Drs office question

[sunlver]

Can a PCP prescribe anxiety meds, or do they make you go to a psycholigist/psychiatrist for that?

Tomorrow I have an appt to see my PCP for Migraines..Im thinking I need a different one or something different, as I am getting way to many for my liking.
BUT... I am such an anxious person all the time, I want to bring that up at my visit as well. So, I was just wondering if this is something my PCP could prescribe or will she send me elsewhere?

 

[AnnR]

My PCP prescribes both my anxiety meds and my anti-depressant. My friend has one that will not prescribe anti-depressants, she makes my friend go to a psychiatrist for that. It is another copay for her, just to get her medicine. I don't understand it since mine has no problems with the prescriptions.

 

[watersbland]

Several months ago when we found out my dad had laryngeal cancer, my mom ended up needing something for anxiety. She was a little apprehensive about talking to anyone about it but mentioned it to her doctor at a regular check up appointment. He talked with her about what was going on and prescribed something in office without reffering her anywhere else. I see you are in Virginia and we are in NC so there may be some difference from state to state. It also may depend on your physician and the extent of your symptoms. But just wanted to give you one example of someone who received a prescription without seeing a specialist. Best of luck with your appointment.

 

[minkydog]

Have you had a workup for the migraines yet? That might be the first thing that needs to be addressed. Yes, the PCP can usually prescribe meds for mild depression and anxiety. However, you must understand that the average PCP is not current, nor do they have the extensive knowledge of the medications that are used for anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. I went to my PCP for years to get my depression/anxiety meds, even though I continued to suffer depressive episodes and anxiety. I thought that was normal. Then I got REALLLLY depressed and finally took myself to a psychiatrist. What a difference! She was able to put me on the exact right meds for me. Yes, it takes more than one med for me, which is why I could never get the anxiety under control. My PCP is great, but you know? mental health really isn't her forte. Now that I'm on the right combo, I have very manageable anxiety and only very occasional bouts of depression.

Good luck to you whatever you decide. I wish I had sought out a psychiatrist a LOT earlier than I did.

 

[sunlver]

Thank you everybody for your replies. I have had migraines almost all my adult life. MY mother and brother suffer with them as well, their migraines are much worse then mine.
I guess because I had one of those all day migraines today,make me think if I could relax more, I wouldnt get so many

I did think I found the culprit for my all day terrible one today. A friend of mine brought me home from a N.Jersey bakery,. a dozen freshly made bagels YUMMY...It has been so long since I have had bakery bagels. I had one last night and one this morning. Just now, I was doing research and found that freahly baked yeast items, are a trigger..... I had no idea.. But I was so miserable today and the pain makes me depressed as its summer and I have 3 kids, and rather have been out and about with them, instead of laying in my dark cool room like a hermit

 

[JessicaR]

I think you should talk to your doctor. Maybe just time to re-evaluate your meds. Your PCP can prescribe what they want if they choose to.

Migraines are just awful.

 

[Sparx]

Have you had a workup for the migraines yet? That might be the first thing that needs to be addressed. Yes, the PCP can usually prescribe meds for mild depression and anxiety. However, you must understand that the average PCP is not current, nor do they have the extensive knowledge of the medications that are used for anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. I went to my PCP for years to get my depression/anxiety meds, even though I continued to suffer depressive episodes and anxiety. I thought that was normal. Then I got REALLLLY depressed and finally took myself to a psychiatrist. What a difference! She was able to put me on the exact right meds for me. Yes, it takes more than one med for me, which is why I could never get the anxiety under control. My PCP is great, but you know? mental health really isn't her forte. Now that I'm on the right combo, I have very manageable anxiety and only very occasional bouts of depression.

Good luck to you whatever you decide. I wish I had sought out a psychiatrist a LOT earlier than I did.

I agree with this. A PCP doesn't have the knowledge or experience with these very dangerous medications like SSRIs and Anxiolectics. Would you go to a dentist when you have an ingrown toe nail? Its the same thing, really. I highly highly suggest getting a Psychiatrist (as a psychologist is a PhD doctor and cannot write RXs) for this.

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

My PCP prescribed my anti depressants to control migraines and vertigo. When I began showing symptoms of depression he changed my anti depressant and sent me to therapy.

 

[tvguy]

Just depends on the PCP. Mine retired, he wrote all my prescriptions. The OLDER guy who took over his practice refers me to a specialist for everything. Between my last two PCP visits, I got an order for lab work in the mail. It said it was from my PCP, but when I got to the office he wanted to know who ordered the test....apparently the GROUP he belongs to reviewed my file and ordered the test in his name. He wasn't happy, but it didn't cost me anything, and it was nice to know the test came back normal.

 

[minkydog]

I did think I found the culprit for my all day terrible one today. A friend of mine brought me home from a N.Jersey bakery,. a dozen freshly made bagels YUMMY...It has been so long since I have had bakery bagels. I had one last night and one this morning. Just now, I was doing research and found that freahly baked yeast items, are a trigger..... I had no idea.. But I was so miserable today and the pain makes me depressed as its summer and I have 3 kids, and rather have been out and about with them, instead of laying in my dark cool room like a hermit

Interesting. Doughnuts set me off badly. And hot dogs other than Hebrew National. I think it's the additives. I came home with a migraine this morning after physical therapy. Thought i was gonna throw up in the care before I could get home. I put myself straight to bed with the shades drawn and the fan on. I was even too sick to take Tylenol! I slept almost 3 hours and when I woke up I was no longer sick, just felt hungover. I really sympathise with you. Migraines just tear me up. I"m allergic to NSAIDS, Imitrex, and Maxalt, so Tylenol is about it.

 

[sunlver]

Interesting. Doughnuts set me off badly. And hot dogs other than Hebrew National. I think it's the additives. I came home with a migraine this morning after physical therapy. Thought i was gonna throw up in the care before I could get home. I put myself straight to bed with the shades drawn and the fan on. I was even too sick to take Tylenol! I slept almost 3 hours and when I woke up I was no longer sick, just felt hungover. I really sympathise with you. Migraines just tear me up. I"m allergic to NSAIDS, Imitrex, and Maxalt, so Tylenol is about it.

So maybe there is something to the yeast thing, if you have a problem with donuts
Wow, sorry to hear you are allergice to so many of the meds for migraines. Imitrex is/was a life saver to me. It just seems that I have been getting more and more migraines. For me, it goes in cycles. I get daily tension sort of headaches that usually go away with a couple of motrin. BUT lately, I have been getting more and more and need the Imitrex to take them completely away.