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Ms. Evans:
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Hello Doctor Balis. I hope I am not disturbing you.
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Dr. Balis:
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Not at all Cassie. How are you doing today?
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Ms. Evans:
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Not so great. I think I may be having a reaction to the Prozac
pills you prescribed. I am very dizzy, light-headed, nauseated, and my speech
is somewhat slurred. It almost feels like I am drunk or intoxicated. Is
this normal?
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Dr. Balis:
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Sometimes the body needs to adjust to the introduction of these
types of drugs, but I'm concerned about the side effects that you're mentioning.
Have you been able to eat and hold food down?
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Ms. Evans:
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I haven't been too interested in food since I started the medicine.
My stomach reels whenever I think about eating. I do force down toast and
some basic light foods. I have dry- retched several times, especially in
the morning. I had to leave work early today, too.
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Dr. Balis:
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I wrote the prescription on Tuesday. When did you start on
the medication?
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Ms. Evans:
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I started Wednesday morning.
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Dr. Balis:
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Okay. So you've only taken three doses so far. Try one more
dose, and let's see how you do. Often there is a short adjustment period
with some of the side effects that you've mentioned but they can go away
quickly and aren't serious as long as you're keeping food down. I'd like
to see if your body will adjust to the Prozac. Is that okay with you?
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Ms. Evans:
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Oh goodness. I can't say I am exactly jumping for joy, but if
you think there is some hope here, then I will continue with it. For an
antidepressant, this really hasn't done too much for my spirits!
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Dr. Balis:
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It will take some time before you notice a difference. I want
you to call me tomorrow if these symptoms continue, all right? If I am not
in, the service will beep me and I will get right back to you. If you feel
bad on Saturday, we will discontinue the drug on Sunday morning.
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Ms. Evans:
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Okay. I'm concerned about missing work. I really have to be
able to go to work on Monday. I am afraid of the consequences, especially
given that letter in my personnel file.
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Dr. Balis:
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If you like, I can write a letter to your supervisors explaining
why you're missing some work. You have a perfectly valid medical excuse.
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Ms. Evans:
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I like the idea of having some documentation from an authority
figure on my absences, to counterbalance that letter in my file. However,
I don't want to alarm SII about some sort of medical condition. What if
they cut off my health insurance? I can't have that. I don't know, Doc.
I think I am too wary of rocking the ship right now.
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Dr. Balis:
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I don't think a company can fire you because you have a medical
condition. But this is your call Cassie. Just know you have my support
if you should need or want it.
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Ms. Evans:
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Thanks.
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Dr. Balis:
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Don't forget to call me if these side effects continue or get
worse. If things improve, then I will speak to you by telephone next Tuesday
at 5:30 pm, isn't that what we decided?
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Ms. Evans:
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Yes, that's okay. Thanks again, Doctor. I really hope things
do get better. I don't know what I am going to do with myself if it doesn't.
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Dr. Balis:
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Hang in there Cassie. I'm here to help you face whatever comes,
okay? Goodbye Cassie.
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Ms. Evans:
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Goodbye.
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###
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Doctor Balis' Notes on this Telephone Call
Transcripts of Cassandra Evans' Therapy Sessions
