Should I find a new psychiatrist after only 3 visits?

Question

Every time I go in, he gives me instructions about my medication. When I first saw him, I was taking 2 Prozac (20mg) per day and he told me to take 1 for the next week then stop altogether. At the second visit, he said "So you're take 1 Prozac each day, right?" Then he got testy with me and said I hadn't paid attention to him last time. So I began taking 1 again. Yesterday I saw him and he says, "So you're off the Prozac now, right?" I almost got up and walked out. And he acts like I'm the one whose not paying attention. I've had bipolar for 20 years now and, trust me, I pay attentions to my doctors. I think this guy is an accident waiting to happen, but I don't know if I've given him a fair shake after only 3 visits? Can I get some input?

Answer 1

If you dont feel comfortble with what he's prescribing to you or what he's telling you then switch. I switched after only 2 visits to one I was seeing. This guy didnt remember anything and I think he had too many patients in and out all day to even remember who I was. SWITCH! It'll be the best thing you can do for yourself.. untill you find the right one and trust me you will know when you have found the right one.  

Answer 2

Well, if he is stressing you out and telling you different instructions concerning your meds then maybe you should look into finding a new psychiatrist...

Answer 3

There really isn't any excuse for his being confused by his own instructions and being rude and insensitive to a patient needing support! A psychiatrist should give you confidence and direction, support and praise always with sound medical advice. This guy is giving you none of the above so find someone else right away. Good luck.

Answer 4

there are med mgt docs and counselors.  sounds like he's just a med mgr.  i started that way, wasn't happy and chgd docs and started counsiling.  after a while, i figured out what was wrong and chgd docs again to just a med mgr.  if you are not feeling better and you tell him and he doesn't listen, you may want to switch.  you should give your meds at least 30 days as prescribed before making a decision.  the drug needs to build up in your body to be effective.  

Answer 5

I suffer from bi-polar too, and I understand frustration with psychiatrists trust me!

What you gotta remember is that this guys has so many patients that after a while even the notes he makes sometimes don't quite allow him to catch up to a patient, especially after 3 sessions. Dont quite yet, give it  little longer, if he still doesn't seem to be following you, then give him the kick.

Good luck

Answer 6

Get a new doctor.  Might want to report him to the medical board too.

Answer 7

Yeah you should get a new one because the next thing you know he will have you overdosing on prozac because you know more than he does

Answer 8

if you have lost your trust and confidence in your psychiatrist, go ahead and leave.  You are the patient and you have all the right to find a doctor whom you trust.  If you feel that your professional relationship is no longer "life-giving", then you go ahead and find another one who will satisfy your needs.

Answer 9

yeah you should find a new psychiatrist.  he sounds like a total idiot.  seriously, dont go back to him.