Kind of worried for my wife

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IRONPONY

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Hope I am posting this on the right forum.
My wife got into shooting with me about little less than a year ago.
She is really good \ safe at shooting & we go to the range often.
Back in 2006 she suffered from depression & was on meds for a short time.
She is okay now & just have periodic check up vissits.
What concerns me is that the doc wants her to try a new prescription & I hope there are not any severe side effects.
Last time she was on a med that was too strong & it just kept her dazed.
Also since we been shooting she owns 2 handguns .38 calber & a 380.
The doctor told her she might have to give up shooting for a while. :(
She has not had any probelms since 2006 , I don't see why the doctor wants to put her back on meds.
I'm thinkng a sencond opinon if the meds have a adverse effect.
I know she loves shooting a lot & I love having her shoot with me also.
Guns & shooting is a nice hobby that we both share as a couple .
If there is some advice you gents & ladies would like to offier , pelase chime in.
Thanks in advacne.
 
Just say No

If your wife has been doing fine for 4 years, then I would be reluctant to get back on a medication. I would for sure ask the Doctor his reasons. If you don't like the answers get a second opinion. I would get one anyway.
My wife passed away in Feb. from cancer. She had major depression It is no fun for anyone involved. My prayers go out to you and your wife.
 
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My wife went into depression about two years ago and as you know, it was not very pretty. Our communications with our doctor is excellent and he has pulled her through the worst of it, quite well. You have to trust in what your doctor is doing and if not, find another doctor. From the results of her treatment, our doctor is one of my heros. Our doctor has actually cut her back on her meds and we see him about every three months where in the beginning, it was every two weeks.

By now, you have become sensitive to what is happening, to your wife, on a daily basis. I watch mine like a hawk and can see most things coming before she starts to complain.

Just a note to spouses out there that are going through this or may one day, face this. There is no bad or good reason why this process starts and expecting or demanding that one gets over it, is just not realistic or constructive. What I did not tell my wife, in the beginning is that it's not going away and we deal with it as anything else in life. She now understands this and we are doing darn well. I surely wish you luck and success. I do not worry about her being close to guns as they have always been locked up and at this point, it's not a concern.

Be Safe !!!
 
thank you sir.
yeah, I am favoring that [ 2nd opion ]
She has been doing well , no relapses.
What concerned the doc was her finding it hard to fall asleep.
My wife has trouble falling asleep sometimes ,but no depression as of now.
I not that much for her being on any strong meds for that.
The doctor told her if she feels the meds as too strong to let her know asap .
So we will see what happens in the next few days.
Sorry about the loss of your wife , God Bless.
 
Thanks Pahoo , that is her docs concern for now. [ our guns ]
I keep mine locked because we have an 8 year old daughter & she does well with not bothering them.
The docs concern is watching her for the next few days because of the slight chance of the possilbe negative side effect of the meds.
Back in 2006 my wife had a bout with the depression for a short time.
 
Just a note to spouses out there that are going through this or may one day, face this. There is no bad or good reason why this process starts and expecting or demanding that one gets over it, is just not realistic or constructive. What I did not tell my wife, in the beginning is that it's not going away and we deal with it as anything else in life. She now understands this and we are doing darn well. I surely wish you luck and success. I do not worry about her being close to guns as they have always been locked up and at this point, it's not a concern.
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Well said and I'm glad you got past that point where you tend to over analyze everything and try to find a reasonable explanation. You'll never find the answers your looking for.
 
I'm not a doctor, but I can tell you some experiences I've had.

I've been through my share of health issues...and then some. I'm doing well now, thanks to some VERY good doctors.

That said...

A doctor I was seeing once wanted to put me on anti-depressants. I was on a large dose of Klonidine (sp?) for blood pressure...and it causes depression when taken in larger doses. I refused, and threw the sample away when I got home. I changed to a different doctor, and he changed my blood pressure med. No problems.

I was once in a university hospital, and was dealing with a lot of different doctors (some of them were student doctors). They were supposed to release me, but kept insisting that I take Lipitor for high cholesterol. I asked what was considered "normal" levels, and they said 150-200. I asked what mine was, and they said 143. I refused, and they sent in more doctors to try to convince me to take it.

I insisted that they send one of MY doctors in, and they finally sent a doctor Logan. She asked what the problem was, and I explained. She looked at my chart, and said I didn't need to take it. I asked her to sign my discharge papers, and she did.

Doctors get a "kickback" from drug companies for prescribing certain drugs. That's all good and fine if you need the meds; not so good if you don't. I know this because my mother and three sisters work in the medical field (sisters are all registered nurses).

Now, I'm not saying whether or not your wife really needs the drugs. You implied doubts about it. You and your wife are ultimately responsible for her health, so you'll have to decide what's right for her.

Her good health should be your primary concern, above and beyond all else...including shooting.

That said:

As a minimum, I'd suggest a 2nd opinion if it were my wife. If it were for me, I'd simply refuse the medication. If you've seen no indications of a problem, and your wife feels that there's no problem, then try to get the doctor to explain why he feels she needs to take this medication.

I would not accept that "there are benefits for her from it". Make him explain exactly what any benefits are. If he cannot, or will not explain any need or benefit from the medication, then I would not take it.

Always remember that medications all have side affects. Some may be positive, while others can be negative. Taking anything without a need isn't a good idea.

Daryl
 
Before taking drugs because she can't fall asleep have her do some exercises. Is your wife a stay at home who doesn't get a workout chasing
kids? Try the simple first as all drugs have a bad side. I forget the percentage that read "we do not know why this drug works" IT IS ON A VERY HIGH PERCENTAGE OF DRUGS-SCARY!
 
Your wife's doctor wants to put her on anti-depressants because she has a hard time falling asleep??? Depending on the AD, it may very well keep her awake at night! Get a second opinion. Xanax (Alprazolam) also works very well getting people to sleep without side-effects.


IRONPONY
thank you sir.
yeah, I am favoring that [ 2nd opion ]
She has been doing well , no relapses.
What concerned the doc was her finding it hard to fall asleep.
My wife has trouble falling asleep sometimes ,but no depression as of now.
<SNIP>
Click to expand...
 
And who makes that call? .......
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Ultimately, we each do.

If we get screwed up on meds, it only affects our own bodies. If the doctor messes up, it still only affects our own bodies.

You can sue the doctor, and maybe even win, but you'll still be the one that's messed up.

Ultimately, we are each responsible for our own health. Trust others in that capacity with caution.

Get all the information about any prescribed drugs that you can. A good doctor will share that information, as well as why (s)he's prescribing it.

If they can't explain exactly why you need to take it, then there might be a problem.

I have known a lot of doctors in my time; some good, others not so good. One nearly caused my death in Oct 2001, while assuring my family that I'd be "just fine". My dad and youngest sister (a nurse) were there as they loaded me (in a coma) into a helicopter for air-vac to Tucson's UMC. Dad asked my sister if I'd be ok, and she told him that if there was anything he wanted to say to me, that he'd better say it right then. She wasn't even sure I'd live through the trip.

It was almighty close, too. I lived, of course, thanks to the knowlede and expertise of a great team of doctors.

One of them is still my primary physician, and I consider him one of the greatest friends I could ever have.

Daryl
 
Those of you who have been there will understand what I'm about to say and that is that on symtom of depression is "Wanting to commit suicide". The doctor tries to determine the severe her depression is. He tries to treat that level. Some cannot be treated and they are put in institutions or they succeed in ending their lives and a gun is as good of a way as any. For some, that is the only way out. I also have a very good Vietnam buddy that wakes up every morning and his first thought is whether this is going to be the day. Yes, it is that serious.


Be Safe !!!
 
I get the feeling this thread will be closed soon

Because it has become more about medicine than general handgun content.

Before that happens here are a couple things to consider.

I think sometimes doctors like to speak with patients alone to encourage full disclosure. Someone may not want to openly discourage their spouse with what they share lest their spouse feel responsible or frustrated (or in extreme cases angry)

If the drug in question is truly an antidepressant, sometimes people deep in depression who have a plan to harm themselves may now all the sudden have the energy to do i. If this was the doctor's concern I would take heed. This is one possible place where concern about access to firearms might have come in.

But apparently that's not the issue.

Doctors cannot legally get "kickbacks" from prescribing drugs. It is illegal for them to get even pens and notepads from drug companies. Even McDonalds can give free items which will in fact hurt you.

So was it really an antidepressant that was prescribed? If it's an issue about being functional enough to safely handle firearms I agree more discussion with the doc is a good idea - but not just because the doctor may be imposing on our lifestyle. The doctor may not have said why but there's likely to be a danger he/she wants to watch out for (to keep your wife healthy) and it would be best if all were on board. My guess is that it's a short term concern until you all find the right balance of "not too sleepy" to function well.

Finally, just for everyone around - if I understand correctly, Xanax is a short acting benzo that can be very habit forming. It's easy to become addicted if used long term. Some people get it from friends or really pressure their doctors to give it to them. But some use responsibly. I'm like some of the other guys on here - I would try lifestyle changes first.

Wish you the best, hope it works out well.


Just proposing another viewpoint :)
 
Quoted from Ironpony:
What concerned the doc was her finding it hard to fall asleep.
My wife has trouble falling asleep sometimes ,but no depression as of now.
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Sleeping problems is one of many signs of depression. It's also a sign of many other things. With a history of depression he (the doctor) is trying to be cautious. You seem to have the biggest item on my check list covered, locking the weapons so only someone not being treated for depression has access control.

I have witnessed first hand what depression can do. Among a few of them was a brother of a very dear friend of mine who committed suicide with a handgun. Another brother in the same family hung himself (this happened before I met my friend).

The one who used a handgun had a great job as a consultant to Microsoft at the time he killed himself. So money was not an issue. My friend does not suffer from depression but it sure seems to run in his family.

I wish you luck with this, do what your heart tells you to do. If a second opinion would make you feel better by all means get one. Remember that the new doctor will have to understand that there is a history of depression. I would start with a frank open discussion with your current MD and ask point blank what he sees that makes him believe that this is the best course of treatment. He might be able to explain it to your satisfaction.
 
She has not had any probelms since 2006 , I don't see why the doctor wants to put her back on meds.
I'm thinkng a sencond opinon if the meds have a adverse effect.
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Im not a doctor fan in the first place so im probably bias, but WHY would he want to put her on meds if there is ZERO issue for coming up on 5 years? I would NOT do it (and it has nothing to do with gun related reasons). Your wife has to make the call for herself, but if theres no reason behind it it seems ridiculous. Get a second opinion MINIMALLY. DOnt let what a doctor tells you to be the end all and i say this from witnessing things in my own family. Good luck.
 
I'm not a psychiatrist. However, it's well known that sometimes antidepressants can have paradoxical efforts and prime suicidial ideation.

Google: antidepressants suicidal ideation

Trying a new drug - one doesn't know. It's standard with this sort of risk to recommend removal of firearms for a bit. This is from gun friendly mental health professionals.

I would get another opinion and be up front about your concerns. However, it would be more useful to discuss the issue on medical grounds first and not worry that much about grand conspiracies.

That being said and to avoid advice which might not be productive, I'm closing this.

Good luck!
 
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