Does GP know if prescription is filled?

[EyeSpyCry]

Sorry I didn’t know where else to put it. When I go to a GP do they know if/ when I collected the last prescription? Is it on their screen in front of them?

I'm fairly certain that if they send a prescription to the pharmacy but no one collects it, the surgery is notified. I work for the coroner and often receive statements from GP's that will say if prescriptions are not collected so they definitely find out somehow.

Yes, the pharmacy notify the GP (electronically) so that they know you are taking your meds (or not) and to prevent the prescription being used more than once.

The reason I’m asking is I’m going to the GP to say the type of antidepressants I’ve been given aren’t working. It took me 2 weeks to collect them before I started taking them though so I’m worried they will say it’s not been enough time. Will they be able to see it took me 2 weeks to collect? I know these ones are no good as I’ve taken them before anyway but the GP wanted me to try again

I think there’s 2 separate questions here. Firstly yes it is possible to see if/when a prescription was collected- though I doubt many GPs are going to personally check this for each medication.
More importantly, you’ve been prescribed something that you’re not happy to take, for whatever reason. Your GP needs to know this so that they can work with you to find the best alternative. Pretending you’ve taken it when you haven’t isn’t necessarily the best way to go about this, though I do understand why you might.

Is this your first time trying antidepressants? It's absolutely normal for the side effects of some medication to be horrid, and in some cases for symptoms to feel worse - absolutely have an honest review with your GP and say how you're feeling - especially if you were worried and putting off taking them in the first place.

It's a big step seeking treatment, so you honestly have my utmost respect for starting, this next conversation is very, very normal to have.

Sorry, with your update you have tried these ones before, it's a bit shit that they've said try again - you might need to really spell it out why they specifically didn't work for you, why are they wanting you to try this drug again, what time period are the symptoms meant to ease - and whether you can cope with that timeframe.

When I was really ill - I had to write it down my problem in a short letter as I couldn't speak, which worked pretty well.

Sorry these didn't work for you last time - but they might work this time. I requested the sand antidepressant that I had that helped me with my PND - the doctor wasn't keen but agreed anyway - it turned out to be a huge mistake as this time it affected me very, very badly. They switched me to the ones the dr had wanted to use very quickly!

Good luck at the drs though - the main thing is you are seeking help and getting treatment. Hopefully the dr will agree to prescribe a different medication.