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?

Yes of course YABU.

Doctors are not obliged to prescribe you anything if they don't feel it's appropriate. If something went wrong they could lose their medical license for God's sake!

How bad is your anxiety before the events that you require diazepam for? There may be other alternatives or even more natural remedies that help maybe?

I don't think they've done wrong at all. It's a controlled drug that has extra protections in law, it's not there to have as a little stock for 2 years. If your anxiety is otherwise controlled it's really 'bringing out the big guns' to be prescribing diazepam for just in case moments. I don't know any doctor that would do this tbh.

Buy diazepam on the black market. They come in blister packs - couple of strips are £20.

Please, please do not do this. You have no idea what you are getting. I say this as someone who works in the medical supply industry. Worst advice ever.

@Prequelle well I've been told anxiety isn't long term and I only want it for short term.
So if it isn't for long term and it isn't for short term /occasional use ...when exactly is it for?

*anxiiety medication diazepam

Can you ask for a tablet each time you need one OP? This is what I do. I used to get a pack of 7 prescribed to me but now I phone and speak to the GP and they give me a one-off prescription. I've done it a few times now for dental and medical procedures.

Rather than cancel your engagements this year could you not see a Private GP and explain how infrequently you need them. I’m sure they would prescribe them.

@LaBelleSauvage I don't want to start them because the first 2 months are hell with side effects.
I don't need a full time medication just a tablet every couple of months etc

@user1457017537 I couldn't afford to pay for a private doctors apt

I think it's actually irresponsible to try and get someone onto SSRI medication rather than very occasional diazepam use.
SSRIs can have serious side effects and can be a total nightmare to come off.
In this case occasional low dose diazepam use is by far the safer option.

You don't want it short term, you've wanted a stock to last you over years- that's long term

Diazepam is usually prescribed on a very short term basis to get someone over crisis, usually when other things haven't worked. It's not prescribed so someone can have a stock for years at home.

It will cost you (about £60-100 here) but have a private GP appointment. They will more than likely prescribe it - but you have to pay for the drugs too (won't be on prescription). But it would be one way round it if you can afford it.

28 in 2 years is a little over 1 every month, it sounds like they've become a bit of a crutch for you for any situation that you feel might be stressful.
Have you tried Rescue Remedy? It sounds bonkers because it's an OTC "flower essence remedy" but I took a good shake of it before my third driving test and did the whole thing in a state of zen-like calm, I definitely list it as one of the reasons I finally passed.

Not sure what you can do about it, though. I wouldn't take anti-d's for that, either. Which one did they prescribe?

Sadly, people will turn to street blues sometimes if they cannot obtain legally. They won't just not use.

If it's for a lap procedure could you not ask for a GA?

I'd go see another GP at the practice or go private.
You know what works for you and a pack of 28 over two years indicates sensible use.

To take one before a surgery would get your surgery cancelled here. You cant self medicate before an operation, it's so dangerous.

If it's for a lap procedure could you not ask for a GA

It will be a GA. I assume the OP is worried about pre-op anxiety.

You know what works for you and a pack of 28 over two years indicates sensible use

Of course it works for her. When she has a stressful event coming up she pops a benzo. I'm sure half the country would love to be able to do this, but it isn't responsible prescribing.

With that tiny dosage I think it's probably more the placebo effect.

I think you’ve been taking them prett regularly for 2 years - it’s at least once a month, up to twice. How many really big and stressful events has that covered?

Flying - yes, I understand.
An operation - again, stressful.

But you should go each time you need it, not expect to have 20+ at a time.

You know what works for you

I'd trust a medically qualified professional first.

Why didn't the CBT work? What techniques were you taught?

@Prequelle I have anxiety ..it's a bit different from half the country just feeling a bit stressy