[Mountaindewed]

Is it easy to get a psych doctor to prescribe medical marijuana for anxiety?

If not then what will they prescribe? It seems these days the only thing they will give someone with anxiety is visteral. I’m so glad I have a prescription for Ativan. Even if I did end up switching doctors because of how hostile my doctor got after prescribing it. I’m just worried because my Current doctor isn't thrilled I’m on it either. It’s just frustrating.

Ive never been addicted to anything. I get off meds just fine with no withdrawals. Why do these doctors think I’ll get addicted to it? Are they just assuming I’ll be addicted? Perhaps based on my intelligence or something? Why would they give someone such a hard time when I have zero history of substance abuse?

[Deejay14]

Originally Posted by Bozdickens

Is it easy to get a psych doctor to prescribe medical marijuana for anxiety?

If not then what will they prescribe? It seems these days the only thing they will give someone with anxiety is visteral. I’m so glad I have a prescription for Ativan. Even if I did end up switching doctors because of how hostile my doctor got after prescribing it. I’m just worried because my Current doctor isn't thrilled I’m on it either. It’s just frustrating.

Ive never been addicted to anything. I get off meds just fine with no withdrawals. Why do these doctors think I’ll get addicted to it? Are they just assuming I’ll be addicted? Perhaps based on my intelligence or something? Why would they give someone such a hard time when I have zero history of substance abuse?

s

There is always the chance of addiction no matter your substance abuse history. At the very least there could be an habitation issue. Anti depressants help with anxiety. Gabapentin has been successful for some people.

[SalingerEsme]

Ativan is so helpful, addictive or not. The demonizing of it by doctors is hard to reason with.

[*Laurie*]

It's not necessarily about addiction, the problem is often about tolerance and physical habituation. That said, I don't understand what the big deal is with regard to benzos. I'm irate about the current trend of pdocs not prescribing benzos for anxiety, but then they prescribe AP's instead. AP's were not created for anxiety or insomnia.



Until there's an appropriate medication (one that doesn't cause dangerous side-effects) that eases anxiety I believe that pdocs should stick with using benzos.



I don't know what the laws about medical mj are where you live. I'm in California, where anyone who has the money to pay for it can obtain a medical mj prescription from a doctor who does that kind of prescribing. I think it's about $100 to see the doctor and get the prescription. Then you have to purchase the mj from a shop. It's not cheap. I think the minimum is $50 for about a week's worth of mj. So you're looking at about $200 or more just to start the process going for a month. I suppose that eventually the price will come down, but I doubt it will for many years yet.

[Deejay14]

Whether a doctor will write a prescription is also influenced by the policy of the medical group they may be in. In the two groups in my city, both have decided not to prescribe medical marijuana, with the exception of cancer patients, but there are even guidelines about that.

[Mountaindewed]

Honestly, my dad was a recovering alcoholic. I do not disclose this info with anyone. I know people who are refused a benzo just because a parent has an addiction. Doesn’t matter that they don’t have an issue.

But I’ve showed no problems.

It’s best they never know about the family history.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by Deejay14

Whether a doctor will write a prescription is also influenced by the policy of the medical group they may be in. In the two groups in my city, both have decided not to prescribe medical marijuana, with the exception of cancer patients, but there are even guidelines about that.

There are doctors here who are in private practice and have offices specifically for prescribing medical cannabis. They are MD's, but are not affiliated with a medical group or any type of insurance.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by Bozdickens

Honestly, my dad was a recovering alcoholic. I do not disclose this info with anyone. I know people who are refused a benzo just because a parent has an addiction. Doesn’t matter that they don’t have an issue.

But I’ve showed no problems.

It’s best they never know about the family history.

I wouldn't disclose that info if I were you, either.

[Mountaindewed]

My Pdoc is leaving. How do I continue getting my Ativan? So many doctors won’t prescribe it. I have no idea who does or doesn’t. I may not be addicted, but I feel like I’m dependent. I’m really upset.

[Deejay14]

I think that is something that you will have to find out when you get the new doc. I would hope thAt if the doc does not want to prescribe a plan would be worked d out to safely reduce the dose over time.
In the meantime look into other natural anxiety reducers, cut out caffiene, etc.