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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask GP for Valium for dentist?

50 replies

toaskgpforvalium · 18/04/2021 17:59

I have PTSD, fairly recently diagnosed but been a problem for several years . Don’t want to go into big details but it was to do with long term illness and multiple operations and poor care during and after . NHS have since apologised profusely and are giving me very good counselling .

A very big trigger point is lying flat (I won’t even lie back for eg eyebrow waxing - sit bolt upright) and the smell of medical places and being instructed to do things . Usually end up blacking out with eg simple things like blood tests, smears, hospital appointments . If it’s completely necessary I’m given diazepam first . I’m absolutely terrified of medical things . Therapist is talking me through it all very gently but I suppose it takes time .

I’ve not been to the dentist in a few years because of all this . However I’ve got a filling that’s fallen out totally along with half of my molar . I’m also grinding my teeth in my sleep so the top two are getting a bit worn and one of my teeth clicks at times . I am wearing a cheap night guard . Went just before Christmas and told that I will need a bit of work done .

The dentist has said they anticipate either whipping my molar out, or a filling, and asked me to ask GP for a script for Valium so I can lie still long enough for the appointment . They won’t prescribe anything themselves although did refer a more complicated

I’m not sure if I should - surely that’s a bit unfair on the GP and a waste of their time? Dithering over cancelling dentist yet again but think if I do that’ll be me flung out of the practice .

OP posts:
Justmoveonin · 18/04/2021 18:17

It’s worth asking, I’m sure a phone consult with your GP won’t take up too much time for them.

FWIW my dentist prescribed it for me no problem years ago when I went through something similar so I’m sure if it’s suitable for you your doctor will try to help.

NotExactlyHappyToHelp · 18/04/2021 18:27

If it would help you then absolutely ring your GP and ask. I know a couple of people who have diazepam for smear tests as they find them traumatic so they do prescribe it for similar reasons.

Allywill · 18/04/2021 18:36

The dentist can prescribe Valium. It’s on the list of medications they can issue scripts for. I had one tablet prescribed for some root canal work I had done. Had to pay the full prescription charge for one tablet but it was worth it.

suspiria777 · 18/04/2021 18:38

my GP wouldn't do this and would insist the dentist prescibes it themselves. Why should your GP service have to pay for what the dentist is doing?

Pinkdelight3 · 18/04/2021 18:38

If you're getting a lot done, can you afford to go private and pay for anaesthetic? I've seen it on price lists of fancy places. Steep but not extortionate.

user1636853246842157 · 18/04/2021 18:47

You need medical care. That's what your GP is for. It is categorically not a waste of their time.

user1636853246842157 · 18/04/2021 18:49

And frankly, the NHS is the reason you have PTSD and therefore need additional care and support to access dentistry. The least they can do is spare you 5 mins to arrange a prescription.

Don't de-value your life calling it a waste of time to help you.

Crustybreadandbutter · 18/04/2021 18:50

If dentist advises sedation they can/will access it.
Did you speak to the dentist themselves?

Crustybreadandbutter · 18/04/2021 18:51

It’s not a waste of time, it’s just the wrong place to get it from.

Girlintheframe · 18/04/2021 19:09

I get IV sedation from my dentist for a dental phobia. I have to pay for it and it's not cheap but would be absolutely impossible for me to get treatment without it.
My dentist previously prescribed diazepam so it can be done.

Theunamedcat · 18/04/2021 19:12

I've had it prescribed recently

Northernsoullover · 18/04/2021 19:14

My dentist told me I can bring my own diazepam (because I have so much lying around Confused) but he can't prescribe it. This is a specialist so I was quite surprised. My normal dentist can prescribe it.

plixy · 18/04/2021 19:23

I had my dr prescribe Valium for the dentist but it didn't do a thing. I was so wound up it just wouldn't calm me down.
I now always have iv sedation at the dentist. It's amazing, you don't remember a thing and have no idea what's happening. But as soon as it's done you are fully back with it. I wouldn't go to dentist without it.

avidavocado · 18/04/2021 19:29

Dentist's can prescribe this, and it would seem most appropriate here that they do- I would ask your dentist.

berryhead2013 · 18/04/2021 19:45

My dentist prescribed me diazepam wonder why yours won't ?

CovoidOfAllHumanity · 18/04/2021 19:48

I was going to say what everyone else has
Why not ask the dentist to prescribe Valium for a dental procedure? They are prescribers too and would know far more about the pros and cons of it in respect to the specific procedure than a Gp.

rainbowthoughts · 18/04/2021 19:49

@CovoidOfAllHumanity

I was going to say what everyone else has Why not ask the dentist to prescribe Valium for a dental procedure? They are prescribers too and would know far more about the pros and cons of it in respect to the specific procedure than a Gp.

It was the dentist who told OP to ask her doctor

CovoidOfAllHumanity · 18/04/2021 19:51

I just think that's weird and buck passing.
If the dentist is recommending it then they should prescribe it

CovoidOfAllHumanity · 18/04/2021 19:51

Or at the least they could give OP a letter saying they recommend it.

l2b2 · 18/04/2021 19:57

I'm a dentist, diazepam is definitely on the DPF.
I can only think that with your medical history, your dentist feels more comfortable with your GP prescribing? In which case why hasn't your dentist contacted your GP by letter etc?

PinotAndPlaydough · 18/04/2021 20:10

I don’t think it’s a waste of your GPS time. My GP has given me Valium every time I need a check up (massive phobia of the dentist). I now have all work done at a dental hospital things like a scale and polish are done under sedation and any actual work such as filling, tooth removal etc and done under a general. Would sedation be an option for you? Talk to your dentist and see what they say, if your PTSD is very bad sedation might not work, I have to have generals for big things because apparently my phobia breaks through the sedation. I have no idea what I said or did but the dentist apparently had to stop after only a few minutes 😂!
I think you definitely need to discuss more options.
I never even thought to ask the dentist to prescribe me anything and my GP was very happy to prescribe.

enjoysun · 18/04/2021 20:26

I'm a dentist. We can prescribe it. We don't very often though. I will if it's a long term patient I have known for many years, and know their background and have a gut feeling that I can trust them.
From bitter experience over many years, I've realised that patients are not always truthful with the medical information they divulge to us, and for all we know, the Valium we prescribe is taken in addition to the Valium they already have from their gp and the pills they've found in their auntie's medicine cupboard.
I get anxious about it. GPs know much more fully what a patient's true medical history is, so I personally feel they have the best knowledge of the individual to prescribe.
If your dentist or gp won't prescribe it, another alternative is you can ask to be referred for either inhalation or IV sedation OP.
Good luck!

SnackSizeRaisin · 18/04/2021 20:38

Dental health is really important, and lots of people are not keen on going to the dentist. I'm sure there are plenty of people getting valium for dentistry as well as other stressful procedures. Definitely ask the GP. It's what they are there for. Currently it would probably just be a quick phone consultation. If they are difficult about it go back to the dentist and ask for other options.

Original poster
toaskgpforvalium · 19/04/2021 20:39

GP said no sadly, but did say to ask dentist if they have advice on anxiety management ... said failing that ask for IV sedation/referal to dental hospital but I think id be waiting years for that on the NHS . Will ring dentist tomorrow and ask what they suggest . I haven't told them about the ptsd as such, should maybe mention it - scared they won't understand .

OP posts:
MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 19/04/2021 21:06

Definitely ask the GP. It's what they are there for. Currently it would probably just be a quick phone consultation. If they are difficult about it go back to the dentist and ask for other options

It's not a question of the GP being 'difficult', FFS.

Diazepam is no longer licensed for use for dental procedures unless they are done in hospital. This follows a series of deaths of people sedated for dental procedures.

Diazepam is not a straight-forward drug. Individuals react unpredictably to it- 10 mg can fell a 18 stone rugby player but leave a little old lady untouched. It can cause respiratory depression and respiratory arrest (stopping breathing), even in young, fit people. It can also cause paradoxical agitation, which is the last thing you want during a dental procedure .

Any GP who prescribes it these days for a dental procedure is risking their job. That doesn't mean that no one with dental phobia can have sedation, though, only that it can't be prescribed by the GP, and that it has to be given in a controlled setting.

OP, is there a dentist locally who specialises in people with dental phobia? Hopefully there is someone who can help with sedation, if required, but also other techniques like hypnosis.