It's not just about the receptors . . . Sometimes it's just about common sense

Dell writes in with an issue . . . but I think the real issue is deeper than the chemistry . . . 

I’ve just been prescribed Vyvanse for refractory Clinical Depression. I was hospitalized twice decades ago then was started on a regimen of dexedrine which I never abused. It got me through graduate . . . → Read More: It's not just about the receptors . . . Sometimes it's just about common sense

SHOCKING!!! The role of ECT in the treatment of mental illness

I just have a question for you: what are your views on ECT – mine are completely negative since I have had so many and they did absolutely NOTHING for me but cause long term memory loss.

There is absolutely NOTHING that will scare a patient more than when the doc starts bringing up ECT–electroconvulsive . . . → Read More: SHOCKING!!! The role of ECT in the treatment of mental illness

A duty to listen . . . you don't violate confidentiality if you keep your mouth shut

My daughter’s father has recently (within the last week)begun taking an antidepressant for depression.  He and I had been getting along well with no fights or hostility depsite some disagreements during this time. We are divorced but are friends and are able to attend family functions and cooperate as to our child 95% of the . . . → Read More: A duty to listen . . . you don't violate confidentiality if you keep your mouth shut

What's a little chest pain when I can at least pay attention to the ER doc when he tells me I've had my first heart attack!

This one made me a bit worried . . . 

I am a 30 year old male, and I’ve been taking stimulant ADD meds for about 15 years. The last 5 years I’ve been on Metadate CD 60mg every AM. Worked pretty good, and insurance covered most of it.My doctor switched me to Focalin XR,20mg . . . → Read More: What's a little chest pain when I can at least pay attention to the ER doc when he tells me I've had my first heart attack!

Rash from Lamictal . . . do you have to stop it?

This letter brings up an important question about Lamictal . . .

I’m a 45 y/o female properly diagnosed and treated as bipolar for 1 & 1/2 years. Prior to this diagnosis, I was treated soley for depression for 10 years (the last 5 as refractory.) I am presently doing GREAT on Lamictal 200mg daily . . . → Read More: Rash from Lamictal . . . do you have to stop it?

Vyvanse–the medication you can't get to

Just a short entry this evening.  A little bit of a rant and rave.  I’ve been trying to gain more experience with Vyvanse.  So far, the patients that I have taken it have given mostly favorable reviews.  Not perfect, but none of these poisons I prescribe are.  Problem is . . . the insurance companies . . . → Read More: Vyvanse–the medication you can't get to

Neurontin as a first line agent . . . I Don't Think So!

I received this question from a concerned consumer last week . . .

A week ago I was prescribed gabapentin, an anti-epileptic drug, for the off-label use of social anxiety and “affective mood disorder.” I have been concerned about this ever since I began my research on it a few days ago. Most of what . . . → Read More: Neurontin as a first line agent . . . I Don't Think So!

Tapering quickly off Klonopin . . . or . . . how to drive yourself crazy and feel like crap

Dawn writes in . . . actually . . . shouts in . . . 

HI I WAS ON KLONOPIN FOR ABOUT 15 YEARS NOW AND I AM TRYIGN TO WEAN MYSELF OFF. I AM NOTICING I HAVE THE SHAKES, I CANNOT THINK STRAIGHT AT ALL, I CANNOT RETAIN MUCH OF ANYTHING, MY FACE GETS . . . → Read More: Tapering quickly off Klonopin . . . or . . . how to drive yourself crazy and feel like crap

When is Lamictal Good for Regular Old Depression?

In our striving to provide our patients with the latest, the greatest and the newest treatments for one condition or another, many psychiatrists go out on a limb to try new things.  Some of us go wwwwaaaaaayyyyy out on a limb.  There are two sides to this, of course.  You don’t want a shrink who . . . → Read More: When is Lamictal Good for Regular Old Depression?

A mid-year assessment . . . a new start

So here we are folks . . . half way through the year!  Here in the northern hemisphere, the sun is high in the sky and hot hot hot. The roads are clearer on the morning’s ride to work with people taking off and schools closed.  I’ve taken a little time off and hope to . . . → Read More: A mid-year assessment . . . a new start