Asking GP if I can increase my antidepressant dose without an appointment

[occhealthreferral]

I started sertraline (50 mg) 2 months ago for anxiety and have had one review since then. At that review I mentioned it hasn’t had any effect yet but was told to give it more time. I was supposed to have a review a couple of weeks ago but had to reschedule it and my appointment is now in 3 weeks time, so 3 months after starting sertraline.

I think it’s having a slight effect but think I need to increase my dose and I’m frustrated I’ll have to wait 3 weeks to ask to increase the dose and then have to wait for several weeks after that for it to start to have an effect. I’m currently signed off work with anxiety so feel like I need to be more proactive than that.

My GP surgery has an online portal where you can request medication reviews. Can I simply write what I’ve written here and ask if I can increase my dosage to 75mg or even 100mg without an appointment, or do I just need to be patient and wait for my appointment?

You can ask. They'll decide if they need to see/speak to you.

Is there a bit where you can message a doctor? I usually use that rather than the review one because our review one is just tick boxes.

As you are already taking the medication it shouldn't be too hard to have a phone call or online consultation to request a dosage review.

It's frustrating having to wait weeks for a review when you know that you need to increase your medication.

You can preempt some of the questions by stating in your request for a medication review that you're not feeling suicidal or harming yourself. I'm assuming from what you've written that this is true atm.

Also complete the form linked below, & take a photo as you should be given the option to attach a photo in an e-consult, or you can mention you have completed the form when you ask for a medication review. If this link doesn't work search PHQ9 and GAD7 acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:93d5f6c5-3618-3775-a03d-fc714fba52e9

Take care

I've been on ads for years and thrive on them. Last year I reduced my dose, with GPs knowledge. But earlier this year I knew I needed to increase the dose. Phoned the surgery - no phone appointment with gp for a couple of weeks or more (she was going to be on holiday)
I wote her a note explaining and asked if she could increase my dose and dropped it into the surgery the same day I phoned. She phoned me the next day (I hadn't expected her to) and having reads my letter, said yes.
So you might be able to do that, OP. Writing how you feel and what you think you need is very helpful for both you and GP. It makes you look at your situtation in detail, and the GP gets the full picture. You don't forget what you wanted to say.
I've done that, letters, for years with GP. I'm fortunate in that she has looked after me since 2004 so knows me well.

Good luck.