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My Son Hasn't Been Formally Diagnosed

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Mell
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29 Sep 2013, 1:43 pm

Responding to what someone said here, and I don't know how to caption their quote, since I'm new here and still trying to figure out how posting works: I do think it is irresponsible of his doctor (general practitioner i assume?) to have him on that particular cocktail of psych meds without consultation from a psychiatrist.

Actually, it's his psychiatrist who prescribed these meds, but it's a low-income clinic that seems to just shuttle people through like a train station, so I don't think he's really going in-depth with his patients, he just throws pills at them and sends them on their way. Without insurance, I cannot get my son the proper care he needs . . waiting to sign him up for Obamacare.



Last edited by Mell on 29 Sep 2013, 1:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.

The_Walrus
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29 Sep 2013, 1:48 pm

Mell wrote:
Responding to what someone said here, and I don't know how to caption their quote, since I'm new here and still trying to figure out how posting works:
Press the "quote" button in the top right corner of every post :)



Mell
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29 Sep 2013, 2:03 pm

The_Walrus wrote:
Mell wrote:
Responding to what someone said here, and I don't know how to caption their quote, since I'm new here and still trying to figure out how posting works:
Press the "quote" button in the top right corner of every post :)
Thanks, Walrus



Mell
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29 Sep 2013, 2:13 pm

Aspendos wrote:
Mell wrote:
As it stands now, he is going to rehab for substance abuse. He is making slow, but steady strides towards recovery, but has had multiple violent outbursts which have led to arrests and hospitalization. The doctors have him on Lorazepam, Thorazine, and Wellbutrin, to keep him on an 'even keel'.


I'm sure you know that if he's going to rehab for substance abuse, he shouldn't be taking any such drugs to start with. As long as he is, rehab seems pretty pointless.
I completely agree, but I have very little control over what he is prescribed by his psychiatrist, who knows that my son is on Methadone. And I've researched the dangerous side effects of these medication in combination with the Methadone, which I would think any notable psychiatrist would already know, but he prescribes them anyway. Can't afford to find another doctor, without insurance, so this is who we're stuck with, for the time being.

Quote:
So based on that, yes, Lorazepam is pretty concerning. It's fairly strongly addictive, has a dangerous withdrawal syndrome and real street value. However, it's also quite effective against anxiety or as 'maintenance therapy' for weaning someone off another tranq, a category which for this purpose includes alcohol. In a controlled rehab environment, perhaps it can be handled okay.
And, yes, I do know about the addiction potential and street value of Lorazepam. I would prefer that it not be prescribed for my son, but his psychiatrist seems to be bent on allowing it.



chickenhawked
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30 Sep 2013, 12:48 am

If things don't get better for him, consider having him apply for disability assistance. A doctor is more qualified to determine whether your son can work or not (and Social Security will assign doctors to evaluate his ability to work for free).