti-depressants because of addiction to pain meds.
2007-05-18 02:38:31 · answer #5 · answered by whymewhynow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you did the right things to take care of your problem. getting off the pain meds and being treated by your MD for it has already taken care of the problem. i wouldn't bring it up since it's been handled properly by the right doctor.
2007-05-17 19:24:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋