Do doctors dislike it when patients suggest medications for themselves?

Question

I was diagnosed as bipolar II, 3 weeks ago. My psychiatrist prescribed me lithium and I hate it, it causes me endless nausea and stomach pain.

I have read great things about Lamictal, how can I ask my docotr to switch without sounding like a know-it-all?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

The other suggestions are right in that you should probably bring up the drug indirectly.  However, I do know doctors who  get frustrated when patients decide to demand a certain drug and, as a result, undermined their disguise.  For example, I spoke to one physician who had a patient with insomnia.  He was going to prescribe Ambien, but the patient said "No, I want the butterfly medication."

If you've really done research on the medication and don't just reference a commercial, the doctor will serious consider giving you the other medication.  

Alas, the doctor I described above ended up prescribing Lunesta even though he felt Ambien would be better for the patient.  He did so because he felt this was better than arguing with the patient and explaining why Ambien was slightly better for him when he knew the difference would be slight.  However, this just shows the power of advertisements and patient choice of his or her medication.

Answer 2

Yes, doctors do dislike it when patients suggest their own medication.

I suggest you let your psychiatrist know that the lithium is causing nausea and stomach pain, and ask if there might be an alternative. You might show your psychiatrist articles that have been published in medical journals about Lamictal, and ask him/her if Lamcital could be a medication that might be an alternative medication for you.

Answer 3

Not at all.

Just say:

"I have read great things about Lamictal, do you think it would work for me?"

Answer 4

First, say, "it causes me endless nausea and stomach pain." Then begin about Lamictal like this: "I was doing some research on people who are bipolar and read a bit about a drug called Lamictal. Could you tell me about it?"

Asking for advice, not giving them any.  They'll connect the dots to what you're actually asking them for on their own, but it's less 'demanding' sounding.

Answer 5

If I were a shrink, I would be careful. Many people with illnesses tend to shop around for drugs when they have side effects. This by itself can interfere with therapy, when one's body chemistry is changed often or too radically. Think about it - bipolar is a disorder of brain chemistry, is it not?

    On the other hand (if I were a shrink), I would listen to a patient who took an active part in her treatment, and give serious consideration to a suggestion.

     I guess treatment for a disorder like bipolar takes trust going both ways.

     PS. I'm in treatment for BPD and my shrink has to have his arm twisted to give a scrip for panic attacks.lol

Answer 6

Any fine Doctor listens to the Patients. Tell him/her about

your side effects and ask about an alternative and do not be shy about mentioning drugs you have become aware of.

If your Dotor becomes offended about your suggestion,

change Doctors.

Ingrid