ignorant doctor prescribing meds

[beautifulbritty712]

I'm bipolar and I have been pretty stable and unmedicated for a couple years now but I've been having mood swings that have been getting increasingly worse since last fall. i recently had an episode and decided i cant deal with it anymore and I went to the mental health clinic i used to go to, where they told me i can't be seen because i have private insurance. Well the earliest psychiatrist appt i could get through my insurance is over a month away so i called my doctor and asked for help. I told her im bipolar and my symptoms and she first told me im so tired because im too fat, she basically called me a spoiled brat then she tried to prescribe me antidepressants. I told her they will make me manic and she acted like i was lying so i told her how I get crazy and angry when i took antidepressants alone in the past and she told me its not me being manic its just anger and she asked me why i act like that. the whole time i was sitting there like o my gosh this lady doesnt have any idea what shes talking about.... then she prescribed me depakote. She said it will regulate my moods but im mainly suffering from depression and anxiety and depakote is to treat mania? im scared to take it now im in the same boat as before with a month left before i can see the real doctor, i left the office in tears today and have no idea what to do. I've used all my sick days at work for this I dont know if i can make it a whole month....

[beautifulbritty712]

thank you both maybe ill actually go pick up my prescription..... I already called my insurance and changed to a new pcp

[looloo141]

Hi there I agree with lindahand, there are ways of getting seen sooner, so try lindahands advice. I think it is terrible to be treated like that, you should be applauded for recognising that you need help, as that is very difficult especially around an episode.

I am taking Depakote, its a mood stabiliser, yes it does treat mania but it can help depression too it will keep you more stable and stop any further deterioration. I think it would help if you took it, it wouldn't make you worse. When I have an episode they always increase mine as it can help with anxiety and sleep.
I did find that it wasn't quite enough to treat my problems on its own so I also take Seroquel.
I totally understand your concerns about the Depakote when its prescribed from such an idiot doctor, but I think it would help you.
Soon as you see another doctor you could ask for the meds you were taking before..
good luck

[lindahand]

Phone the pdoc and see if you can get an emergency appointment or at the very least get put on the cancellation list. If you have insurance through work you may have access to short term disability. The crux in that is you have to either go to a different doctor or convince Doctor God you need the time off work. If you are having suicidal thoughts go to the ER. That will expidite your ability to see a pdoc.

I don't know about taking the depakote. If you go on the website crazy meds (google it) you can find out about its different properties and whether or not it can help.

Tough spot to be in. Some doctors just don't believe in mental illness. Crazy in this day and age but true. It sounds like you encountered someone who just feels like you should pull yourself up by your bootstraps. I can think of a few unpleasant things to say about her. I imagine you've said them yourself.