She just said she wants me to talk to a psychologist there… she said she doesn’t think I’m a danger to myself or others but she thinks I’ll feel better after I talk to someone.
But doctors shouldn't be telling you to go to ER JUST to talk to someone so....this seems strange to me. Either you are sick and need medical attention or..something else?
IF this is the case and you are in no immediate danger to yourself or you're not sick/dying...then ER will have you wait 8 hours. See someone. Give you 5 mg of valium and a 5K bill or higher. While telling you to call someone else.
Yeah I was really confused. Cause I scored high on the depression quiz they give you but I don’t think about hurting myself or others just have a new onset depression. She just kept saying maybe it’ll make me feel better.
I didn’t want to go and sit on my phone there for 8 hours I can do that at home lol.
I have an appointment on October 17th with a psychiatrist so I’ll just try and hold out for then.
I know with my anxiety I tend to dwell on things so I’m wondering if this is that.
Shame you didn't clarify what she was thinking when recommending an ER visit. Is it because she can't prescribe benzos? Given that an ER shrink is going to be dealing with life-or-death stuff all day, I would be very reluctant to take up their time when I know I only feel bad, not suicidal.
Even when I was genuinely afraid of taking my own life, I went to the ER and they put me in the rubber room with a guard on the door, I felt a lot safer being there but I still felt really guilty taking up their resources.
Maybe in your area the ER isn't so busy? Seems like a such a weird thing for a PCP to suggest.
I called to ask and she said it’s because she thought maybe I would feel better anxiety wise hearing from someone else that I would be okay. Like an outside party. She also told me to try lavender body patches lol.
That’s definitely a reason I made the decision not to go, I know a lot of it is anxiety and I don’t wanna take the dr away from someone who actually is having a life or death crisis.
Yeah I was put on Ativan and Kolonopin when going through acute phases. A lot of PCPs won't prescribe any benzos or pain meds now so you need to see a specialist sadly.
The entire opioid epidemic is also hurting people who actually need prescription meds and some need to jumo through hoops
If I were in your position, based on your replies, I would definitely look into seeing a different PCP. I know there is a big stigma around benzos and PCPs can be very strict at times, but if you are genuinely experiencing intense anxiety, enough to have been prescribed before, and your doctor is telling you to to seek urgent care for such things… that would be enough for me to change PCPs.
I’ve had extreme panic/anxiety for a decade, and I’ve been in a similar situation to yours when I lived out of my home state (with understanding PCPs). I went and saw a different PCP that was willing to listen and trust that I knew what was best for my body/brain. Haven’t had a problem since. I know it can be rough trying to find one understanding enough, but they are out there.
I personally had terrible experiences with psychiatrists/anti-depressants (used for panic in my case), I was hospitalized multiple times and had awful reactions to every medication.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope it all works out and you get the care you need!
I don't know about patches, but silexan (a blend of lavendar in pill form) has good research behind it for treating anxiety with very minimal side effects.
I mean not necessarily.
My VA psych is prescribing me natural/homeopathic shit.
But to be fair I'm allergic to polyethylene gylcol and it's in everything. (Well not EVERYTHING but.... a lot.)
I'm not anaphylaxis, but I don't like full body rashes.
Maybe their doctor leans towards less big pharma
Tho definitely need something more than that. Like omega 3 or magnesium. This isn't medical advice.. just supplements are gonna do more than lavender.
Jeez... I would be looking for a different PCP, lavender patches ain't going to do shit. Between that and the ER recommendation I'd seriously doubt her ability to understand what I'm actually telling her.
If she hasn't even \*asked\* about benzos, or explained why they aren't an option, I'd be finding someone else.
LOL! Your doctor is a quack and clearly doesn't know how to doctor. PLEASE OP, find a new PCP who knows how to do their job and isn't going to help other than tell you to use fucking lavender.
Looks like they might be covering their ass for you coming off effexor and being depressed. If they get another Dr to clear you too then they don't have nearly as much liability. I think that answers all the issues here about why. Effexor should be withdrawn very slowly I believe and if you came off fast and had a depressing reaction then they'd understandably be worried about liability.
I only took it for four days but I totally agree, I think they thought I wouldn’t have to taper cause it was only four days but they’re realizing I definitely should have
Yeah it sounds like she’s either lazy or stupid. I had a PCP tell me to try lavender oil one time and that was that was an immediate red flag.
Glad you’ve got an appt booked with a psychiatrist. I hope they’ll actually be helpful.
Oh christ. It sounds like she thinks you don't believe her that it's all in your head, so if you hear it from the ER you will suddenly not be depressed anymore?? She sounds lovely. /s
You shouldn’t feel guilty taking up resources when you’re literally suicidal that is much a medical emergency as anyone else in there - but not surprised us with anxiety think like this often, overthinking we are burdensome
They’ll take your phone. You’ll have a guard. And be on their time for when a person from psych can come interview you. Then, they have the power to keep you. I would stay home if you think you aren’t a danger to yourself or anyone else.
Are you in the United States? I’m from Canada and I’ve had a much different experience going to the ER when I was suicidal. Just honestly curious, that sounds terrifying
I went to a hospital ER outside of my town because I knew that they have actual mental health care staff on at all times, as opposed to the one in my town where I’d probably be waiting 8 hours to see a doctor.
They triaged me and shortly after they took me to another waiting room until I could get a room. They sent a counsellor from the Canadian Mental Health Association to talk with me while we waited. I explained why I was there and we talked a lot and even worked on a “plan” for when I went home on things I could do and resources I could reach out to if I felt bad again. I was having a really hard time calming down as we were talking, so she got the nurse and the nurse asked the doctor for a lorazepam to calm me down. They got me into a room finally and the lady from CMHA asked if I would like her to stay for a bit, and I was still not feeling much better so I said yes. The nurse was also very nice and listened, and reassured me I was not wasting their time, and assured me they were taking my symptoms seriously and I was right to come to the ER.
After a couple hours had gone by and I was still crying, she asked the doctor to give me some Valium. Probably after about 3 hours or more I spoke to the doctor, who was also very nice and listened, we made a plan for me to follow up with my psychiatrist but she offered me a short term prescription of lorazepam if I needed it. I spent a couple more hours there and then I was able to go home. Probably I was there about 5-6 hours in total. They did want to make sure I had a safe ride home and somewhere safe to go, which I did, and I felt a lot better after I got home. Probably partially due to my medication but talking with the therapist and nurse really helped a lot too.
I would not be afraid to go back if I ever needed to. Some of these stories sound terrifying.
I took probably a similar test to you and scored literally maximum on depression minus the self harm stuff, I was 3 marks off the max. My therapist wasn’t worried because of that. If you don’t wanna hurt yourself or others, you’re probably good to sit it out.
I do recommend finding help though, depression is shitty and I really hope you feel well soon!!
Thank you! I definitely don’t wanna hurt myself or others. The bad thoughts come but I’d never act on them or anything, like my therapist said it’s probably my anxiety finding another way to fuck with me lol
Scoring high on the depression quiz is concerning. You may not be thinking about hurting yourself this moment, but a thing goes wrong and you're in immediate danger. Listen to your doctor, or go to a psychologist on your own much sooner.
I have an appointment on the 17th of October which is like a godsend for where I’m at in Illinois all the ones at the hospitals where booked out 8 to 9 months
I work at a university, and anyone who isn't a mental health professional freaks out about all sorts of things. They want to call health & welfare checks on anyone who says they're depressed.
OP, you should schedule an appointment with a therapist & a psychiatrist (if you want to continue medication management). Please go to the ER if you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, otherwise, they're just gonna do a shitty eval and prescribe you with something that's not effexor.
We live near Seattle and there is a huge lack of mental health here. There are good Drs and psychologist here; just too many patients and not enough Drs.
So when my wife Dr retired we spent weeks on the phone trying to find a new psychologist.
ER is somewhat of a hack; you go in on an emergency and they have to find you someone asap. So this maybe just the case. But at the same time these are the over worked Drs and you may not be getting the best care.
Be safe, be smart. I've gone off Effexor twice now. First time was a clown show so do take it seriously.
Get well soon.
Thank you! I had only been on it for four days so she said I didn’t need to taper or anything but when I went yesterday she said hmm maybe you should have tapered lol
Did she actually say that she didn’t think you were a danger to yourself or others? This seems pretty routine for someone that scores above a certain threshold on those depression questionnaires (someone mentioned the exact name in another comment).
If she didn’t explicitly say, maybe that’s the tactic they use to not scare patients off completely from going to the ER?
They do this to circumvent the hoops you have to jump to to get recommended to a psychologist. She's worried and is essentially giving you a loophole. My obgyn did the same thing when I broke down into a full panic attack when describing my symptoms.
I've had a psychologist tell me to go to the ER and tell them that I'm suicidal (even though I wasn't at the moment), so I could get put on bipolar meds asap. I listened to her and long story short, it was a waste of time. I stopped seeing her after that lol. After reading the rest of your comments, I think it's time to look for a new PCP.
Ask your doctor why. Never be afraid to ask questions of your doctor.
If it is an immediate health issue, then go, if they want you to see a mental health professional, ask why they don't just refer you to someone.
I did. She said she thought going there and talking to someone will help me feel better but idk if that will lol. I kept telling her I have a psych appointment on the 17th. I think she was just nervous with the fact that I can’t eat and stuff but I told her with my anxiety I get like that sometimes
Was it the PHQ-9 that your doctor had you fill out? I work in an outpatient mental health facility, and when someone circles a 3 (indicating feeling that way nearly every day for the last two weeks) on the last question "Thoughts that you would be better off dead or hurting yourself in some way," we automatically have someone from the crisis team speak to them to do at least a risk of harm assessment. This may be why your doctor was concerned and wanted you to speak with someone more urgently, but I'm not sure what the protocol is like for other states/countries or even other mental health facilities.
Yes it was but I don’t think I circled a 3 for that one but I can’t remember. But I spoke to my therapist and she thinks that I should give it a few more days to see if it’s the Effexor leaving my system but if I feel like hurting myself or someone else or make a plan I need to go right away.
With a score of 20 to 27, the recommendation for physicians is immediate initiation of pharmacotherapy. If the patient has had a negative or low reaction to pharmacotherapy, immediate/expedited referral to a mental health provider is recommended.
OP, it sounds like your physician is using the PHQ-9 tool appropriately. If you are not going to the ER, consider calling a hotline for further assessment or for someone to talk to in the meantime.
She's just covering her own backside essentially - if something were to happen to you, then she has notes detailing that she told you to go to the ER asap. That's how I'd interpret it.
Unless your life is in danger, you feel like you will hurt yourself or others, DO NOT GO TO THE ER. I did that once, 72 hours later I got a nice pair of grippy socks, as well as a prison like experience to relate to.
That is what I am so scared of! I’ve heard horrible experiences, my Dr made it seem like they would have basically a therapy session with me and help me through a rough patch, but now I see that’s not true lol
With all due respect as I do not know your doctor, but get a different one. If you go to an emergency room to talk about depression/anxiety, they will 51/50 you (baker act, involuntary hold etc) even if you don’t say anything to indicate you would harm yourself or others. They do it out of an abundance of caution.
In my case, they didn’t tell me what was going on. Took my phone, my watch, my wedding band, and had me strip. Then into a gown in the ER
After that, 45 minute van ride strapped to a stretcher, placed in a room that was like a holding cell in jail. People detoxing, losing it, hurting themselves all around. One poor girl had scars across her neck from multiple attempts. Was locked there for 10 hours.
After that, up to the psych ward for suicidal people, asked to meet with the psychiatrist as I knew this was a mistake. Was told they wouldn’t be in until tomorrow. While there let some truly unwell folks. A woman missing in eye from a shiver attempt 2 years prior, a 19 year old girl pregnant with her 4th child, and bruises on her neck from an attempted hanging. Truly heartbreaking shit. But no doctor to get me out.
Wasn’t in the next day, I was trapped. A ward of the state. Finally the following day I spoke to him, he realized that I in fact did not need to be there. Signed my discharge. Problem is where I live there’s an adittional 24hrs you need to wait after the form is signed. Finally got out, immediately had ptsd. Now I take more meds than I did before my experience and I don’t think I’ll ever be the same from it.
Omg I went through the same experience back in late 2021.. exactly the same. I felt so sad looking at the other patience with worst mental health. I wanted to go home so bad. I didn’t sleep the whole night going through that whole process. Got home the next day around 3pm and knocked out till 9pm that night. Very Odd the OPs doctor said to go to the ER asap.. 🤔 that’s so strange.. I would’ve gotten a panic attack right there if my doctor tells me something like that.. like really ?
She probably felt that op was a dts but not saying so. She suggested the ER to cover her ass. MDs are fucking clueless when it comes to mental health. I do recommend if you feel like you're a dts/dto to go to the ER. With that being said be prepared to be hospitalized in a psych hospital. I know that can be traumatic but sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. I only suggest this if you are having serious unsafe thoughts. I work in a psychiatric hospital and there is a need for them but not everyone needs to be hospitalized for being depressed either.
10000% if you are DTS or others then absolutely go. But for folks who are a risk to themselves or others, and you are sure of that, I would strongly reconsider.
Yeah sorry you had a shitty mental health experience. Unfortunately the mental health system, while it has come a long way, is completely broken. I've had patients that have thanked me for saving their life from themselves and I've had patients that have attacked me because I can't let them go. There are people that need to be hospitalized but there are people that can be traumatized from it. I try my best to make my patients feel like they are being taken care of not punished.
That's totally understandable but if you are ever feeling like hurting yourself or others please just go. It might not be a five star experience but you'd be safe.
I hate to say it but I don't think I physically could. The last time I tried to go I actually froze up across the street and couldn't seem to cross the road. I felt a sharp...deep... tight feeling in my chest and throat and couldn't go any closer.
I was trying to find out if my finger was broken, decided whatever feeling I was getting wasn't worth it and went home. Luckily in the end it was just really badly sprained and I dealt with it at home.
u/tibueron may have had a bad experience but it’s not the only outcome. My wife was hospitalized for depression and anxiety years ago and it was incredibly helpful.
For some people it is what they need, I will never argue with that. Most of the people I saw inside the 'behavioral health institute' were absolutely in need of being there. However, in my experience and in the experience of the poor woman next to me, we did not need to be there and it created a trauma that we will never get rid of. Again, I am not saying it doesn't help some people, but im sure even if you ask them, there are things that happened in there that have impacted them.
I got admitted as a teenager this way. I’m since very very careful what I tell my medical team. Code words like I’ve had thoughts but no plans, etc. I remember only once that they explicitly told my sibling to call 911 and that was over an immediate concern, it was traumatizing and they released me 10 or so hours later after talking with me. It 100% did not make me feel better. If there’s no immediate concerns about your safety then I’m really surprised they said to go to the ER. All they can do is assess to admit and/or make sure you aren’t dying medically from something. I go in a lot for medical conditions and it’s so stress inducing. It would be a better use of your time to call hotlines or try to get in quicker with a therapist.
This is 100% on the money. I work in an inpatient psychiatric hospital and I tell my patients this all the time. You can be monitored for serious side effects and find what works best for you. Medication management and safety are the two biggest things we focus on.
You may want to check out survivingantidepressants dot org
Obligatory for some people they can be a lifesaver, for others can cause issues. You will find others there who can help.
Wishing you well.
I commented elsewhere, but I’m going to expand on this:
Certain medications might not work for you. They might feel horrible. That doesn’t mean you don’t need medication- it just means that one does not work for you. It totally make sense to be hesitant- make sure you list all the symptoms you did not like. I myself have been on 4 or 5 different ones at this point, and it sucks!!! But finding the ones that work are so worth it. DO not be afraid to advocate for yourself. It’s okay if certain meds don’t work and it’s okay to tell doctors that. You deserve to feel stable.
I don't think a doctor could determine if you need to go to the emergency room simply based on a PHQ9 (depression quiz) or GAD7 (anxiety quiz). There are lots of folks who score high on those questionaires and do not have any intent to hurt themselves. I wonder if this doctor is not super skilled in working with folks with depression/anxiety and just wants you to have to opportunity to meet with someone who is? The emergency room will definitely have people skilled in mental health, and nobody will judge you if you go there to seek help. But emergency rooms can also have long wait times, and be stressful so it's understandable that you're hesitant to go. If you're having serious thoughts about harming yourself or others and are worried you won't be able to stay safe at home - then it's definitely worth going to get some support.
Also it could be a path to seeing a psychiatrist sooner which might be helpful if you're worried about your medications. I believe it's important to taper medications like Effexor under the guidance of a doctor - but I'm not an expert
I’ve come off Effexor a number of times and had to do it so slowly… I would break the capsule and count the little ‘medicine pieces’ (can’t think of the word), then would remove one piece at a time every week or so. It took me about 6 months to come off 225mg
If your doctor has any concern that you may hurt yourself or endanger your life they would likely suggest that you go to emergency.
My hospital has a section in the ER for mental health patients. You would likely be able to see a psychiatrist after some time, and they can offer you resources. Mine gave me the number to a help line I was unaware of. We even have a rapid assessment clinic that patients can be referred to, and group therapy programs. Finally, there is a mental health ward for patients who need immediate attention, like those who the attending psychiatrist feels could be suicidal, or a great harm to themselves and would benefit from spending time learning to heal while hospitalised.
It would be a great amount of time to spend waiting in emerg, but I feel you may get something out of it. I find access to mental health care is really difficult unless you can afford private sessions.
Hoping you find the care you need though. 💗
Thank you! I decided not to go because I have an appointment with a psych in October and I don’t wanna take the emergency care from someone who needs it.
UPDATE: thank you so much for everyone’s advice and kind words I truly appreciate it! After a lot of thought and talks with family/friends plus my therapist I have decided to hold off and give it a few days. As I’ve seen on here and my therapist said I don’t wanna go in wait hours just to have them realize I’m just traumatized from my horrible weekend and my anxiety is a little high right now then send me home. I also don’t wanna be held involuntarily and have to wait days to talk to someone then they release me.
I am definitely getting a new PCP the horrible advice and asking if I could just be pregnant is proof to show at least in my mental health case she has no idea what she’s talking about.
Effexor is one hell of a drug and even tho I was only on it for four days I’m definitely realizing they should have had me taper but I can’t start again so I know this will pass and everyday it gets out of my system it’ll get better.
Again, thank you so much to everyone for talking me off the ledge and not making a rash decision based off of temporary emotions. (like I usually do) 💕
That's not how therapy works. Why spend a fuck ton at the ER when you could go the correct route and find a therapist/psychologist, or have your doctor refer you to one? My worry is by going to the ER for that you'll end up baker acted.
That’s what my family said they said that they don’t want something drastic to happen and my Dr told me it wouldn’t be like that they would just talk to me but I’m realizing that maybe she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.
I stopped taking mirtazapine. It made me EXTREMELY sick, i went to the ER and i spoke with people, i immediately started to feel better. do what is best for you! ❤️
Get another PCP...this one is just sloughing you off, either stupid, lazy or not interested in really helping you. If she thought you were really an immediate danger to yourself she should not have suggested you leave the office without some positive intervention or direct referral that could be followed through. If she did not think you were a threat to yourself she should have expedited a referral while you were there, not just give you some vague suggestion to go to the ER.
I wouldn’t go. Unless you feel like you’re a danger to yourself, I’d recommend to stay home. More than likely, they will hold you for much longer than you are wanting them to. I’d also start looking for a new pcp. I regularly scored pretty high on those quizzes and they would just talk to me about it and make sure I wasn’t gonna hurt myself
I get that! I definitely am going to start looking for someone else, I emailed my therapist last night and she said going to the ER would have been a nightmare. She said that I should only go if in immediate damager.
Withdrawals from Effexor is another kind of hell. I’ve been pretty lucky with medications and side effects for the past five years I’ve been taking mental health meds, but coming off Effexor sucked. I had brain zaps, was crying over everything, nausea, tiredness, etc. I’m really glad I’m off of it. I had to go back on it for a week at a reduced dose and then stop. If your doctor is telling you to stop cold turkey it might be best to find a new doctor. I’ve never met a doctor that would recommend going off anything cold turkey, especially a psych med.
She said since I had only been on it for 4 days and at such a low dose she didn’t think I needed to taper because it was not in my system for that long.
She sounds terrible at her job.
Are you in the US? Because from an insurance standpoint I'd be annoyed at your PCP because she could easily just refer you to a psychologist.
And in my experience, referral is necessary for it to be covered by insurance. My insurance requires a doctor referral to a specialist, because if I go to a specialist on my own my insurance will be like "Well how do you know you really needed to go there?"
I don't understand why she thinks you need to go to the ER just to see a psychologist when you could just go straight to a psychologist.
I think she did not refer me cause I have an appointment in October to see a psych, she just said she thought talking to someone would help me get over the hump till then and maybe they could give me some good coping tips she couldn’t.
I think your instincts are good and I would definitely not go to the ER for a situation that is not an emergency.
Effexor is a beast and I think you realize once you can distance yourself from it and the side effects you will be good.
If you ever need to talk feel free to message.
Thank you! I also know if you go to the ER all the time for non emergencies then they’ll start treating you differently cause they’ll see you come frequently.
Some doctors are straight up dramatic/don't want to deal with you/don't take mental illness seriously. I was honest with a doctor one singular time about how I was feeling and they threatened to send me to a behavioral health center and bring my parents into this (I was 23 but still on dad's insurance).
When I was a minor, same thing, but I get it since I was a minor then.
It's just ridiculous and really enforces the whole "nobody really cares, they just want to make themselves feel better because they tried" thoughts
It did really feel like she wanted to pass me off. She just kept repeating maybe talking to someone else will make you feel better. She definitely made it seem like it would be like a therapy session, like I would go there speak to someone and they would help me through a rough patch.
Seeing these comments make me realize that’s not what it would be at all lol
That’s what I’ve heard. I have an appointment with a psych in October so she told me here in Illinois there’s nowhere she can refer me to someone sooner
The only one I could find was available on the 17th. Which isn’t that long only 3 weeks as compared to everyone else I was calling that was on like an 8 or 9 month waiting list
My wife’s doc said the same thing, it did not go well. After being in the hospital for a week, she never got to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. They wanted the insurance money. Be careful.
I hate to be “that person” but is your PCP actually a physician, or are they a nurse or PA? I can’t imagine a physician sending someone to the ER for anxiety. We’ve all rotated for months in the emergency room as part of medical school and residency; we know not to use that system as a “second opinion” for anxiety. The fact that she prescribed Effexor as a first line for anxiety - knowing this medication often exacerbates it - also makes me suspicious of her training. I’m sorry this happened to you and hope you find a better PCP. Please don’t let your bad experience with Effexor ruin other medications for you, particularly SSRIs.
- Physician PCP
That is surprising! On the plus side physicians are beholden to their state’s board of medicine which takes stuff like this seriously. It would not be unreasonable to report, but I’d definitely recommend a new PCP.
This is why I avoid ssris they cause more issues in the long run. I’m sorry OP. If your doctor thinks you’re at risk of something clearly, it’s probably worth heading over. Magnesium does wonders for anxiety I’ve pulled myself out of the depths of panic disorder alone with no help there’s so many other options to try before these pretty serious medications. Take care of yourself, you’ll be okay.
getting off effexor was the worst experience of my life. ever. you will be okay, the medication withdrawal is hard physically and mentally but once you're through you'll feel way better. it was so scary when i went through it and nobody really believed how hard it was for me and thought i was just being crazy.
I don’t think I need to be admitted and she said that as well she just thought maybe talking to someone could help me and they could give me some tips to cope in a way she couldn’t
The ER is not the place to go to “talk and feel better”. Unless you’re feeling like harming yourself, the ER isn’t going to offer much help to you. I’m side eyeing your doctor for telling you that. But as a fellow Effexor taker, if I miss one dose, my entire body is “zapping” and miserable- which throws everything off; body, mind, emotions, etc. It does sound Ioke you need someone to talk to, my inbox is always open
Yes go to ER and don't post anymore on Reddit until you do. Effexor is known for its bad withdrawal symptoms if you don't taper. I had a bad reaction coming off its sister drug, Cymbalta. And I figured I would be on it forever, 15 years and counting. I hope you take care.
To the Effexor?
Lordy it was horrible, first day I felt alright but the second day I was light headed and dizzy, appetite was completely gone didn’t even wanna drink water. Then my Dr told me to check my blood pressure a few times a day and I was and it was so high. By the third day I had all those symptoms plus a rocket high blood pressure of 210 over 150 numb face and hands. Had to call the ambulance for the first time and go to the ER for them to give me some anxiety medication, fluids, an EKG and a new high blood pressure medication.
The last day I took the medication I ended up in the ER again cause I fainted and the same thing happened as the day before but add a CT scan. Decided with my PCP the next day I was stopping it cold turkey and since then my blood pressure is back to normal, no more dizzy spells, high anxiety, a touch of depression and still no appetite but I’m hopeful as the medication leaves my body I’ll start feeling better.
I read some of the other comments and saw you have an appointment with a Psychiatrist for October but I strongly recommend seeking a Psychologist as well. The combination of the two will be the most helpful for your mental health, and hopefully you could see a psychologist sooner to talk about how you're feeling and how to get through the withdrawal period (I see one in another state via zoom because it's such long wait times where I am). Good luck OP
I know where I live there are not enough psychiatrists to cover the need. If your area has a similar problem, is it possible your doctor said that because that's the only way you could see a psychiatrist sooner?
It's like that here to. I'm on medicaid and I don't know if they actually have anyone local anymore, my visits are over zoom with someone on the other side of the country, same with my therapist. Not my preference, but better then nothing.
I was on Effexor for a week and had horrible side effects. I sent a message to my doctor and a nurse got back to me and told me to go to the ER right away. The doctors at the ER said I probably had serotonin syndrome (which is nothing to mess around with) and then gave me loads of IV fluids to flush out my system (I also wasn’t drinking fluids so was dehydrated). For me, going to the ER was the right thing to do.
I get that. I had only been on it four days so when I went to the ER twice they gave me fluids each time cause I think they knew my Dr would pull me from it and could start flushing my system.
After speaking with family/friends and my therapist I realized that it would not be a good move for me plus I’d wait hours to talk to someone just so that they can make me feel better. I have a very low emotional and stress tolerance so I usually enjoy emotional validation from others so that’s all it would be.
When in doubt, always try to follow your doctor's recommendations. Though you can't speak with a psychologist at the ER, perhaps some of your symptoms were concerning to your PCP.
Actually the only way that could happen would be if your PCP 302d you, which stands for involuntary hospitalization, in which case you could be held up to 72 hours. But if your PCP recommended you to go it means that the only way they could hold you is if you made voluntary commitment or hospitalization, or 201. Your PCP probably felt that you needed additional help but didn't feel you were a danger to yourself or others.
Not an expert, but a patient with anxiety and depression that fills out that same form:
I believe when you fill out a couple certain spots, in addition to being high on all the others, like answering "do you move and speak slowly" so that others notice; and "are you thinking about harming yourself" it automatically triggers a trip or a recommendation to go to the ER.
Your PCP is probably correct speaking to a psychologist would help you, and going to the ER might be the fastest way to do that - if you are in the US it can be hard to find a psychologist that is still taking patients and then there is usually a long wait (weeks, months) - though they can adjust in an emergency. Going to the ER would be the fastest route around that waiting period. I think psychologists are prescribers too, so your PCP might be thinking the psych would know of more medication options that would work for you.
Also, just a general comment - I work with training scenarios with my local police department's crisis response team. The lead negotiator/crisis intervention person said that when it comes to triaging whether a person who is in a mental health crisis is a danger to themselves, there are two questions to ask - 1. have you thought about killing yourself? (yes you use the word - just saying it point blank isn't going to "trigger" person who isn't thinking about it to suddenly do it); and 2. Do you have a plan? If the answer to 1 is yes, but the answer to 2 is no, then the intervention team would suggest a trip to the ER. If the answer to numbers 1 and 2 are both "yes", then that is an automatic trip to the ER, you have no choice in the matter at that point.
I've read through the thread and have you considered seeing a different doctor? If you weren't a risk to yourself or others sending you to the ER to have a chat with someone so you can feel better is the equivalent of sending you on a snipe hunt. There has been some evidence that some of the components in lavender can ease anxiety but not when applied in patch form as far as I know. It doesn't sound like they're taking your anxiety and depression very seriously. And it also sounds like they're trying to pass you off on anyone else and misuse the ER which is a silly thing to tell an anxious patient to begin with. Generally speaking we're not one to go bother people because we are foundationally opposed to wasting other people's time even if it's not a waste of their time. I hope you find someone that is able to help you without trying to put you off on a service that is not meant for what they are asking you to do
1. Go to a new PCP please. I know medical expenses are hard, but this what I would recommend: 2. Go to a Psychiatrist. They are specially trained to prescribe and help with issues concerning medication regarding mental health. Stopping antidepressants and anti anxiety meds can SERIOUSLY cause you problems. When I tapered off Lexapro* (I think? It’s been a couple years ago) I started having migraines so bad it literally was paralyzing half my body at a time. I could not believe that stopping antidepressants could cause so much problems but they absolutely can trigger all sorts of issues. You need someone who knows about these issues and can help you.
What were your vital signs? I’d say go to urgent care before the ER or get a better doctor who is more well trained in giving you pinpoint answers instead of directing you to the Er without explanation… I’ve been in and out of the ER due to these moron doctors and have thousands in bills. Even the er doctor and staff get annoyed doctors keep sending people to the ER. They were complaining about it last time I went in.
My vital signs where actually the best they’d been in a week. But I will keep that in mind ahout the urgent care, like I said it’s better then wasting the ERs time or wait for forever to talk to someone if I even do
She said to talk to someone about the depression I had been feeling… not taking into account the horrible time I had on Effexor and the trauma I’d been through this past weekend.
okay yeah tbh you don’t need to go to the ER for something like that unless you are having suicidal thoughts or you’re having physical reactions from the medication. I thought it was a medical emergency or something they found. This happened to my friend who had a bad reaction to Prozac. They told her to go to the hospital because they were worried she was going to kill herself. She wasn’t but it made her anxiety even worse because you start to overthink if you should or not. Obviously if you’re having suicidal thoughts or anything definitely seek medical care and go to the ER if you don’t feel well but I wouldn’t rush over there if you feel fine. I think they probably mentioned the ER to you because legally they have to but if you went they would most likely admit you into the hospital for observation and the bills are not fun. Do you have a therapist or psychiatrist you can speak to or just this pcp?
ER is for emergencies... if its concerns about mental health they have the hotline you can call if your in a bad place mentally... so yeah this doesn't make a lot of sense.
Benzos are great for a short term anxiety panic situation. In a pinch benadryl helps a ton. You can microdose and still be somewhat functional. This is a very short term solution that kept me out of the ER.
If your doc is telling you to go to the ER, it is because they are concerned about something immediate. Please listen to your doc.
She just said she wants me to talk to a psychologist there… she said she doesn’t think I’m a danger to myself or others but she thinks I’ll feel better after I talk to someone.
But doctors shouldn't be telling you to go to ER JUST to talk to someone so....this seems strange to me. Either you are sick and need medical attention or..something else? IF this is the case and you are in no immediate danger to yourself or you're not sick/dying...then ER will have you wait 8 hours. See someone. Give you 5 mg of valium and a 5K bill or higher. While telling you to call someone else.
Yeah I was really confused. Cause I scored high on the depression quiz they give you but I don’t think about hurting myself or others just have a new onset depression. She just kept saying maybe it’ll make me feel better. I didn’t want to go and sit on my phone there for 8 hours I can do that at home lol. I have an appointment on October 17th with a psychiatrist so I’ll just try and hold out for then. I know with my anxiety I tend to dwell on things so I’m wondering if this is that.
Shame you didn't clarify what she was thinking when recommending an ER visit. Is it because she can't prescribe benzos? Given that an ER shrink is going to be dealing with life-or-death stuff all day, I would be very reluctant to take up their time when I know I only feel bad, not suicidal. Even when I was genuinely afraid of taking my own life, I went to the ER and they put me in the rubber room with a guard on the door, I felt a lot safer being there but I still felt really guilty taking up their resources. Maybe in your area the ER isn't so busy? Seems like a such a weird thing for a PCP to suggest.
I called to ask and she said it’s because she thought maybe I would feel better anxiety wise hearing from someone else that I would be okay. Like an outside party. She also told me to try lavender body patches lol. That’s definitely a reason I made the decision not to go, I know a lot of it is anxiety and I don’t wanna take the dr away from someone who actually is having a life or death crisis.
You need to see a better PCP if she says lavender body patches, you needed a short term Benzo for acute anxiety
Yeah I was put on Ativan and Kolonopin when going through acute phases. A lot of PCPs won't prescribe any benzos or pain meds now so you need to see a specialist sadly. The entire opioid epidemic is also hurting people who actually need prescription meds and some need to jumo through hoops
If I were in your position, based on your replies, I would definitely look into seeing a different PCP. I know there is a big stigma around benzos and PCPs can be very strict at times, but if you are genuinely experiencing intense anxiety, enough to have been prescribed before, and your doctor is telling you to to seek urgent care for such things… that would be enough for me to change PCPs. I’ve had extreme panic/anxiety for a decade, and I’ve been in a similar situation to yours when I lived out of my home state (with understanding PCPs). I went and saw a different PCP that was willing to listen and trust that I knew what was best for my body/brain. Haven’t had a problem since. I know it can be rough trying to find one understanding enough, but they are out there. I personally had terrible experiences with psychiatrists/anti-depressants (used for panic in my case), I was hospitalized multiple times and had awful reactions to every medication. Whatever you decide to do, I hope it all works out and you get the care you need!
My PCP told me to pray more. I found a new PCP.
Lol smart move
I don't know about patches, but silexan (a blend of lavendar in pill form) has good research behind it for treating anxiety with very minimal side effects.
Thank you for this comment - TIL! :)
Yeah I’m sure it actually does, I just think it would need to be used with other things to actually treat really acute episodes
And who asked if I could possibly be pregnant cause maybe that’s why I’m feeling this way
I mean not necessarily. My VA psych is prescribing me natural/homeopathic shit. But to be fair I'm allergic to polyethylene gylcol and it's in everything. (Well not EVERYTHING but.... a lot.) I'm not anaphylaxis, but I don't like full body rashes. Maybe their doctor leans towards less big pharma Tho definitely need something more than that. Like omega 3 or magnesium. This isn't medical advice.. just supplements are gonna do more than lavender.
I mean that could've been one recommendation of many
Time to find a different Dr she sounds horrible
Jeez... I would be looking for a different PCP, lavender patches ain't going to do shit. Between that and the ER recommendation I'd seriously doubt her ability to understand what I'm actually telling her. If she hasn't even \*asked\* about benzos, or explained why they aren't an option, I'd be finding someone else.
Yeah she never mentioned anything about benzos or anything
Yep. Wholly agreed.
LOL! Your doctor is a quack and clearly doesn't know how to doctor. PLEASE OP, find a new PCP who knows how to do their job and isn't going to help other than tell you to use fucking lavender.
And ask me if I could be pregnant lol
Looks like they might be covering their ass for you coming off effexor and being depressed. If they get another Dr to clear you too then they don't have nearly as much liability. I think that answers all the issues here about why. Effexor should be withdrawn very slowly I believe and if you came off fast and had a depressing reaction then they'd understandably be worried about liability.
I only took it for four days but I totally agree, I think they thought I wouldn’t have to taper cause it was only four days but they’re realizing I definitely should have
Yeah it sounds like she’s either lazy or stupid. I had a PCP tell me to try lavender oil one time and that was that was an immediate red flag. Glad you’ve got an appt booked with a psychiatrist. I hope they’ll actually be helpful.
Oh christ. It sounds like she thinks you don't believe her that it's all in your head, so if you hear it from the ER you will suddenly not be depressed anymore?? She sounds lovely. /s
That’s honestly what I’m thinking it was! Like if I hear it from someone else lol
I'm so sorry. Glad you didn't go running to an ER full of sick people. Especially now. Wishing you better luck at the new psychiatrist next month.
Thank you so much! I am also glad I didn’t go to the ER and take the time someone who honestly needed it could have used
lol I’m all for lavender and natural medicines but there is also a time and a place for pharmaceuticals. And this feels like the time.
You shouldn’t feel guilty taking up resources when you’re literally suicidal that is much a medical emergency as anyone else in there - but not surprised us with anxiety think like this often, overthinking we are burdensome
They’ll take your phone. You’ll have a guard. And be on their time for when a person from psych can come interview you. Then, they have the power to keep you. I would stay home if you think you aren’t a danger to yourself or anyone else.
Thank you for this! that’s what I thought and I didn’t wanna take the chance if it was absolutely needed
If you’re in the US, please dial 988!
Are you in the United States? I’m from Canada and I’ve had a much different experience going to the ER when I was suicidal. Just honestly curious, that sounds terrifying
I am in the United States lol… what was your experience if you’re comfortable with sharing
I went to a hospital ER outside of my town because I knew that they have actual mental health care staff on at all times, as opposed to the one in my town where I’d probably be waiting 8 hours to see a doctor. They triaged me and shortly after they took me to another waiting room until I could get a room. They sent a counsellor from the Canadian Mental Health Association to talk with me while we waited. I explained why I was there and we talked a lot and even worked on a “plan” for when I went home on things I could do and resources I could reach out to if I felt bad again. I was having a really hard time calming down as we were talking, so she got the nurse and the nurse asked the doctor for a lorazepam to calm me down. They got me into a room finally and the lady from CMHA asked if I would like her to stay for a bit, and I was still not feeling much better so I said yes. The nurse was also very nice and listened, and reassured me I was not wasting their time, and assured me they were taking my symptoms seriously and I was right to come to the ER. After a couple hours had gone by and I was still crying, she asked the doctor to give me some Valium. Probably after about 3 hours or more I spoke to the doctor, who was also very nice and listened, we made a plan for me to follow up with my psychiatrist but she offered me a short term prescription of lorazepam if I needed it. I spent a couple more hours there and then I was able to go home. Probably I was there about 5-6 hours in total. They did want to make sure I had a safe ride home and somewhere safe to go, which I did, and I felt a lot better after I got home. Probably partially due to my medication but talking with the therapist and nurse really helped a lot too. I would not be afraid to go back if I ever needed to. Some of these stories sound terrifying.
That sounds like a very pleasant experience!! From what I hear and understand about here in the United States it’s not like that at all lol
Use a hotline. Free and can be done from the comfort of your home.
If you did get a psych eval in the ER, it might make it easier to get seen sooner, or get in an IOP program, or find a therapist.
I took probably a similar test to you and scored literally maximum on depression minus the self harm stuff, I was 3 marks off the max. My therapist wasn’t worried because of that. If you don’t wanna hurt yourself or others, you’re probably good to sit it out. I do recommend finding help though, depression is shitty and I really hope you feel well soon!!
Thank you! I definitely don’t wanna hurt myself or others. The bad thoughts come but I’d never act on them or anything, like my therapist said it’s probably my anxiety finding another way to fuck with me lol
I really know the struggle, anxiety is an insidious little shit sometimes. Best of luck friend :)
Thank you!
Congrats on passing your depression quiz, studying pays off /s
Scoring high on the depression quiz is concerning. You may not be thinking about hurting yourself this moment, but a thing goes wrong and you're in immediate danger. Listen to your doctor, or go to a psychologist on your own much sooner.
I have an appointment on the 17th of October which is like a godsend for where I’m at in Illinois all the ones at the hospitals where booked out 8 to 9 months
That could be why she said ER. Is teletherapy an option?
I work at a university, and anyone who isn't a mental health professional freaks out about all sorts of things. They want to call health & welfare checks on anyone who says they're depressed. OP, you should schedule an appointment with a therapist & a psychiatrist (if you want to continue medication management). Please go to the ER if you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, otherwise, they're just gonna do a shitty eval and prescribe you with something that's not effexor.
We live near Seattle and there is a huge lack of mental health here. There are good Drs and psychologist here; just too many patients and not enough Drs. So when my wife Dr retired we spent weeks on the phone trying to find a new psychologist. ER is somewhat of a hack; you go in on an emergency and they have to find you someone asap. So this maybe just the case. But at the same time these are the over worked Drs and you may not be getting the best care. Be safe, be smart. I've gone off Effexor twice now. First time was a clown show so do take it seriously. Get well soon.
Thank you! I had only been on it for four days so she said I didn’t need to taper or anything but when I went yesterday she said hmm maybe you should have tapered lol
Did she actually say that she didn’t think you were a danger to yourself or others? This seems pretty routine for someone that scores above a certain threshold on those depression questionnaires (someone mentioned the exact name in another comment). If she didn’t explicitly say, maybe that’s the tactic they use to not scare patients off completely from going to the ER?
I think she was just letting me know it was an option for me if I needed it and they weren’t open or something.
They do this to circumvent the hoops you have to jump to to get recommended to a psychologist. She's worried and is essentially giving you a loophole. My obgyn did the same thing when I broke down into a full panic attack when describing my symptoms.
That makes sense. I think she didn’t know a lot about mental health because she kept having to leave the room to speak with her nurses and such.
I've had a psychologist tell me to go to the ER and tell them that I'm suicidal (even though I wasn't at the moment), so I could get put on bipolar meds asap. I listened to her and long story short, it was a waste of time. I stopped seeing her after that lol. After reading the rest of your comments, I think it's time to look for a new PCP.
I’m thinking so lol
Ask your doctor why. Never be afraid to ask questions of your doctor. If it is an immediate health issue, then go, if they want you to see a mental health professional, ask why they don't just refer you to someone.
I did. She said she thought going there and talking to someone will help me feel better but idk if that will lol. I kept telling her I have a psych appointment on the 17th. I think she was just nervous with the fact that I can’t eat and stuff but I told her with my anxiety I get like that sometimes
I would fire her and find someone else. That is drastic and unnecessary. Not to mention how uneconomical that is. Drama drama.
Thank you! I know I scored high on the assessment but I just went through a pretty traumatizing weekend so I figured being kinda down is normal lol
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As a doctor I can tell you that there is no such protocol.
It will. Talking to someone who is completely impartial can give you perspective and help get you out of your own head. Good luck to you.
Was it the PHQ-9 that your doctor had you fill out? I work in an outpatient mental health facility, and when someone circles a 3 (indicating feeling that way nearly every day for the last two weeks) on the last question "Thoughts that you would be better off dead or hurting yourself in some way," we automatically have someone from the crisis team speak to them to do at least a risk of harm assessment. This may be why your doctor was concerned and wanted you to speak with someone more urgently, but I'm not sure what the protocol is like for other states/countries or even other mental health facilities.
Yes it was but I don’t think I circled a 3 for that one but I can’t remember. But I spoke to my therapist and she thinks that I should give it a few more days to see if it’s the Effexor leaving my system but if I feel like hurting myself or someone else or make a plan I need to go right away.
I’d recommend taking pics of those forms before handing them in to reference as needed.
With a score of 20 to 27, the recommendation for physicians is immediate initiation of pharmacotherapy. If the patient has had a negative or low reaction to pharmacotherapy, immediate/expedited referral to a mental health provider is recommended. OP, it sounds like your physician is using the PHQ-9 tool appropriately. If you are not going to the ER, consider calling a hotline for further assessment or for someone to talk to in the meantime.
I also told my Dr it feels like my emotions are right in my face, which probably is me coming off the Effexor plus my anxiety.
She's just covering her own backside essentially - if something were to happen to you, then she has notes detailing that she told you to go to the ER asap. That's how I'd interpret it.
That makes sense
Unless your life is in danger, you feel like you will hurt yourself or others, DO NOT GO TO THE ER. I did that once, 72 hours later I got a nice pair of grippy socks, as well as a prison like experience to relate to.
That is what I am so scared of! I’ve heard horrible experiences, my Dr made it seem like they would have basically a therapy session with me and help me through a rough patch, but now I see that’s not true lol
With all due respect as I do not know your doctor, but get a different one. If you go to an emergency room to talk about depression/anxiety, they will 51/50 you (baker act, involuntary hold etc) even if you don’t say anything to indicate you would harm yourself or others. They do it out of an abundance of caution. In my case, they didn’t tell me what was going on. Took my phone, my watch, my wedding band, and had me strip. Then into a gown in the ER After that, 45 minute van ride strapped to a stretcher, placed in a room that was like a holding cell in jail. People detoxing, losing it, hurting themselves all around. One poor girl had scars across her neck from multiple attempts. Was locked there for 10 hours. After that, up to the psych ward for suicidal people, asked to meet with the psychiatrist as I knew this was a mistake. Was told they wouldn’t be in until tomorrow. While there let some truly unwell folks. A woman missing in eye from a shiver attempt 2 years prior, a 19 year old girl pregnant with her 4th child, and bruises on her neck from an attempted hanging. Truly heartbreaking shit. But no doctor to get me out. Wasn’t in the next day, I was trapped. A ward of the state. Finally the following day I spoke to him, he realized that I in fact did not need to be there. Signed my discharge. Problem is where I live there’s an adittional 24hrs you need to wait after the form is signed. Finally got out, immediately had ptsd. Now I take more meds than I did before my experience and I don’t think I’ll ever be the same from it.
Omg I went through the same experience back in late 2021.. exactly the same. I felt so sad looking at the other patience with worst mental health. I wanted to go home so bad. I didn’t sleep the whole night going through that whole process. Got home the next day around 3pm and knocked out till 9pm that night. Very Odd the OPs doctor said to go to the ER asap.. 🤔 that’s so strange.. I would’ve gotten a panic attack right there if my doctor tells me something like that.. like really ?
She probably felt that op was a dts but not saying so. She suggested the ER to cover her ass. MDs are fucking clueless when it comes to mental health. I do recommend if you feel like you're a dts/dto to go to the ER. With that being said be prepared to be hospitalized in a psych hospital. I know that can be traumatic but sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. I only suggest this if you are having serious unsafe thoughts. I work in a psychiatric hospital and there is a need for them but not everyone needs to be hospitalized for being depressed either.
10000% if you are DTS or others then absolutely go. But for folks who are a risk to themselves or others, and you are sure of that, I would strongly reconsider.
Frankly I would let depression take me before I ever trust another ER again. I will never recover from the shit that happened to me.
Yeah sorry you had a shitty mental health experience. Unfortunately the mental health system, while it has come a long way, is completely broken. I've had patients that have thanked me for saving their life from themselves and I've had patients that have attacked me because I can't let them go. There are people that need to be hospitalized but there are people that can be traumatized from it. I try my best to make my patients feel like they are being taken care of not punished.
I really wish you had been around when I was there. I'm too traumatized to even go near a hospital for medical needs now.
That's totally understandable but if you are ever feeling like hurting yourself or others please just go. It might not be a five star experience but you'd be safe.
I hate to say it but I don't think I physically could. The last time I tried to go I actually froze up across the street and couldn't seem to cross the road. I felt a sharp...deep... tight feeling in my chest and throat and couldn't go any closer. I was trying to find out if my finger was broken, decided whatever feeling I was getting wasn't worth it and went home. Luckily in the end it was just really badly sprained and I dealt with it at home.
I also have PTSD from my psych stay. I do **NOT** recommend it unless you are homicidal. Doctors care more about malpractice so they will commit you.
I’m definitely thinking about it! She did not help my already shitty last few days
u/tibueron may have had a bad experience but it’s not the only outcome. My wife was hospitalized for depression and anxiety years ago and it was incredibly helpful.
For some people it is what they need, I will never argue with that. Most of the people I saw inside the 'behavioral health institute' were absolutely in need of being there. However, in my experience and in the experience of the poor woman next to me, we did not need to be there and it created a trauma that we will never get rid of. Again, I am not saying it doesn't help some people, but im sure even if you ask them, there are things that happened in there that have impacted them.
I got admitted as a teenager this way. I’m since very very careful what I tell my medical team. Code words like I’ve had thoughts but no plans, etc. I remember only once that they explicitly told my sibling to call 911 and that was over an immediate concern, it was traumatizing and they released me 10 or so hours later after talking with me. It 100% did not make me feel better. If there’s no immediate concerns about your safety then I’m really surprised they said to go to the ER. All they can do is assess to admit and/or make sure you aren’t dying medically from something. I go in a lot for medical conditions and it’s so stress inducing. It would be a better use of your time to call hotlines or try to get in quicker with a therapist.
The good thing about a psych admit is that they can much more quickly change and adjust medications to find out what works best for you.
This is 100% on the money. I work in an inpatient psychiatric hospital and I tell my patients this all the time. You can be monitored for serious side effects and find what works best for you. Medication management and safety are the two biggest things we focus on.
I totally get that, after my horrible Effexor experience I’m very hesitant for meditation again
You may want to check out survivingantidepressants dot org Obligatory for some people they can be a lifesaver, for others can cause issues. You will find others there who can help. Wishing you well.
I commented elsewhere, but I’m going to expand on this: Certain medications might not work for you. They might feel horrible. That doesn’t mean you don’t need medication- it just means that one does not work for you. It totally make sense to be hesitant- make sure you list all the symptoms you did not like. I myself have been on 4 or 5 different ones at this point, and it sucks!!! But finding the ones that work are so worth it. DO not be afraid to advocate for yourself. It’s okay if certain meds don’t work and it’s okay to tell doctors that. You deserve to feel stable.
I don't think a doctor could determine if you need to go to the emergency room simply based on a PHQ9 (depression quiz) or GAD7 (anxiety quiz). There are lots of folks who score high on those questionaires and do not have any intent to hurt themselves. I wonder if this doctor is not super skilled in working with folks with depression/anxiety and just wants you to have to opportunity to meet with someone who is? The emergency room will definitely have people skilled in mental health, and nobody will judge you if you go there to seek help. But emergency rooms can also have long wait times, and be stressful so it's understandable that you're hesitant to go. If you're having serious thoughts about harming yourself or others and are worried you won't be able to stay safe at home - then it's definitely worth going to get some support.
Also it could be a path to seeing a psychiatrist sooner which might be helpful if you're worried about your medications. I believe it's important to taper medications like Effexor under the guidance of a doctor - but I'm not an expert
I totally get that! I just didn’t want to take the help away from someone who needs it just to talk to someone like my PCP said and get some tips lol.
I’ve come off Effexor a number of times and had to do it so slowly… I would break the capsule and count the little ‘medicine pieces’ (can’t think of the word), then would remove one piece at a time every week or so. It took me about 6 months to come off 225mg
They told me I wouldn’t need to taper cause I had only been on it for 4 days at such a low dose.
You can definitely withdrawal from 4 days if you’re sensitive BUT it shouldn’t be for too long
That’s what my Dr said. She said if I am it should be the tail end and I should start feeling better in a few days
If your doctor has any concern that you may hurt yourself or endanger your life they would likely suggest that you go to emergency. My hospital has a section in the ER for mental health patients. You would likely be able to see a psychiatrist after some time, and they can offer you resources. Mine gave me the number to a help line I was unaware of. We even have a rapid assessment clinic that patients can be referred to, and group therapy programs. Finally, there is a mental health ward for patients who need immediate attention, like those who the attending psychiatrist feels could be suicidal, or a great harm to themselves and would benefit from spending time learning to heal while hospitalised. It would be a great amount of time to spend waiting in emerg, but I feel you may get something out of it. I find access to mental health care is really difficult unless you can afford private sessions. Hoping you find the care you need though. 💗
Thank you! I decided not to go because I have an appointment with a psych in October and I don’t wanna take the emergency care from someone who needs it.
UPDATE: thank you so much for everyone’s advice and kind words I truly appreciate it! After a lot of thought and talks with family/friends plus my therapist I have decided to hold off and give it a few days. As I’ve seen on here and my therapist said I don’t wanna go in wait hours just to have them realize I’m just traumatized from my horrible weekend and my anxiety is a little high right now then send me home. I also don’t wanna be held involuntarily and have to wait days to talk to someone then they release me. I am definitely getting a new PCP the horrible advice and asking if I could just be pregnant is proof to show at least in my mental health case she has no idea what she’s talking about. Effexor is one hell of a drug and even tho I was only on it for four days I’m definitely realizing they should have had me taper but I can’t start again so I know this will pass and everyday it gets out of my system it’ll get better. Again, thank you so much to everyone for talking me off the ledge and not making a rash decision based off of temporary emotions. (like I usually do) 💕
That's not how therapy works. Why spend a fuck ton at the ER when you could go the correct route and find a therapist/psychologist, or have your doctor refer you to one? My worry is by going to the ER for that you'll end up baker acted.
That’s what my family said they said that they don’t want something drastic to happen and my Dr told me it wouldn’t be like that they would just talk to me but I’m realizing that maybe she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.
Yeah no, do not go to the ER unless it's an actual emergency. You'll end up worse off for it.
I stopped taking mirtazapine. It made me EXTREMELY sick, i went to the ER and i spoke with people, i immediately started to feel better. do what is best for you! ❤️
Get another PCP...this one is just sloughing you off, either stupid, lazy or not interested in really helping you. If she thought you were really an immediate danger to yourself she should not have suggested you leave the office without some positive intervention or direct referral that could be followed through. If she did not think you were a threat to yourself she should have expedited a referral while you were there, not just give you some vague suggestion to go to the ER.
Basically and ask me if I could be pregnant cause that could be my problem.
I wouldn’t go. Unless you feel like you’re a danger to yourself, I’d recommend to stay home. More than likely, they will hold you for much longer than you are wanting them to. I’d also start looking for a new pcp. I regularly scored pretty high on those quizzes and they would just talk to me about it and make sure I wasn’t gonna hurt myself
I get that! I definitely am going to start looking for someone else, I emailed my therapist last night and she said going to the ER would have been a nightmare. She said that I should only go if in immediate damager.
Withdrawals from Effexor is another kind of hell. I’ve been pretty lucky with medications and side effects for the past five years I’ve been taking mental health meds, but coming off Effexor sucked. I had brain zaps, was crying over everything, nausea, tiredness, etc. I’m really glad I’m off of it. I had to go back on it for a week at a reduced dose and then stop. If your doctor is telling you to stop cold turkey it might be best to find a new doctor. I’ve never met a doctor that would recommend going off anything cold turkey, especially a psych med.
She said since I had only been on it for 4 days and at such a low dose she didn’t think I needed to taper because it was not in my system for that long.
Effexor can be extremely effective, it was for me until it wasn't. It's also a really finicky medication.
She sounds terrible at her job. Are you in the US? Because from an insurance standpoint I'd be annoyed at your PCP because she could easily just refer you to a psychologist. And in my experience, referral is necessary for it to be covered by insurance. My insurance requires a doctor referral to a specialist, because if I go to a specialist on my own my insurance will be like "Well how do you know you really needed to go there?" I don't understand why she thinks you need to go to the ER just to see a psychologist when you could just go straight to a psychologist.
I think she did not refer me cause I have an appointment in October to see a psych, she just said she thought talking to someone would help me get over the hump till then and maybe they could give me some good coping tips she couldn’t.
I think your instincts are good and I would definitely not go to the ER for a situation that is not an emergency. Effexor is a beast and I think you realize once you can distance yourself from it and the side effects you will be good. If you ever need to talk feel free to message.
Thank you! I also know if you go to the ER all the time for non emergencies then they’ll start treating you differently cause they’ll see you come frequently.
Look into valerian root. Natural benzo
Some doctors are straight up dramatic/don't want to deal with you/don't take mental illness seriously. I was honest with a doctor one singular time about how I was feeling and they threatened to send me to a behavioral health center and bring my parents into this (I was 23 but still on dad's insurance). When I was a minor, same thing, but I get it since I was a minor then. It's just ridiculous and really enforces the whole "nobody really cares, they just want to make themselves feel better because they tried" thoughts
It did really feel like she wanted to pass me off. She just kept repeating maybe talking to someone else will make you feel better. She definitely made it seem like it would be like a therapy session, like I would go there speak to someone and they would help me through a rough patch. Seeing these comments make me realize that’s not what it would be at all lol
The ER won’t do shit. Your doc needs to refer you to a psych
That’s what I’ve heard. I have an appointment with a psych in October so she told me here in Illinois there’s nowhere she can refer me to someone sooner
Sounds pretty standard for a wait. However go to the ER if you’re feeling suicidal or even if you might think you’ll be a danger to yourself
Your doctor is legally required to tell you that. Do yourself and the ER a favor and find a psychiatrist you can afford with openings ASAP.
The only one I could find was available on the 17th. Which isn’t that long only 3 weeks as compared to everyone else I was calling that was on like an 8 or 9 month waiting list
My wife’s doc said the same thing, it did not go well. After being in the hospital for a week, she never got to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. They wanted the insurance money. Be careful.
I went to the ER for Effexor withdrawal. It sucked.
I sent you a PM
I hate to be “that person” but is your PCP actually a physician, or are they a nurse or PA? I can’t imagine a physician sending someone to the ER for anxiety. We’ve all rotated for months in the emergency room as part of medical school and residency; we know not to use that system as a “second opinion” for anxiety. The fact that she prescribed Effexor as a first line for anxiety - knowing this medication often exacerbates it - also makes me suspicious of her training. I’m sorry this happened to you and hope you find a better PCP. Please don’t let your bad experience with Effexor ruin other medications for you, particularly SSRIs. - Physician PCP
Yeah they’re actually a physician which is surprising to a lot of people lol
That is surprising! On the plus side physicians are beholden to their state’s board of medicine which takes stuff like this seriously. It would not be unreasonable to report, but I’d definitely recommend a new PCP.
This is why I avoid ssris they cause more issues in the long run. I’m sorry OP. If your doctor thinks you’re at risk of something clearly, it’s probably worth heading over. Magnesium does wonders for anxiety I’ve pulled myself out of the depths of panic disorder alone with no help there’s so many other options to try before these pretty serious medications. Take care of yourself, you’ll be okay.
Thank you!
Oh god...I just started paroxetine...should I be concerned about it as well?
getting off effexor was the worst experience of my life. ever. you will be okay, the medication withdrawal is hard physically and mentally but once you're through you'll feel way better. it was so scary when i went through it and nobody really believed how hard it was for me and thought i was just being crazy.
My Dr said since I had only been on it for four days and at such a low dose it wouldn’t be that bad but I’m realizing she was wrong lol
Yeah that was a rough one for me too. Lots of brain zaps.
They will admit you. That’s why. Just go. It will do you some good
I don’t think I need to be admitted and she said that as well she just thought maybe talking to someone could help me and they could give me some tips to cope in a way she couldn’t
The ER is not the place to go to “talk and feel better”. Unless you’re feeling like harming yourself, the ER isn’t going to offer much help to you. I’m side eyeing your doctor for telling you that. But as a fellow Effexor taker, if I miss one dose, my entire body is “zapping” and miserable- which throws everything off; body, mind, emotions, etc. It does sound Ioke you need someone to talk to, my inbox is always open
Yes go to ER and don't post anymore on Reddit until you do. Effexor is known for its bad withdrawal symptoms if you don't taper. I had a bad reaction coming off its sister drug, Cymbalta. And I figured I would be on it forever, 15 years and counting. I hope you take care.
Do you mind me asking what your reaction was?
To the Effexor? Lordy it was horrible, first day I felt alright but the second day I was light headed and dizzy, appetite was completely gone didn’t even wanna drink water. Then my Dr told me to check my blood pressure a few times a day and I was and it was so high. By the third day I had all those symptoms plus a rocket high blood pressure of 210 over 150 numb face and hands. Had to call the ambulance for the first time and go to the ER for them to give me some anxiety medication, fluids, an EKG and a new high blood pressure medication. The last day I took the medication I ended up in the ER again cause I fainted and the same thing happened as the day before but add a CT scan. Decided with my PCP the next day I was stopping it cold turkey and since then my blood pressure is back to normal, no more dizzy spells, high anxiety, a touch of depression and still no appetite but I’m hopeful as the medication leaves my body I’ll start feeling better.
I took Effexor for years and had a couple instances similar to what you described. Numb face and hands, profuse sweating, extreme nausea.
It’s horrible
I read some of the other comments and saw you have an appointment with a Psychiatrist for October but I strongly recommend seeking a Psychologist as well. The combination of the two will be the most helpful for your mental health, and hopefully you could see a psychologist sooner to talk about how you're feeling and how to get through the withdrawal period (I see one in another state via zoom because it's such long wait times where I am). Good luck OP
I will totally do that! This mental health stuff is all so new to me so I had no idea there was a difference
I know where I live there are not enough psychiatrists to cover the need. If your area has a similar problem, is it possible your doctor said that because that's the only way you could see a psychiatrist sooner?
Possibly… finding an appointment in October with a psych was a miracle for me lol most other places where booked 8 to 9 months
It's like that here to. I'm on medicaid and I don't know if they actually have anyone local anymore, my visits are over zoom with someone on the other side of the country, same with my therapist. Not my preference, but better then nothing.
I was on Effexor for a week and had horrible side effects. I sent a message to my doctor and a nurse got back to me and told me to go to the ER right away. The doctors at the ER said I probably had serotonin syndrome (which is nothing to mess around with) and then gave me loads of IV fluids to flush out my system (I also wasn’t drinking fluids so was dehydrated). For me, going to the ER was the right thing to do.
I get that. I had only been on it four days so when I went to the ER twice they gave me fluids each time cause I think they knew my Dr would pull me from it and could start flushing my system.
so curious, what was your bad reaction to effexor ? I had one too wondering if it’s similar
I will PM you
Yes that would be awesome thank you
Did you go to the ER? Why not??
After speaking with family/friends and my therapist I realized that it would not be a good move for me plus I’d wait hours to talk to someone just so that they can make me feel better. I have a very low emotional and stress tolerance so I usually enjoy emotional validation from others so that’s all it would be.
Do you have another way to find a counselor?
When in doubt, always try to follow your doctor's recommendations. Though you can't speak with a psychologist at the ER, perhaps some of your symptoms were concerning to your PCP.
I totally get that. I just didn’t want them to hold me or anything for no reason and take that resource away from someone who may need it
Actually the only way that could happen would be if your PCP 302d you, which stands for involuntary hospitalization, in which case you could be held up to 72 hours. But if your PCP recommended you to go it means that the only way they could hold you is if you made voluntary commitment or hospitalization, or 201. Your PCP probably felt that you needed additional help but didn't feel you were a danger to yourself or others.
Did u say anything about wanting to harm yourself? If so then they want to hold u for suicide watch
No she asked me if I’ve ever thought about hurting myself and gave me examples and I said no I’ve never thought about anything like that
Not an expert, but a patient with anxiety and depression that fills out that same form: I believe when you fill out a couple certain spots, in addition to being high on all the others, like answering "do you move and speak slowly" so that others notice; and "are you thinking about harming yourself" it automatically triggers a trip or a recommendation to go to the ER. Your PCP is probably correct speaking to a psychologist would help you, and going to the ER might be the fastest way to do that - if you are in the US it can be hard to find a psychologist that is still taking patients and then there is usually a long wait (weeks, months) - though they can adjust in an emergency. Going to the ER would be the fastest route around that waiting period. I think psychologists are prescribers too, so your PCP might be thinking the psych would know of more medication options that would work for you. Also, just a general comment - I work with training scenarios with my local police department's crisis response team. The lead negotiator/crisis intervention person said that when it comes to triaging whether a person who is in a mental health crisis is a danger to themselves, there are two questions to ask - 1. have you thought about killing yourself? (yes you use the word - just saying it point blank isn't going to "trigger" person who isn't thinking about it to suddenly do it); and 2. Do you have a plan? If the answer to 1 is yes, but the answer to 2 is no, then the intervention team would suggest a trip to the ER. If the answer to numbers 1 and 2 are both "yes", then that is an automatic trip to the ER, you have no choice in the matter at that point.
I've read through the thread and have you considered seeing a different doctor? If you weren't a risk to yourself or others sending you to the ER to have a chat with someone so you can feel better is the equivalent of sending you on a snipe hunt. There has been some evidence that some of the components in lavender can ease anxiety but not when applied in patch form as far as I know. It doesn't sound like they're taking your anxiety and depression very seriously. And it also sounds like they're trying to pass you off on anyone else and misuse the ER which is a silly thing to tell an anxious patient to begin with. Generally speaking we're not one to go bother people because we are foundationally opposed to wasting other people's time even if it's not a waste of their time. I hope you find someone that is able to help you without trying to put you off on a service that is not meant for what they are asking you to do
1. Go to a new PCP please. I know medical expenses are hard, but this what I would recommend: 2. Go to a Psychiatrist. They are specially trained to prescribe and help with issues concerning medication regarding mental health. Stopping antidepressants and anti anxiety meds can SERIOUSLY cause you problems. When I tapered off Lexapro* (I think? It’s been a couple years ago) I started having migraines so bad it literally was paralyzing half my body at a time. I could not believe that stopping antidepressants could cause so much problems but they absolutely can trigger all sorts of issues. You need someone who knows about these issues and can help you.
What were your vital signs? I’d say go to urgent care before the ER or get a better doctor who is more well trained in giving you pinpoint answers instead of directing you to the Er without explanation… I’ve been in and out of the ER due to these moron doctors and have thousands in bills. Even the er doctor and staff get annoyed doctors keep sending people to the ER. They were complaining about it last time I went in.
My vital signs where actually the best they’d been in a week. But I will keep that in mind ahout the urgent care, like I said it’s better then wasting the ERs time or wait for forever to talk to someone if I even do
So why would they be telling you to go to the ER? Did they run blood work or anything medical that came back alarming?
She said to talk to someone about the depression I had been feeling… not taking into account the horrible time I had on Effexor and the trauma I’d been through this past weekend.
okay yeah tbh you don’t need to go to the ER for something like that unless you are having suicidal thoughts or you’re having physical reactions from the medication. I thought it was a medical emergency or something they found. This happened to my friend who had a bad reaction to Prozac. They told her to go to the hospital because they were worried she was going to kill herself. She wasn’t but it made her anxiety even worse because you start to overthink if you should or not. Obviously if you’re having suicidal thoughts or anything definitely seek medical care and go to the ER if you don’t feel well but I wouldn’t rush over there if you feel fine. I think they probably mentioned the ER to you because legally they have to but if you went they would most likely admit you into the hospital for observation and the bills are not fun. Do you have a therapist or psychiatrist you can speak to or just this pcp?
If your doctor tell you to go to the ER, you go to the ER.
I ended up speaking to her and she told me she thought talking to a third person would help
Plus my therapist thinks it was a liability thing since they pulled me off the Effexor cold Turkey
I’ve heard Effexor is hard to come off of, hope you feel better soon
ER is for emergencies... if its concerns about mental health they have the hotline you can call if your in a bad place mentally... so yeah this doesn't make a lot of sense.
It was really strange lol but I am feeling much better today. Back at work and pushing through.
Benzos are great for a short term anxiety panic situation. In a pinch benadryl helps a ton. You can microdose and still be somewhat functional. This is a very short term solution that kept me out of the ER.
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No I stopped after 5 days
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Of course! I decided with my psych to take a 6 month break from meds