Can you demand to try a certain medication?

Question

I hate lithium and I hate seroquel. I'm bipolar II and I want to ask my pdoc for lamictal and topamax.

Can I do this?

Answer 1

You can ask for whatever you think will be successful in medication. but I suggest you talk to your doctor about your reasons for requesting any medication and see what his professional opinion is regarding the reasons why it is advisable for you to take certain medications. You can always seek a second opinion if you don't agree with your doctor, and you find (him/she) to be non responsive to  your needs or concerns. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Just ask your psychiatrist.  It is ok to change meds especially if your miserable with the ones you are on.

I don't know that you will need both, however, you might start with the Lamictal ( working your way uptto 100 mg) and try Effexor XR 75 upto 150 mg/daily,Cymbalta 60 mg, or Welbutrin XL150 up to 300 mg /daily.  For sleep you might try Klonopin at bedtime.

Your medcations will need to be titrated and watched during the transition period.

The most important thing to your doctor is that you are safe and you are better.  

If you are Bipolar II, it is not likely that you'll upregulate and become manic.

Answer 3

ask the doctor you have now for what you want if they refuse find another doctor that will

Answer 4

You can always ask, however there is no guarantee that you doctor will change your medication, and you cannot demand to try a certain medication. Still, talking to your doctor and giving him/her a list of reasons why you would like to change cannot hurt. Also, if your doctor is not willing to change your medication you could see a different doctor for a second opinon.

Answer 5

Yes you can but it is up to the doctor as to whether they will give it to you

Answer 6

of course, if your doctor is good at all at his or her job, then he'll/she'll let you try it. (i'm on lamictal, by the way.) it gave me some headaches, but other than that is a great drug.