Psych history, decreasing drugs, who to tell?

[Pat_Pat RN]

I've been diagnosed with depression, general anxiety and panic disorder in the past. I take Effexor and Xanax for these problems.

I am wanting to decrease my dosages, and maybe get off the Effexor completely.

I was placed on a high dose, 300mg daily by a psychiatrist several years ago. She has since moved on and I don't see a therapist of any nature. I'm doing good with these problems. My family doc refills my RX's for me. I know the horrible problems with decreasing Effexor and will follow closely with my FD on decreasing slowly, etc.

My real question is who should I tell at work? Anyone? I was thinking my direct supervisor who sees me every time I work, she could have a good "snapshot" of how I'm doing, without falling into the "frog in boiling water" phenomenon and not see a slow subtle change. I'd like for someone to keep an eye on me for behavior and mood changes, but don't know if she would be "required" to tell anyone else, or if this could create problems for me.

Thanks for any input.

Pat

[PsychRNOhio]

See a physician, make regulr appointments but do NOT use your employer in your hralth care.

What you do or do not require is none of your employer's concern.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I agree not to tell your employer. I do suggest while you are decreasing your meds that you should see EAP. I did see EAP for some general job stress and my counselour has been awesome. I also would rely on how you feel. You are setting yourself up for being a target if you tell your employer.

[Liddle Noodnik]

I'd like for someone to keep an eye on me for behavior and mood changes, but don't know if she would be "required" to tell anyone else, or if this could create problems for me.

Thanks for any input.

Pat

How bout a peer support group like dbsa? They can't advise or monitor you but they do have a check-in time, where you can share what's the haps of your week. Would help you monitor yourself. Then maybe you could meet a friend who could get to know you well enough to tell you if things are changing. http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home (click "find support" on the left to see when there are meetings near you)

I would not under any circumstances involve a supervisor. MAYBE a super-trusted friend at work but probably not!

[Pat_Pat RN]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

[futurecnm]

I would not tell work. This would be mixing your personal life with your professional life, not a good idea.

[mondkmondk]

I do disclose my bipolar disorder to my employers but only because I receive SSDI which limits the amount I can work each month. However, I have NEVER told them what meds I'm on...I feel it is none of their business and I'm afraid to tell them too because I'm on 2 antipsychotics, but not because of psychosis...but you know us nurses, we know just what drugs are for what.

Someone up there mentioned dbsalliance's website. I used to belong to their forums there and they are really compassionate and maybe you could "buddy" up with others decreasing or adjusting their meds too. I do think having a good therapist is also another good suggestion, as he/she could monitor you objectively.

There are some other good sites I know of out there, but send me a PM and I'll tell you...I'm not sure if we can post other sites here.

Blessings, Michelle

[JB2007, ASN, RN]

I agree with the other posters, do not tell the people (including your NM) about you MI. I live and work in a small town and everyone will know what is going on with you faster than you can say it. That is the way these small communities work. I know that your NM and co-workers seem great and they most likely are great, but people in small communities just can not help themselves. They must tell at least one person what they just found out and from there it goes on until everyone knows what is going on with you. You need to find someone outside the work place to help monitor your behaviors. Good luck!

[uscstu4lfe]

Do not tell anyone at work. It's not safe