Why do physicians only prescribe the new drugs?

Question

I have suffered with anxiety and panic for most of my life. When I was 18 I was prescribed Norpramin. I had great success with this drug. I went from being Agoraphobic to living a normal life because of this drug. I took Norpramin for about 10 years. I discontinued taking it and continued to live a normal life. I was in a car accident 2 years ago that took the life of my daughter and almost took my life. I started experiencing anxiety and went to see a psychiatrist before my anxiety truned into panic. I was prescribed Effexor and then Lexapro. Both of these drugs kept me awake for days even with sleeping pills. I felt like I was prescribed Speed. I told my doctor about the Norpramin and was told that he would not prescribe it for me because it had been years since I had taken it and that it would probably not work for me. I am only 36. I have been suffering for 2 years now with anxiety and now panic without medication. Why is it that doctors will not prescribe a sucessful medication?

Answer 1

Because they get kick backs from their pharmaceutical sales reps for every person that they prescribe the newer drug to.

Answer 2

First, I'm so sorry you lost your daughter. That's so tragic to deal with. My problems seem so minute to yours.

I went to a doctor about 7 years ago I had started on Prozac for 3 years, Lexapro 2 years and Effexor for 2, along with Xanax for general anxiety. They all had the tremor or zapper side effects and I hated it. Then I got PG last year and had to get off everything.

Recently, my anxiety turned into Panic Disorder. I decided it was time to seek counseling for our family and I saw the doctor. I'm now on Cymbalta and Klonopin and they work beautifully. It's been about 6 weeks since I've been on these two medications and the results are phenominal. I have Panic Disorder and also PTSD. (My daughter was injured severely during birth by a hospital nurse's neglect).

I never knew what the difference between anxiety and panic disorder were until this year. It's a slowly progressing situation and once it's full blown there's no telling what you'll do! Before medication I would try to hurt myself.

Now I'm organized, my problems are there, but I can concentrate on other issues, and I don't feel so lost with situations. I feel I"m in control of the situation and I'll get through it somehow. Get counseling if you aren't too. It greatly helps.

Yes, I got to unofficially meet my drug pusher in the lobby. I get them free because they are samples. As long as I can get samples and they work, I'll take them for free ($113 at Wal-Mart). They are all expensive, but well worth it (hopefully). I just hope I don't crash on this one too after only one year. Yikes!

Answer 3

I'm so sorry for your loss, and for your situation!

Please find another doctor who will listen to you. If the meds you are taking aren't working, then you need to discuss that with the (new) doctor to find a solution.

Sometimes the doctors do get kickbacks when they prescribe new meds, that's why pharmaceutical reps will come talk to the doctors about how great their drug is.

Sometimes, old meds have very bad side effects and the newer meds don't... and this includes side effects that you might not "see" like liver damage.

Good luck!

Answer 4

If Norpramin worked for you in the past, there is no reason to think that it would not work now...find a new doctor.

Answer 5

Tell him to prescribe it so you can give it another chance. If he won't get a new doctor. Doctors do get kick backs. The pharmaceutical companies control them. Welcome to the our sh**y NWO system.

Answer 6

Physicians now prescribe new drugs because, depending on what virus you have it can evolve and become resistant to that certain drug.