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?

Yousicktwistedfruit

If he has not tried clobazam already, I would try that. DD has it as a preventative and an emergency med - say we want to take her to the theatre; or every day for 3 days if she has a cold (likely to lead to status otherwise) or if she has 5 seizures in a day (a warning status is coming)... on top of 3 regular aeds, none of which work really.

10 mg of clobazam should stop seizures for a while if he is getting auras; it’s as close to diazepam as you can get, and if you don’t take it much, it will make the person very sleepy!

We find it’s a wonder drug, if it’s not used very often (every day for more than 10 days and tolerance starts to develop).

OP

Patients prescribed 30mg daily (i.e. 3x10mg doses) are few and far between. Most of these patients will have significant mental health problems and will be under the care of the community mental health team. Few sensible GP’s would consider this a dose for long-term regular use without psychiatric in-put. Similarly, few would prescribe 3x5mg dose daily for long-term use. That kind of dose may be prescribed as a short-term thing for acute distress or muscle spasm. The fact you don’t know this suggests you don’t really understand dosing for diazepam (there’s no reason you should, but you state the dosing like you have some knowledge when it’s clear you don’t).

If I was your GP and you pushed back as hard as you are doing here, using inaccurate information and getting irate at being declined, i’d Be wondering if there isn’t more to it. I don’t think you are addicted but I do think you are too reliant on diazepam.

I was prescribed 6 diazepam tablets this morning because my panic disorder is getting out of control. I haven't slept for nearly 36 hours, not a wink.

My GP re-jigged my long term medication and upped the dosage (Sertraline), but gave me the diazepam just in case my panic attacks became unbearable.

He actually said to me that he's hoping that the thought of having them there may be enough to keep me calm and I should only take one if I'm absolutely on my knees.

Benzodiazepines are an excellent short term medicine but it's understandable why doctors only give them out in short supply.
Are you really not willing to try any alternatives?

I've had/tried;

• Propranolol
• Gabapentin (for nerve pain also)
• CBT
• Talking therapy
• Certain teas
• Breathing into a paper bag
• Calm APP
• Rescue Remedy
• Valarian
• Taking vitamin B supplements

Plus other things.

The diazepam is really only a last resort, so when I showed my GP he could see that I was trying different methods to calm myself down.

As PP have said 1mg of Diazepam is probably having a placebo effect, so I would try some other ideas before giving up.

Op, what beta blocker did you try?

I have a very low dose propanalol which I take before I do big presentations, just one tablet about an hour before hand, and it works fantastically. I don't take it any other time ie i use it like you used diazepam,

Could you possibly try a low dose propanalol? Ultimately you need to find another solution, as you can't start cancelling all your life events, and you're not going to get diazepam.

Op you haven't experienced anxiety until you've got cold turkey on a benzo.

It's fucking hellish, they are extremely addictive and aren't given out as they were for a very good reason.