Lexapro and Valium - Med questions

[annalawny]

Hi, all - It's been a while since I've posted - I have now been taking valium for about 2 months, and it will be 3 months by the time  get back to my psychiatrist.  Before that, I was taking Ativan for 2 months.  For personal (non-medical) reasons, I did not want to begin the SSRI's I'm supposed to take (Lexapro or Celexa) until May, so I've been taking the valium at a very low dose, every day.  My Rx is for 2 mg a day, but I've so far only been taking 1/2 a pill (1 mg.) per day - 1/4 in the a.m. and 1/4 at night.  When I saw my doctor recently, she was not thrilled that I hadn't gotten up to 2 mg. per day and advised me to do so.  I told her I had 'x' pills left, but she said she wasn't renewing my Rx, but never said why she wasn't doing so.  After I left, I realized I didn't have enough to get me to the next appointment.  I don't know if there was a reason or whether she just thought I had sufficient pills - it seemed a double message - on one hand, I was to increase my dose, on the other hand, I didn't have enough to get to the next appointment even at the dose I was already taking.  I'm confused - so I guess I need to call her and ask, but I feel awkward, as if I'm second-guessing her (which I am, I guess), about her decision not to renew my Rx since I just don't know why she didn't.  

I mentioned this to my GP when I saw him a bit later, and he said I need to see her about it - but he suggested that the 1/4 2x per day might not be doing anything.  He suggested I try taking 1/2 a pill at night, instead of 1/4 twice a day, as it might 'metabolize' in my body better and have a better effect.  Has anyone heard of this?  Is that so?  I have tried it for a couple of days, although I chickened out and took a small 'shard,' a bit less than 1/4 a pill, in the a.m., saving most of it for the evening.  I don't know if it's auto-suggestion, or if I'm just very sensitive, but I really feel the difference.  I am more 'jumpy,' feel like crying, at times, and notice more difficulty eating / swallowing (which is why I began this journey in the first place - I have had difficulty swallowing.  I can now eat some soft foods, a bit more than before, but I"m still not able to sit down and eat a piece of meat, or plate of veggies.  I'm now beginning to think maybe I DO need the valium now - I don't 'want to' 'need it' but it just seemed uncomfortable today, w/o it during the day.  

I am supposed to begin the Lexapro when I return to the doctor next month, I think, but don't know how that can be if I've been off the valium for a few days when I return.  Also, I may have asked this before, but I've seen posts online that folks a) have had bad lexapro reactions, and b) it can have negative effects on high blood pressure.   I'm kind of confused - do I keep on trying to do the 1/2 pill at night thing?  Will the discomfort of not having it during the day subside?  Should I call my doc to get more or assume she has a reason for not giving me a new Rx?  Your feedback / suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.  

  

[lynn57]

Your doctor was disappointed that you had not followed instructions.  That does not mean she's a pill pusher.  It seems she was trying to get you to the point where you could swallow comfortably.  2 mgs of valium is not very much and nothing to be concerned about.  Maybe she wouldn't renew your script until you needed it filled due to leftover pills.  You really need to discuss your concerns with her and see what kind of reaction you get.  If she continues to lack in her "bedside manner" I would seek another doctor.

[bbxx]

Well good luck. :)

[annalawny]

she has been pretty cool so far, not pushing the ssri's, although saying i need them, but pointing out that my lack of success w/ eating is related to how much valium i take, and that i am not taking a dose that will work.  i am more intimidated by the process than anything else.   she says 5 -10 mg is the usual dose, and i am taking 1 mg.  what i need feedback on is what others' experiences w/ modifying  / taking their valium doses are, peimarily.  thanks for your response.

[bbxx]

Well, we are not allowed to tell anyone how to dose their meds or what to do. I can tell you, that if it were me, I would not see any doctor that intimidated me or told me I had to up my dose if I did not want to. Too many doctors are nothing more than drug pushers.You hire them and you can fire them. You need to be on top of things and research so you do not go in their ignorantly .If you have a good doctor, they will listen to your concerns and offer alternatives. If you think a drug makes you feel bad, then listen to your body. Some of the best doctors, use very little drugs and when they are needed, they stick to the lowest doses They will offer things like therapy etc... in stead of meds.