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It's a World full of concern

Jane315STARX

Yesterday I had a phone call from a GP from my surgery who I've never spoken to before as the one I'd spoken to over the phone twice previously has now left ( no continuity of care but there we are).Anyway she proceeded to ask me how I am and was armed with questions as I am now guessing to forward to the psychiatrist next week to make his job easier ( I know it's a man already).Anyway as the conversation progressed she asked me if I wanted to go back on Olanzapine.I was very shocked as this took me back to ( as she then checked 2002).I now remember It was only prescribed to me for Anorexia and for the purpose of gaining weight.I do not suffer with this issue now and that would/should be obvious.So in my mind I'm now thinking that this is complete incompetence by the gp.She has obviously assumed that I was prescribed this for some kind of mania ( which I've never had).It also makes me wonder what hope there is if a simple mistake like this can be made

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Kimi87

Some drugs have multiple uses. I'm on one for chronic pain and it also treats epilepsy (which I don't have).

Jane315STARX

Yes I know and I know Olanzapine does too but I think this G.p has jumped to the conclusion that I was prescribed it for something else.Based on my past Eating disorder and Knowledge of this drug you would have thought that she would've considered the implications of prescribing something that is not suitable and That I would know to gain weight.That being said she doesn't know me at all.Which is why continuity of care is paramount

Jane315STARX

I think Carbamazapine is one common med like this much like Topiromate used for Epilepsy and Migraines

letitbe

Has this GP been in contact with the Psychiatrist? The only person that can authorize this type of medication ( olanzapine ) is a psychiatrist. GPs aren’t allowed to prescribe or adjust these type medications

Jane315STARX

Ooh this is even more interesting 🤔.I have no idea.I said I was willing to increase my anti depressant (Setraline).which she immediately did after her mention of Olanzapine.This is why my thinking is she has discussed my case pre my telephone conversation with this psychiatrist.I hope they don't treat me like a guinea pig

Ostia

I think it is prescribed at times for severe anxiety. I knew someone whose anxiety was unmanageable and disruptive who was put on this and found it helpful.

JF7891

I must admit, if the doctors were trying to get you to gain weight and maybe even reduce anxiety, there is plenty of cheaper alternatives. I'd say best to listen to the doctor on this one. The continuity of care I think in this case is most likely the fact that he acknowledges that this is a bit of a transition for both of you, but especially you, hence he looks for mood-stabilising effects in known to you medications,. that have less side-effects for your particular body-composition, to make the transition easier.

Jane315STARX

If I were to diagnose myself.I would say I've most definitely got severe anxiety.I over anaylse situations and things and have a deep mistrust of people

Have ptsd which for some odd reason although has been manageable for over 30 years has been triggered.So my solution wouldn't really be medication as a single parent to a special needs child as I need to be 100% alert at All times.Nor really is Cbt unless it could fit in around my son and me needing to be home for him.I also find it hard going out and being around other people.So without putting obstacles in the way,blocking everything out has worked for years for all the reasons above.isnt it a shame we can't just switch feelings and fears off permanently

Dendoo

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/980816#Comment_980816

On nhs life cycles have a good look around the site if it’s available to you . They have lots to offer x

Littlefatfriend

Self diagnosis and second guessing the decisions of medical practitioners can be a very slippery slope Jane. Particularly RE anxiety. I encourage you to try to avoid it.

Amongst other things, Olanzapine can help to calm anxieties. Like most similar drugs it has multiple uses. We each react to them differently according to our needs, environments, etc.

I suggest preparing a list of questions such as those you ask above before speaking to a psychiatrist. Ask them why they are making any prescriptions you're unsure about.

We can't have access to the wealth of information about you which your GP and a psychiatrist will. Please have confidence in them.

If you have questions or are unsure of anything they do please ask them why they are doing it. That should help most with your anxiety. Trying to build your confidence in these people. They'll have spent many years training and practicing and should be able to explain anything they do in a way that makes sense to you.

Anxiety can be a result of all sorts complicated conditions and we all respond in different ways to treatments. It's very positive that you are gaining access to a psychiatrist and I encourage you to expect them to explain anything they do for you. That should help you to avoid becoming anxious. Such things may become self-reinforcing cycles.

Making a list of questions in advance of appointments can be helpful, and perhaps ask your psychiatrist if you can have a means of contacting them (email, etc) if further questions occur to you after your appointments.

It's your information, about you. They should be able to share it with you in ways that make sense.

Good luck

JF7891

And if you cannot get on the massively long NSH waiting list for psychiatrists, just go on the website of their regulatory organisation, where they list vetted, approved and certified counsellors (some for £25 / h only and even remote via telephone or skype and such): https://www.bacp.co.uk/

Jane315STARX

@Littlefatfriend yes I've already got a list of questions.The reasons which has led me to the appointment and triggering events.Dissasosiattive episodes etc.The list is quite extensive and I've been pretty methodical in my planning in it.My reasoning to my own diagnosis is open to reflection of course as he is after the professional.But I am dubious after past experiences and as I said to the G.p we are all fallible.The most intelligent Barristers and surgeons I've met have had errors in judgement.The same can be applied in my care.Im not saying that will happen again...but it could.Nobody understands the complexity of my mind like I do so as it stands I need to convey a portrayal of how I am as it's interchangeable and very unlike what they may have seen before.I know that sounds odd and pretty narcissistic.I apologise if it comes off in that way.I only mean that I have a pretty good grasp on my current issues but like I said am open to discuss

Littlefatfriend

You appear to be more human than narcissistic to me Jane. It's only natural that we think we understand ourselves better than others can, they aren't us!

Mental health and anxiety management aren't like flicking control switches. Drugs like Olanzapine can help by affecting aspects of our body's chemistry which in turn affect the production of things like adrenaline in us and influence how we feel. This can also be done in conjunction with behaviour management, CBT, etc.

As long as we retain an open mind about these things and are willing to give them a chance, that's about the best we can do.

Good luck

Jane315STARX

Ah thank you that's very kind x.I have already decided against Olanzapine if it is offered by the psychiatrist as I don't want to gain weight and although I don't currently have an eating disorder, I did have one for over 30 years so any medication with the side affect of weight gain is definitely out of the question.My results came back from the Talking therapist who I has 2 conversations with.He has forwarded on a Gad-7 which he says indicates I have Severe Anxiety from the scoring of 17/21 which only confirms my own thoughts.Now I'm wondering if I'll be seen by the psychiatrist himself for C.B.T/C.A.T or if he'll refer me to a psychotherapist.Its probably changed a lot since I went many years ago

theme79

Olamzapine to help put on weight with no mood disorder!?

Really!??

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