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← Return to Getting off of Seroquel
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@erikas
I agree with you and the Mayo Clinic Pharmacist that patients shouldn’t get off some of these medications on their own. But realistically what other alternatives would you and your pharmacy staff recommend when physicians are either incapable or unwilling to properly get patients off these medications in a proper withdrawal-free manner. The 6000+ people in the Effexor thread are mostly from patients who have physicians who's responsibility it is to assure these people a safe and withdrawal-free taper. Not to mention all the money they are collecting for causing more misery than help. Obviously they aren't doing their job or there wouldn't be so many heart-wrenching posts. What about all the other patients on all the other websites desperately in need of help. What do you say to them, knowing they are not receiving the help they need which they pay for. What’s the answer if it’s not discontinuation by self-medicating? Please tell us what our alternative is. We'd like to know.
Take care,
Jake
Replies to "@erikas I agree with you and the Mayo Clinic Pharmacist that patients shouldn’t get off some..."
Excellent reply Jake! 👏👏. When we have to turn to the internet for medical advice it becomes quite clear how serious this tapering situation is. Most doctors are clueless. The government needs to address this issue, it’s very very serious and most have nowhere to turn. I speak from experience. In my opinion it’s not really the Benzos or opioids that are hurting people it’s the manner in which folks are yanked off these drugs that are killing them. Side effects from a incorrectly done taper can damage the brain and go on for years. No one wants to talk about this though now do they?
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@jakedduck1 I know that it's hard to find the right care and the right provider at times. I'm not ignorant to that and it's unacceptable.
I am a therapist and I have plenty of experience with clients and their medication issues indirectly. I have seen people permanently damage their body, mind, and lives by taking or stopping their medications without provider guidance.
A close family member is a provider. As I mentioned, I am a therapist. I have worked in insurance and at the hospital before returning for my Master's in counseling. As a therapist I've worked in residential, outpatient, and in-home. I know it can be difficult to navigate the system but with persistence it can be done.
There are a few ways I have witnessed, guided, or advocated for my clients, so they can take charge of their psychiatric medications management.
1.) Switch providers. Contact your insurance and get a list of providers and specifically ask about telemedicine for psychiatry.
2.) If there are no providers in your area ask to speak to utilization management and get an authorization to see a local provider. This can be a lengthy process but it can be done.
3.) Travel to another city to see a provider.
4.) Get a second opinion.
5.) Contact the office of patient experience. There are specific weaning schedules for medications. Find out what they are and make a complaint if they are not abiding by the schedules.
6.) Contact your local county and ask for an ARMS or adult mental health case manager.
7.) Ask for a health coordinator/social worker at your local hospital.
8.) Ask for help in navigating your mental health via family, friend, or therapist.
These are just a few suggestions. I have yet to see a patient go untreated if they were persistent with the above suggestions. It's frustrating but people don't need to do this alone. Try to enlist advocates and you will eventually get there.