snapdragon

Any time a person starts a new medication there is the period of time where you watch for reactions, no matter what it is. How many of us have been called out to a possible allergic reaction to a new med? I have many times and it really isn't a true allergic reation but just one of the side effects.... A few years ago I finally was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and was put on Neurontin (gabapentin), an antiseizure med that is also used to control pain connected with nerve damage. HOLY SH.. that stuff knocked me right off my feet. I knew that I couldn't drive let alone work during the "getting used to" period let alone work. I never did get over the horrible side effects so I stopped taking it. For the Medics that have taken care of themselves and gotten help, there is NO shame. Thank you for being the strong one and getting the help you needed.

I have worked with medics that were taking antidepressants and I currently work with one. I have never seen any reason to doubt their judgment or treatment. You would be totally shocked at how many "normal" people take antidepressants.

Okay, I have tried to read through all 5 pages of replies with an open mind but sorry folks, many of you have shown your ignorance of mental health issues! Many if not all of mental health issues are caused by a chemical imbalance. If the antidepressent is correctly prescribed and it is a hit or miss deal, the person will not present in an "altered" state. Think about what we do, either paid or volly we are exposed to stressful situations, scenes that will be burned in our memories and many what if moments. Think about the soldiers that are coming back with PTSD. Their brain chemistry is altered from being in a constant state of flight or fight. Once they get treatment many of them are back to their pre-deploment state of mind. I can think of one over prescribed drug that will cause a child to be a zomie, ritalin or any of its forms. If a person truly has ADHD/ADD that little pill is a life saver. For those kids that the teacher or parents think is too hyper and is medicated will present spaced out. ADHD is thought to be caused by low levels of dopamine in the frontal lobe. Medicate the problem, raise the levels and the person is "normal". Now getting back to the original question. SSRI's, MAOIs can not be used as a prophylactic treatment. If you don't need the drug you are not going to see any benefits. It can actually make a person depressed, spacey, or a little off. I highly recommend the Physicians Desk Reference and the DSM-IV for your next reading assignment. Amazingly enlightening!!

I think what he is trying to say is that he runs alone in the back so there is no one to challenge him. He can do wahtever he wants and no one is going to tell him otherwise. I also usually run alone but its nice to have another set of hands and eyes in the back. I especially like preceptoring students. It keeps me on my toes because the info is still fresh in their minds and I have to think for a minute when they start asking questions. I had a new volunteer with me yesterday and had a great time. She is a flight medic with the Army and a National Registered Basic. I have flown with her and now she has ridden with me in the back of a rig. She was amazed at the differences and the obsticles that we have to over come in the back. First was starting an IV and the other "odors" I hope that everyone that was dumped on the street takes the opportunities to continue learning and never lose the compassion for thier profession, paid or volunteer.

I am lucky that I get to do both with the department I work for. I enjoy the one on one pt contact with transports if you have a pt that talks and isn't being miserable to everyone in their path. Also, most pts don't leave the hospital until they are stable but that isn't always true. I have seen transports go south in a hurry and you are all alone to deal with everything until you can hook up with another agency or get to the hospital. In either employment situation you won't be dumped on the street until the company feels you are ready to be on your own.

Thanks for the link!! Now I'll have something to keep me busy for a few nights.

Marty, You hit every thing that I would have checked as an ALS provider. Shame on the Medic that turned that patient back over to the BLS provider. A newly diagnosed diabetic with a HX of heart problems can be a ticking time bomb. Snap

I drive a 2001 white Ford Expedition. I love my SUV. It gets me where I have to go in the snow, all four kids fit comfortably and it looks sweet with the lights on.