Diazepam

[Coffeebot]

I have NC for this as am feeling anxious.

I am seeing my GP in the morning. I’m having a really rough mental health time at the moment and feel like I just can’t calm down. A previous GP gave me diazepam when I felt this way before and it really helped. Even having it in the house made me feel better.

But I don’t want to ask my new GP tomorrow directly for diazepam as I’m scared it’ll look like I’m just drug seeking. I mean, I am seeking drugs, but not in a dangerous or unhealthy way - I just think it would be helpful to have a small prescription of them or similar to take as and when. This time of year is hard for me and I think that having them to spread out now- Christmas would be really beneficial.

I’m just not sure what to say exactly and am worried i’ll Be sent away with nothing (already on ADs and have beta blockers for anxiety which aren’t touching this current on edge feelings I’m having)

Any advice would be appreciated

I have claustrophobia which I can normally cope with except in hotel rooms where the windows don't open very wide. I tried hypnotherapy but it didn't work (panic so bad I went to A & E). I saw my GP after that and I have been prescribed 28 diazepam tablets to take when needed. GP was very understanding and knows I will only take them when I have to. I have been away since then and didn't need the tablets as I could see straight away the windows opened fully. It gives me confidence just knowing I have them. I hope your GP is helpful OP. In A & E they are reluctant to hand out any Diazepam as "they have a street value"!

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive dependence forming, they should be very restricted and many GPs will only prescribe them rarely. You certainly shouldn't get them on a repeat script.

Far better do some psychological work and learn better coping skills to manage your anxiety as well as looking into the underlying issues.

I get diazepam for anxiety. My doctor is happy to prescribe it because a prescription lasts me so long it's clear im not addicted to them. If you explain how you feel I'm sure you'll have no problem

I think it depends what you are taking them for. I get migraines and my GP was happy to give me lorezepam so that I could just sleep through the worst of it. She just gives me a few so I have them for when the migraine strikes.

If you are taking them to alleviate anxiety docs are slightly more reluctant to prescribe, with sound reason, as their effect dwindles over time and you need more to get the same result. If you know your GP well and they feel you will use them with discretion, then they sometimes will prescribe.

I am sorry you are feeling like this at the moment.

Thank you for the replies- I’m glad a few of you have had understanding doctors in the past that were able to help.

Sorry @PsychedelicSheep I don’t mean to drip feed, but I have had therapy and have built up a bank of skills that generally work well, however I am struggling with this time of year specifically as it relates to a past trauma and the usual skills are not working. I was hoping my GP will be understanding re: this and hopefully knows I’m sensible enough to take them responsibly.

I think it shows real confidence and clear thinking to say this is how I'm feeling and this is how I'm going to help myself. It's perfectly normal to ask for it, you wouldn't think twice if it was medication for something else, no need to be taboo around mental health issues, just the same as any other physical health issue.
You take what you need to get better and be proud of yourself for doing things that help you, brilliant! Xxxx

Thank you so much jackio - I’m hoping that comes across in my appointment, I am trying to be as proactive as possible to prevent a full blown relapse as I think it’s possible I’ll feel worse in the next few weeks and want to avoid crisis!

Well look if you've been on them before you know sometimes its not smooth sailing, sometimes it gets a bit worse before it gets a whole lot better, but I think you seem really self aware and know that, you'll be fine, you're doing something about it rather than avoiding, you'll do just fine! X

I think you're dealing with this really well, facing up to what may challenge you and being proactive.
I have diazepam for anxiety and it's been so long since I last took one, but just knowing I've got them with me is enough to help. I can use all my other 'tools' first and very rarely reach the stage where they haven't worked and I need to take a tablet.
As another poster said, the doctor can see from how often they're prescribed to you that you are not addicted, plus you're taking a very responsible approach with everything else you're doing.
Wishing you all the best

How are you getting on @Coffeebot? Xxxx

Hi @jackio2205, thanks for asking.
The GP was great and very understanding and after I described how I’ve been feeling she was actually the one to suggest a short term supply of diazepam prn.

Feel better knowing I have them if crisis mode kicks in and am going to try and spread them out as much as I can

What strength were you prescribed, please?

@insomniacAnonymous just 2mg - enough to calm me down enough to get on with things

Im not a doctor so cant possibly begin to suggest but as a question is it better to take them to prevent a crisis?
I was on certraline for anxiety and mild depression and there was no way i could just go on and come off them, had to be gradual both ways, is it different for this drug? X

Yes it is different Jackio. My Dd was prescribed Diazapam for plane journeys. She hates flying and the Dr suggested she tried these. She obviously only uses them when she’s flying and they work really well for short periods.