Posted by Mark H. on April 27, 2000, at 11:06:56
In reply to Re: CAN I BUY CODEINE? other stuff, posted by Leslie on April 27, 2000, at 8:10:32
Hi Leslie,
Yikes, that must be terribly difficult. The book "Listening to Prozac" is one of the few places I've read mention of the fact that opiates are still used to treat refractive, treatment-resistive depression in rare cases. If you have a copy, you might look and see if the author points towards any other resources regarding this practice.
I bring it up because you may need more evidence than your mood and intestinal condition to convince your doctor that keeping you on a daily maintenance dosage of codeine (or another opiate, but why mess with something that works?) is medically appropriate. Here, at least, if a doctor can stick copies of your research in your chart, it at least gives him a basis for a defense if someone (insurance company, DEA, etc.) questions the prescription.
It's ironic that our treatment is NEVER between us and our doctors any more -- there is always at least one other party looking over their shoulders at everything they do. It limits the honesty that a patient can afford in discussing symptoms with his/her doctor, and it limits the doctor's ability to be honest in response.
I'm sure my psychiatrist would find a compromise for someone in your situation. You might have to endure the wrong medicines for a few weeks (to prove he followed the AMA - DSM IV - Expert treatment guidelines, etc.), but when those didn't work at all or at least not as well, then between that and evidence that opiates are still used to treat refractive depression by other physicians, I think he would responsibly give you what works for you.
It's very strange in America at the moment. Most of the doctors are "actively fighting" what they refer to as "drug-seeking behavior." A few are struggling to find appropriate meds that help people to feel better and function more effectively without resorting to illegal drug use. Very few professionals are addressing that these two active trends in modern medicine are largely at cross-purposes with each other.
Thank you for your response.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
poster:Mark H.
thread:31321
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000420/msgs/31460.html