Mistake In Medical Record Showing Addiction To Benzos. Is There A Chance That Doctor Will Amend My Record?

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for your question.

From your description, I understand that your issue here is about an inaccurate entry in the ER medical records following your overdose. You are bothered about two things in particular - 1) that the details of the overdose were mentioned incorrectly and 2) that it states that you are "addicted to benzos"

Now, I presume that you are taking all the above mentioned medication (Topamax, Xanax, Ambien and Phentermine) only on prescription of a doctor. I also need a clarification about what dosage and schedule of these medications were prescribed to you by your doctor.

Though your husband had mentioned erroneously that you took 3 tablets of Ambien, that alone doesn't warrant a decision that you are "addicted to benzos".

I presume that the reason why the ER doctor must've felt that you may be addicted may be because you are on 2 different sedative medications (Xanax and Ambien) for at least a few months, and often sedative medications, when taken for long periods of time have a potential to cause dependence. There are certain criteria for assessing dependence - like developing withdrawal symptoms on stopping the medication abruptly, requiring progressively increasing doses in order to get the desired effect, having a craving for the medication, etc.

Now, as far as your specific question about for amending your ER medical records, it is important to know that hospital medical records are confidential and legally-binding documents and any alteration of these would be done only according to strict procedure. I feel that the best approach would be to have a first have review with the doctor who has prescribed your medication and clarify / discuss this issue with him. If, after reviewing and assessing you, he feels that your medication is necessary and that you don't have any features or risk of dependence, then he could make an official communication to the hospital in whose ER you were seen.

This would give you a valid reason to plead your case, rather than merely trying to talk or argue with the ER doctor. Also, since you are on sedative / anti-anxiety medication and since you have also had an overdose, you may sometimes be asked to have a consultation with a psychiatrist for a detailed assessment. I hope this answers your query.

Now, on a similar note, what also concerns me is your overdose itself and the consequences of it which you have reported. Though you have mentioned that it was "accidental", it is very important to understand the circumstances in which you had the overdose and about what exactly happened after that. You have mentioned that "the combo did not work" but you say that you were not properly aware of your behaviour till "you woke up in the hospital", which again is worrying.

The reason it is important to explore and sort out these issues is to make sure that such things don't happen again in future. So, I would strongly advise you to have a review with your doctor and discuss about the recent events in detail with him.

Wish you all the best.

-Dr.Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Dear XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing in. I am sorry to hear that the recent unfortunate events have resulted in more stress and anxiety. Sadly, the stigma associated with psychiatric problems is still a major hurdle which puts people through a lot of suffering and embarassment. I hope the Buspar helps you and hope you come out of your anxiety / stress soon.

Wish you all the best.

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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