To think the doctor shouldn't refuse me my medication?

[lisaboob]

Hi,I've been a long time sufferer of anxiety for over 10 years.
A lot better now but still really anxious before a big event or a event that's out of my comfort zone.
My doctor prescribed me diazepam 2 years ago (28 tablets ) and they've just ran out.
Went to GP today and said no ..and offered me anti depressants.
I refused and left with nothing.
I use half a tablet before a big event etc hence why they lasted 2 years
Now I have things coming up this year and I'm going to have to cancel now.
Aibu to think this isn't ok?

[HJWT]

@lisaboob they wont give out diazepam anymore its VERY rare they do, you have to of been getting a regular prescription for many years to continue getting them... my DH doesn't sleep for weeks on end and his GP who knows about his extensive mental health problems will NOT prescribe him them but the same GP gives them to DH mum as she has been on them for many years x

[KurriKurri]

I've been given them to deal with a speciic event 9in my case it was having an MRI when I suffer from claustrophobia) I was prescribed one tablet. Could you ask your gp ifs/he is willing to prescribe them when you feel you need them for a specific event ?
The other alternative is to dicuss anti anxiety meds with your doctor - my sister has anxiety and is on anti anx meds and finds them helpful, Your Gp might think this is better than giving diazepam on an as an when you need basis - as it may mean your anxiety is generally more under control. I don't know - I;m not a doctor.
But my approach would be to make an appointment (a double one if you don;t want to feel rushed)to discuss the verious alternatives for dealing with your anxiety. Don't get fixated on 'diazepam or nothing' ther may well be better alternatives.
Doctors don;t often prescribe larger amounts of diazapam as it is addictive - it would be irresponsible, even if you assure them you only use it occasionally.

[Jackshouse]

It’s a very addictive medication and the GPs job is to us their years of training to make the right decision for you not give you what you want. The GP did not refuse you medication but they refused to give you the medication that you wanted.

[lexiconmistress]

I think your GP was acting responsibly although I understand that you were using them occasionally for specific events. Benzodiazipines really are an outdated medication for anxiety. Is there any reason why you're reluctant to take anti depressants? They work very well for anxiety (for most people). Also have you tried or been offered a talking therapy? CBT is good for anxiety.

[lisaboob]

I don't want to take anti depressants because my anxiety is fine 90% of the time
It's only when I'm going /doing something out of the ordinary.
28 tablets lasted me 2 years so safe to say they are taken responsibly
They were a life saver for me
No other medication has had the same positive effect for me.

[SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc]

Taking half a tablet was probably working psychosomatically,it wouldn't have done much to calm you down.I can still get them for fear of flying at my surgery but you have to be travelling long haul.

[lisaboob]

@Jackshouse it's not addictive for me.
Like I said 28 lasted me 2 years.
It's a shame really as they are very helpful to me.

[lisaboob]

@SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc I would take half on the night then half on the morning and worked great for me.

[lisaboob]

@SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc I'm flying next week but it's only a 2 hour flight
Still terrified tho.

[BadPennyNoBiscuit]

Yanbu. I am prescribed diazepam regularly, because I dont find it addictive either, but it is extremely useful for my long term condition.
You shouldn't have to resort to this, but I wonder if you could get it on a private prescription?

[peachgreen]

YANBU, I use them for flying and nothing else helps.

[LimpidPools]

I think it should be pretty clear really why somebody who has been irregularly using tiny doses of diazepam to occasionally see then through a stressful situation might feel reluctant to start taking a daily dose of medication in the form of an anti-depressant.

That said OP, I think you should go back and discuss your options with your GP. Prescribing advice may have changed, but your situation hasn't. I'd want to know what solution they now suggest and what they will offer you.

Just saying no you can't have that any more and sending you out the door with nothing is neither a solution nor acceptable.

[BadPennyNoBiscuit]

As for the comments about dose, its ridiculous for people to say that 1 or 2mg cant have any effect. It absolutely does. We aren't all the same.;

[Superfragile]

I think where it is obviously being sensibly used then it is nbu. I also use them for flying, I wouldn't be able to fly without them but don't need them in my daily life.

[Zoflorabore]

What mg was it op?

I've been taking it for 5 years for severe anxiety and have weaned myself down from 2x5mg a day ( occasionally 3x ) to taking 2x2mg daily.
If I need some for flying then I ask for a much higher dose.

Has the doctor said why he is reluctant to prescribe? A box of 28 has lasted you 28 days. It would last me 2 weeks.
Propranolol is excellent for anxiety.

Is there an option to see a different doctor?

[Zoflorabore]

Sorry it's lasted you 2 years not 28 days

[pootyisabadcat]

Honestly, I'd seek to buy some cannabis and use that instead. They've got ridiculous with all this 'NO diazepam EVER'.

[thebeesknees123]

Could you make an appointment before the big event and get a one-off prescription ?

[lexiconmistress]

Have you tried therapy to teach you techniques to manage your anxiety during those very specific situations? It's completely normal to feel anxious before certain things - flying, public speaking, exams, medical appts etc. etc. But you can learn to manage it.

[ILoveBray]

OP I use Propranolol for panic attacks/anxiety and it is fantastic and very effective.

You can use it as and when, and doctors never have an issue giving it as long as your general health is good.

I was on Diazepam a few years ago, a doctor recommended moving to Propranolol instead and I've never looked back.

[lisaboob]

It was 2mg
He tried to offer me beta blockers but they messed my heart rate up before and didn't like it.
He said we don't like to prescribe diazepam ...and no further explanation.
It changed my life and I felt safe knowing I had it for emergency's and no I feel vulnerable again.

[Chillyegg]

Yeah sorry your unreasonable .
I take anti anxiety medication that also doubles up as an anti depressant .
I think the fact your willing to cancel things over getting proper help is concerning. Go see a dr again . Also I think there will be some sort of psychosomatic effect with this.

[pisspawpatrol]

There are other medications and treatments available for anxiety, but you do need to discuss them with the GP. What else have you tried to know diazepam is the only thing that works?

You could try something like propanalol (beta blocker) or flupentixol. They can be taken regularly or as a one off depending on the dose and the severity of the anxiety. They need to be taken before the anxiety really kick in, in my experience, so pre-emptively treating if you know you have something stressful coming up.

[lisaboob]

@Chillyegg I don't want to take an anti depressant.
I found a medication that works /helps
Can't see why it's such a bad thing

[TheUser420]

Honestly, I'd seek to buy some cannabis and use that instead.

cannabinoids and benzodiazepines are not interchangeable (plus you'd have no idea what you'd be getting on the street) ....