Dementia and Psych Meds

[Samyjo]

Hello,

I Have Vascular Dementia and Bipolar II. I have a problem as to my neurologist want me to be taken off of 900 mgs Trileptal and 350mgs Lamictal and my psychiatrist doesn't. I know its my choice and I will lose whichever doctor I don't take advice from. I wish they would at least talk to each other. I have been seeing this psychiatrist for almost 15 years. I am at such a lose at a horrible time in my life. I don't know what to do !!

Any input would be appreciated.
Samyjo

 

[nitram]

Both the medication you mention are anti epilepsy.

How did you end up with two consultants?

Did one refer you to the other?

What was your initial referral from your GP?

Have you asked your GP for advice, (s)he has a duty to ensure that you understand your options and receive appropriate treatment.

 

[onlyme1]

care plan?

Hi, I too have bipolar. My care plan (CPA - care programme approach) under the mental health team, is shared with my GP. Your psychiatrist and neurologist should be talking to each other!

 

[Kevinl]

I know its my choice and I will lose whichever doctor I don't take advice from. I wish they would at least talk to each other. I have been seeing this psychiatrist for almost 15 years.

I'm guessing that you're posting from the USA (or at least not in the UK) where a situation like this would never happen. Doctors don't compete to do health care they
co-operate, hence, I think you're none UK based. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Health care in the UK is a more joined up process and all the specialists communicate with each other not compete for your "business" for want of a better expression.
Doctors should always act in the best interests of the patient, not their financial interest or their ego "don't take my advise and I'll dump you" isn't acceptable.
We may complain on here a lot about things but a free National Health Service like we have in the UK would never put you in a position like the one you describe, they work as a team and a multi disciplinary one when multiple conditions are involved, it's about care not a competition for cash.
K

 

[Samyjo]

I am in the USA. I see a Nurse Practitioner, she works under a General Practitioner. I went to her a year ago with symptoms that I described leaving her suspecting a stroke. She referred me to a neurologist. He ordered a CT scan. He then ordered a MRI and a neuro/psych evaluation. All of this took months to get appointments and results and then new appointments, I was so overwhelmed I almost gave up and said I don't want to do this anymore. I am on disability for Bipolar and have been for 13 years. I have very limited income. The co pay is 20% of these expensive tests so you can imagine what all I am going through.

Trileptal and Lamictal are also used for the treatment of Bipolar in the US. They are said to delay mood changes.

I too which on of the Drs. would take the initiative to call the other. I have an appointment with the neurologist the 3rd and the psychiatrist the 9th. Maybe a decision can be made by the then. For now I am doing the best I can to take everything in.

Thank you,
Samyjo

 

[Samyjo]

Both the medication you mention are anti epilepsy.

How did you end up with two consultants?

Did one refer you to the other?

What was your initial referral from your GP?

Have you asked your GP for advice, (s)he has a duty to ensure that you understand your options and receive appropriate treatment.

Both medications are also used for Bipolar in the USA.

I only had one consult and that was to the neurologist.I have been seeing the same psychiatrist since 2002.

I don't see a GP I see a Nurse Practitioner. I do thank you though. I will be calling her on Monday and I think she will be able to get answers to some of this and give me good advice.

Thank you

 

[aprilbday]

Dementia meds don't cure-just slow down. Psych meds are critical and without them the dementia symptoms could be confused with the psych symptoms.
I am in the US. You need to follow the advice of your doctor.

 

[Grannie G]

Dementia meds don't cure-just slow down. Psych meds are critical and without them the dementia symptoms could be confused with the psych symptoms.
I am in the US. You need to follow the advice of your doctor.

An excellent response aprilbday. The Bi Polar meds are essential , the dementia meds could be helpful.

Has there been any discussion how the two sets of drugs would interact?

 

[Samyjo]

Dementia meds don't cure-just slow down. Psych meds are critical and without them the dementia symptoms could be confused with the psych symptoms.
I am in the US. You need to follow the advice of your doctor.

Thank you aprilbday,
I always comply with my Drs. The problem is there is some sort of a conflict on what each want me to do. I will get it all straightened out by the 9th or I will seek a second opinion.