Dr. Matthew Medley, DO

I started having panic attacks in college, but didn't want to go on meds right away. Dr. Medley made it seem like meds were the only thing that would get rid of the panic attacks and that therapy alone wouldn't, so I agreed to try a med. Because I have had decreased libido from birth control before, and this is a common side effect from SSRIs, I asked if there were any other options I could try first. He then lectured me on "trying to be the doctor" simply for asking about side effects and options - something you have a legal right to know about as a patient. He also said that decreased libido- a known side effect of SSRI's- as well as other anxiety med side effects, are almost always in a patients head. Later, I asked him about weight gain as a potential side effect of medications, as this is another well documented side effect of anxiety/depression meds. It didn't keep me from taking the meds, I simply like to know what I am getting in to. He answered by saying 'The pills are so… small. Even if you took all of them in a single day, you wouldn't gain a pound'. This was not said as a joke. He sounded 100% serious, like I might literally believe this ridiculous statement was a valid answer. I responded, 'I wasn't implying that the pills themselves would cause me to gain weight... but that their effect on my body potentially could.' After which he reluctantly told me that yes, weight gain can be a potential side effect. I only had panic attacks for 8 months. Therapy fixed them. However, the Buspar Dr. M prescribed me gave me a permanent and disabling dystonia in my neck. I was afraid to bring up these movements to Dr. M when they started, though, as he had made his thoughts on side effects very clear. Perhaps if I hadn't been so afraid to bring this up to him, I would have known that this side effect can become permanent if you don't stop the medication right away.

Dr. Medley is the best doctor around, he is patient, takes time with you, listens to your concerns, he always takes the time to explain things and doesn't make you feel rushed, my husband is on hospice Palliative care and has lots of questions, and Dr. MEDLEY always makes him feel better and my husband always leaves less anxious,.He makes you feel like Family while always showing professionalism. Thanks for always addressing my husband's concerns and making him feel better.

Dr. Medley, Thank you for putting up with me at my appointment on Wednesday. I heard things I wasn't expecting to hear. But that is an excuse not a reason. Please except my apology. I am very sorry about my actions. Ray Dillinger