Any GPs about?

[Intrusivedilemma]

Hi!
I have my driving test on Sunday. My instructor has recommended I ask the GP for a beta blocker as although I’m a good driver, the anxiety of the test really gets to me (as I’m sure it does most)! Is this something my GP would prescribe just for a driving test? I do suffer really badly with anxiety anyway (and panic attacks) which I take antidepressants for.

I’m not a GP (sorry) but have you tried rescue remedy? That was recommended to me to use for my driving test nerves.

Not a GP but I do take beta blockers.
I can not imagine they would prescribe them for this reason today although I'm sure I've heard stories of them being used for exam nerves etc in the past.
I don't imagine this would be allowed today.

@Icancelledthecheque I tried the pastilles the first time round but they didn’t help, although I was pretty convinced I was going to fail anyway What did you take?

@Spied I thought that would be the case! I didn’t want to ring up and ask as they would have told me I was being ridiculous

I think they will prescribe, I was given a prescription for anxiety associated with an interview, it may depend on an understanding GP. Good luck with the driving test.

I know of 2 people who have had them for driving tests, presumably your instructor is suggesting it because he also knows of people.

I’ve had a propranolol prescription for a similar situation.

My GP prescribed me beta blockers and says to just take one if I am going to be in a stressful
Situation if I need to

Propanolol = beta blockers.

Take one beforehand so you know what it feels like. Essentially you will not have any physical symptoms of anxiety so they are great if you get shaky or sweaty hands.

@LapinR0se does it help with hot ears and breathlessness too?

Thanks for all your help. I’m going to give them a call tomorrow and see, not sure if the receptionist will put me through for a phone appointment for this but it’s worth a try.

Breathlessness - like asthma? It’s not recommended if you are asthmatic.
Hot ears probably!

Good luck
Really interested to hear how you get on.

I got tablets for anxiety specifically to sit my third driving test many years ago from the doc. Def recommend it. This time I didn't hit any cars and passed.

@LapinR0se not asthma, I breathe really heavy when I’m anxious 🤣 also with a face mask makes it worse, I sound like Darth vader!

You can also get propranaol for situational anxiety from an online pharmacy, perfectly legally and safely, so if you can’t get an appointment with your GP that might be some thing to bear in mind.

If the GP doesn't help you can get a private prescription from online pharmacies for situational anxiety. You just have to fill out a form with any relevant details, e.g. existing medication and why you need them, and they'll be posted out to you.

Yes I have this and GPs will prescribe if you have anxiety generally and really struggle in key things like this. I would say on the phone call that you struggle with anxiety quite a bit generally and are particularly worried about this test and doing it without the anxiety overwhelming you. Obviously each GP is different but hopefully they can prescribe it for you.

Long time I would also ask about CBT, you could look at mindfulness too that’s helped me as well on day to day basis

@TheProvincialLady & @Utini thanks for the info!! I just ordered some, or at least filled out the online form - it hasn’t been confirmed yet! If I get them on Wednesday I’ll try one out to make sure it doesn’t make me feel weird.

@PurpleSunrise is mindfulness an app? I’ve tried cbt a few times in the past but it hasn’t really helped! I’m also finding the sertraline isn’t as effective for my anxiety and depression also so not sure if I should try something else, or increase the dose (I used to be on 150 but I literally trembled 24/7 I could hardly write with a pen!)

[quote Intrusivedilemma]@Icancelledthecheque I tried the pastilles the first time round but they didn’t help, although I was pretty convinced I was going to fail anyway What did you take?[/quote]
I had the spray. I passed first time.

However in the hour before my test with my instructor I almost caused two crashes