My doctor isn't listening to me...

[[sh...]]

My doc wanted me to drop from 1mg to 0.75 mg a day.  I tried it and the w/d was so bad I couldn't continue.  He's been very aggressive about this taper and I'm not sure that's in my best interests.  He keeps saying I'm going to have panic attacks as long as I continue to take the ativan.  I feel that he's just trying to motivate me to stop taking it.  Should I see an addiction specialist?  There are a couple here in my city.  I don't feel like I'm an addict, but they may be more sympathetic to the difficulties I'm having. 

[[me...]]

Hi,

 

It sounds like you're doing (or want to do) a reasonable taper, and I don't know what an addiction specialist can do to help you with that.  If a doctor labels you as an addict, there's a real possibility they'll stop your prescription cold.  That has happened to others here.  It's best to continue tapering as slow as is possible, and most members here organize and control their own tapers.  Doctors, unfortunatley, all too often recommend fast tapers.

 

 

 

[[sh...]]

Thank you for your reply.  I don't know how I can manage my own taper when I am dependent on the doc for prescriptions.  I would like to have control over it, but he's calling the shots right now.  I need to get him to listen to me, and I don't know how.

[[be...]]

My doctor is actually a benzo only addiction psychiatrist. I was on very high doses of Klonopin and Ativan though when I first met him and they had become toxic to me. So he was quick off the draw with Ativan and surprisingly I felt fantastic. You are only on 1 mg. I'd try to get it through to him that rather than taper 0.25 you would prefer to cut only .125. You could quarter .5 pills. It not too hard. My addiction doctor labels no one and now that I'm only on Valium he's been overly patient. I see him in 2 weeks and he might suggest I go faster. But, if I say no the chances are very good he'll let me keep it at my pace. Says he's had patients with no problems and we're off in months but others years. When I've been flustered he realizes it quickly and so far hasn't pushed me at all. I did cancel tomorrows appt though so doubt he'll be pleased. I'm hoping he understands. Anyway, I guess my point is even though he's offered me a fast taper when I say no he simply says ok...and that everybody is different. I guess I'll know if he's upset in 2 wks. I sure hope not. My reason for cancelling was unavoidable and couldn't book next weekend because it's our Canadian Thanksgiving. Anyway, he's actually told me never to feel labelled and not to let anyone do that to me. But, I'm lucky to have him. B

[[ti...]]

Barb u r lucky, im sure things will be fine

Shea610 when i first figured out i was going through tolerance wds i tried to find a pdoc

None available in my area. Then i found an addiction center. They also wanted me to taper rapidly, 2mg k in 2 months. But they did give me remeron which helped me to sleep regularly for the first time in years

And i get my k from my primary dr and hes not even pushing the taper, tg he represcribes it

I dont think addiction centers get it either. They are more used to opiate addictions, and i think they may even get funding from the DEA.  Of course i could be wrong.

I think probably a pdoc would be better if u can find one

[[je...]]

Hi.  I don't think you need an addition specialist either.  Maybe you just need to hold at 1mg for several weeks.  If you are truly not comfortable with his doc, then find another (and have your records transferred).  The MD is supposed to serve the patient, regardless.  The benzos are bad news and someone "forcing you" to go faster isn't keeping your best interest in mind.  I have a GREAT Nurse Practitioner who is sympathetic and is having me taper on Valium as slow as I (me, myself and I) need.  Withdrawal symptoms can be really bad.  You need some guidance from another MD so that you succeed!  Please take charge of your own health - otherwise, no one will.

[[sh...]]

Thank you for your thoughtful replies.  There is a NP who has a good reputation and I think I'll make an appointment with her. Sometimes NPs listen a little better than doctors.  Thank you all for your help.

 

[[me...]]

That sounds good. I was soo fortunate to get a nurse practitioner to supervise my taper. She was very supportive and knowledgeable.