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Has PCP changed meds due to age?

Posted by connieh @conhack, Oct 22, 2023

New PCP.
I have "fibromyalgia". 35 years now. My old doc prescribed me Ambiem, xanax and trazodone to sleep through the pain. New doc says I can't have those now because of confusion and falling, neither I have problems with. Has anyone else had this happen? What are some suggestions for change other than SSRI's? I am starting this week, tapering off these meds because they seem to be too much trouble and the situation is causing me anxiety that I have not had for years. New doc has refused me as a patient now because I tried to have a conversation about it but she took it a questioning her authority. Nurse practioners seem to be replacing family docs in my area. I think if I discontinue these meds I can be seen by one. Comments welcome.

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Mentor
Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Oct 22, 2023

This new doctor does not sound easy to work with. And also has now refused to accept you as a patient. Consider getting another doctor who will review the meds and discuss with you? I suggest a gerontologist if appropriate. A rheumatologist might also be helpful in terms of prescribing for pain but again, screen for someone who is respectful and collaborative. I believe there are some fibro specific drugs now. I wish you the best--it is difficult to come off all drugs at once and it is possible they aren't that counter indicated. My old PCP retired and I was fortunate in that the new doctor is very nice and continues to prescribe for pain, but I was worried. So, do investigate specialists as well as a new PCP and nurse practioners.

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 22, 2023

@conhack I don’t know how old you are but I know it’s not easy to come off of drugs; I’m trying to taper off my prednisone right now because this drug, and many others, are so difficult for our bodies to tolerate, especially as we get older. The problems with confusion and falling are very real and could change your life forever. Try to get an appointment with this same doctor again and see if she will discuss less dangerous medications for you.
Why did you put fibromyalgia in quotes? It’s a real disease and has real treatments.

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connieh | @conhack | Oct 22, 2023

I'm 66. I believe fibro is a real condition that I may well fit the parameters of however 7 specialists in 3 states did not settle on it. Prednisone was one of the many medications I was given and more than once. I was with my PCP for 20+years before his retirement. He continued searching because my symptoms worsened over time despite meds and therapy.
Confusion and falling are paramount with lack of restful sleep as well as other health issues.
Trying to have a conversation with doc about how I had gotten to these last 3 medications was where she abruptly walked out. I was simply trying to explain not argue. It was an information appt.

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1 reply
connieh | @conhack | Oct 22, 2023
In reply to @mir123 "This new doctor does not sound easy to work with. And also has now refused to..." + (show)
@mir123

This new doctor does not sound easy to work with. And also has now refused to accept you as a patient. Consider getting another doctor who will review the meds and discuss with you? I suggest a gerontologist if appropriate. A rheumatologist might also be helpful in terms of prescribing for pain but again, screen for someone who is respectful and collaborative. I believe there are some fibro specific drugs now. I wish you the best--it is difficult to come off all drugs at once and it is possible they aren't that counter indicated. My old PCP retired and I was fortunate in that the new doctor is very nice and continues to prescribe for pain, but I was worried. So, do investigate specialists as well as a new PCP and nurse practioners.

Jump to this post

One med at a time.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 31, 2023
In reply to @conhack "I'm 66. I believe fibro is a real condition that I may well fit the parameters..." + (show)
@conhack

I'm 66. I believe fibro is a real condition that I may well fit the parameters of however 7 specialists in 3 states did not settle on it. Prednisone was one of the many medications I was given and more than once. I was with my PCP for 20+years before his retirement. He continued searching because my symptoms worsened over time despite meds and therapy.
Confusion and falling are paramount with lack of restful sleep as well as other health issues.
Trying to have a conversation with doc about how I had gotten to these last 3 medications was where she abruptly walked out. I was simply trying to explain not argue. It was an information appt.

Jump to this post

@conhack, remember that your pharmacist is also part of your health care team. You might wish to speak with your pharmacist about reconciling your medications and how to safely taper.

See this related discussion:
- Medication reconciliation: Who do I talk with to review all my meds?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stop-all-medicine/
Nurse practitioners are great options for medication management. Have you started tapering a medication yet? How are you doing?

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