Doctor won't give me diazepam ..aibu?

[lucyhar]

I've been getting diazepam off my doctor for around 4 years now for when I have to travel by plane.
I normally get 7 tablets a year.
My doctor has retired now and I'm travelling to Australia in may to see my aunt and uncle.
I've just got out of the doctors (new doc) and he refused any.
Now I understand people get addictive but I get 7 tablets a year!
I have a massive fear of flying,I've tried CBT,hypnotherapy,kalms,I did a fear of flying course and nothing.
Before I was prescribed diazepam I didn't go on holiday for 7 years.
They gave me my life back (without being dramatic)
Aibu to speak to the practice manager?

I've also been taking prescribed diazepam for flying, for years.

The last time I went for some I was told that they now couldn't prescribe on the NHS due to some policy change. I asked could they prescribe on a private prescription, and the GP agreed, no problem. The private prescription costs £15, then the tablets cost about £5 at the pharmacy (I get 8).

Maybe worth an ask for a private prescription instead?

Being on a plane scares me for many reasons
1.not being able to just get off
2.feeling trapped
3.crashing
I've tried and nothing else works
2mg isn't a placebo for me,it stops me feeling terrified ..

YANBU - my mother gets lorazepam for filing

the use of any sort of CNS depressant during a flight will put the passenger at significant risk of not being able to act in a manor which could save their life in the event of a safety critical scenario

FGS I would write exams on 2mg of diazepam! It would hardly rende me incapable of disembarking a flight.

(flying even)

Or use one of those online GP services where you pay for a consultation by Skype?

Bombadier using that argument contraception shouldn't be funded. Just don't have sex. Painkillers shouldn't be prescribed for anything except debilitating pain. Etc.

It is clear that people who don't have an intense fear of flying don't have a clue what it is like.

Some of them will be on most costlier drugs that could be totally avoided through a better lifestyle.

I expect the cost of the prescription for 7 pills is less than the actual cost of the drug.

@Tequilamockinbird Thankyou for that Info
I would be more than happy to pay
Do I just ask my normal gp to pay private ?
Or would I need a private gp apt ?

Plus I have been given diazepam to ‘relax’ me for gynae procedures (unfortunately didn’t work so ended up having to have a general anaesthetic)

But everyone's different Max. I was prescribed 2mg of diazepam to help me sleep when I had a trapped nerve in my neck. I didn't think it was working at all, until I tried to get out of bed and collapsed in a heap on the floor - it really knocked me for 6. Opiates and I don't get on in general.

If you've had ongoing struggles with mental health then you'll understand how under pressure services are and that this is not an appropriate use of NHS funds.

Have you looked at going private? If you're that desperate for it that should be your next call.

2mg of diazepam doesn't knock me out or even feel sleepy.
I just stops that horrible terrified feeling in my stomach and stops my brain going down the "oh my god I can't do this" route

I suffer from severe claustrophobia which causes a problem in hotel rooms where the windows only open a bit. I tried hypnotherapy but it didn't work. Saw my gp who was very sympathetic and was prescribed diazepam to take up to 3 times a day as needed in that situation. He takes them himself for flying! I didn't need them on my last holiday as the windows opened fully so I was perfectly happy. I hope you are able to get some OP.

Also laughing at the idea of 2mg diazepam knocking someone out for hours. I've looked after my son on 5mg.

Just Google private GP services and your area.

Just go private! I've honestly mostly given up on the NHS and have started going private for a lot.

Macarena it's not an opiate, it's a benzodiazepine. But yes everyone is different, however the OP has used them regularly for travel in the past.

I know that feeling very well OP. It's awful.

1. op has unlikely been in an emergency situation
2. flight socks have minimal evidence base, and first do not harm comes for most in medicine
3. yes not relevant to OP
4. off label is very different to specifically contraindicated
5. yes for op true, though tramadol lady is only just leaving Egypt 2 years later, not unreasonable to mention
6. a general anxiety crisis definitely is a reason not to get on a plane - id be surprised if the aircrew let someone on in the middle of a panic attack.

@Bombardier25966 I respect your opinion but I really don't agree.
I think this isn't a bad use of nhs funds because it has a massive impact on my life.
I would pay private if I had too because it's a small price to pay for being able to do things I want to do.

the use of any sort of CNS depressant during a flight will put the passenger at significant risk of not being able to act in a manor which could save their life in the event of a safety critical scenario
Maybe they should do brrathikise everyone before getting on a plane too?

There's a bupa service near me
I will look into apt's

Maybe they should do brrathikise everyone before getting on a plane too?

Well said.