Misdiagnosed

[carter27]

Hi, i'ts a little broader than the above topic, but I just want some advice from a medical expert concerning the medication I was on.  It was all a fiasco which occurred when I was 18.

I was medicated with initially with valium, then fluoxetine, stelazene, olanzapine, risperidone, and benztropine.  This was 10 years ago.  I stopped the meds against advice.  

Basically it escalated from one brief encounter with a doctor I didn't know who gave me valium and then one thing led to another and I was being flung from doctor to doctor all with differing opinions.  That was within the space of a month as far as I remember.  In my opinion I was overmedicated and very ill from the meds.  

Can you enlighten me as to whether I am overreacting when I say that I feel it has screwed with my brain as far as drugs can.  I feel agressive all the time and physically - jaw, head, shoulder pain.  Anxiety worse than before.   Please please, am I still just an anxious person, or in addition, do I have a problem stemming from overmedication?

[carter27]

and as for the meds. .i'm going to take my mind off that and make the most of it. .

[carter27]

well, I saw my GP today and she's known me since I was 5.  I expressed my concerns and she said, yes I'm stressed out, yes I should see a psychologist to let go of my past.  

I mentioned the meds in the context that I didn't need them and she wouldn't acknowledge whether or not I needed them (of course) she was vague and said if I'd taken them, considering they weren't longterm, i should be ok now.  I hope, truly truly, that she's right -

sorry, but I'm not as trusting of doctors as I once was.

So yes I'm feeling better and should be seeing a therapist in dec jan.  Im hesitant and nervous and optimistic and wary and ok with that for now. . .

[mr.lucky66]

Be very carefull as shrinks vary greatly in skill and compasion. It used to be a good specialty now, it seems to be a good way into medicine for docs with less skills. It's the only MD that never has to touch a patient. Diagnoses can vary  radicaly as psychiatry is not an exact science like cardiology. all the best

[carter27]

Thankyou I can relate to that - and you've given me a good phrase "brain chemistry" to use if I ever want to articulate my feelings a little more clearly.  yes I agree with  your advice - still am worried even though I can't do anything about it now.  I will try to nourish myself though, thanks (might even ask a professional when I feel up to it - despite what you said, and yes I agree with that too)

[uberadtx]

I don't think you are overreacting.  You were on a battery of meds that would put 3rd world countries to sleep.  Did it change your brain chemistry? That's where things get dicey.  I don't think even a competent professional can make that assumption/diagnosis.  It sounds like you have some stress related anxiety and not full blown depression yet.....
The good news is that you can take steps to alleviate the anxiety without medication.  It requires some changes to your daily activities though and a commitment daily to make it happen.  I know how you feel and it is terribly uncomfortable.  When my anxiety escalates I get snappy and curt with the people I love.  I don't mean to but it happens.  We live in a world that is confusing and aggressive its no wonder sooo many of us need medication! hahahahahha  We have a choice to either feed into it or nourish ourselves.  Keep me posted.