What medication is best for PTSD?

[SadGirl]

WHich medication is best for PTSD?

And also does anyone know how much it would cost if I dont have medical insurance?

And how much does a psychiatrist appointment cost if I don't have medical insurance?

And can anyone reccommend any pschiatrists in the Riverside,CA area?

 

[foghlaim]

sad girl.. i think a doctor is the oly person that can decide on which medication is best for PTSD. i assume like any other illness it may affect diff ppl in diff ways so therefore diff meds might be needed.

I wonder if you can ring up some of the psychiatrists in your area and request the info you outlined above. that is what i would do if i needed to find out how much something costs.

can't comment on your last question as I live in Ireland. sorry.

nsa

 

[Halo]

Sadgirl,

I did a search on Google by typing in the words "Psychiatrist Riverside California" a huge page of results came up and some of them may be able to help you.

I don't know much about PTSD but I would also think that you doctor may be the best place for you to start. If you can explain to him/her about how you are feeling and what is going on with you than maybe any medication decisions can be made together. Also, he/she may have some good suggestions regarding a psychiatrist in your area.

Take care and let us know how it turns out.

 

[SadGirl]

If i dont take medication will i still be able to be ok naturally?

 

[David Baxter]

That's hard to say, SadGirl. We don't know enough about the extent, severity, and chronicity of your symptoms.

It would be far better to see a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist face to face and get a more meaningful opinion.

 

[SadGirl]

yes I understand that guys but I would really appreciate any suggestions or drugs that you guys have found helpful?

I have had stressful situatuions all my life and have been really bad the last decade. My head feels numb and pressure and sometimes empty. Im pretty down a lot and have a very hard time concentrating...

 

[foghlaim]

sadgirl, david is right.. we all are, it's impossible to suggesst any drugs or suggestions or than go to your doc and get a refferral to a psychiatrist or psycologist.

sorry that is the best advice i can offer at this point.

let us know how you go at the docs ok.

nsa

 

[David Baxter]

In general, many people are helped by SSRIs like Celexa, Cipralex, Effexor, etc. Low doses of tranquilizers like lorazepam or clonazepam can help, especially with anxiety spikes.

I wouldn't predict significant progress with medications alone, however.

 

[SadGirl]

what about prozac, lexapro, paxil, luvox?

 

[David Baxter]

Yes, those could perhaps also be used. But only your doctor can prescribe those medications and only your doctor can tell you which is going to be best for you and which might be bad for you.

 

[Cat Dancer]

You might look here, Sadgirl.

http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/facility-search.aspx?state=CA&fullname=California

or here:

http://appsweb.co.riverside.ca.us/mentalhealth/opencms/english/home/

 

[dove]

Sadgirl,

there isn't anything i can add to the wisdom and suggestions everyone gave you. just that i will keep you in my thoughts from now on. if you are suffering from ptsd, you are in a lot of pain.

i hope you find the help you need, sadgirl.

be gentle with yourself, now, ok? allow yourself more room for mistakes and give yourself plenty of time to heal, too, ok?

comforting thoughts for you...

dove

 

[Kanadiana]

Hi SadGirl,

For starters, I hope you've been able to connect with some local resources for yourself?

The "ideal" scenario when thinking about and dealing with PTSD, as opposed to dealing with bouts of "depression" or "anxiety":

From everything I've learned and know so far regards PTSD and Medications, each INDIVIDUAL ideally needs to be fully assessed as to medical history, symptoms, basic and general health and health status (medical conditions etc) ... when a person is fully assessed, then the docs can hone in on what medications and/or combinations of medications that might best work according to symptoms and the individual.

Regards medications and PTSD (and PTSD can manifest in whole range of different kinds of symptoms mentally/psychologically, physiologically, and physically) ... different medications are used for different symptoms, and often a combination of meds are prescribed because while one will help with one symptom, it does nothing for another symptom. Specific meds target specific symptoms ... and there is a whole range of medications and types to choose from.

Only a full assessment by someone who knows all about PTSD and it's treatments options can properly assess an individual and work out the best treatments plan availabe according to the individuals needs, which also usually includes therapy with a counsellor and other forms of therapy techniques to help learn coping techniques etc.

Having said all of that, PTSD is also kinda like my autoimmune disorders in that symptoms can wax and wane. Things can all be calm and bopping along, then a big flare of symptoms will be triggered, and meds may be prescribed for a while to get through the "flare" and it's a rough ride for a while. The symptoms decide which types of meds are prescribed at this time, and so on.

It's possible to get help through medications for anxiety and/or depression, and many people do, but it doesn't take on the whole picture and problem of PTSD on the whole.

Remember, those are SYMPTOMS in PTSD, and you don't need to be diagnosed with PTSD to get help for symptoms currently a problem for you.

I'm no expert or doctor and don't buy what I say about anything without verifying with an expert, etc. Having read the things you said in this post, it sounds like you're dealing with a long-time chronic depression, and that's a good place to start when you can see a doc and tell him/her that you think you have chronic depression and really want something to help you with that. Have a list of the symptoms with you and you can describe how you're effected and for how long and what you want help for and with etc, would help a lot and the doc will know better and quicker what questions to ask you and be better able to figure out what types of medication would be good for you to try to get the best results for you, taking your medical history and all into consideration.

Have you been able to connect with local resources yet? And I know paying for docs and meds may be an issue as well ... but if there's free help out there available to you, it will be found. Hang in there and this stuff will all get sorted out

K.

 

[PKK]

SadGirl

Each person individually reacts to meds differently so suggesting one that might work over the net is not a good direction to go. All med's have side effects and react differently depending on your health and other factors.

If you do not have a family physician, the local hospital can provide a list of specialists or physicians to consider. Usually most hospitals have someone that offers direction and guidance to those without coverage if they are public as they can not turn you down. The local Department of Mental Health may also be able to provide some support. They are qualified to offer funding and referrals if you fall into the right category or package financially.

I would suggest taking that option and bring notes on your medical history and concerns, even journals to your first visit.

I hope this helps and please keep us posted on your progress.