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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dr refused anti anxiety meds

256 replies

anxiousflight · 12/09/2023 18:01

Long history of depression and anxiety, it is mostly under control but something can set my anxiety off and I'll be bad for a couple of weeks.

I've recently moved drs surgery as moved house and my old GP would always give me about 10 diazepam or lorazepam a year, to help me through anxious periods.

I hate hate hate taking off on a flight and this has triggered my anxiety the past couple of weeks as I fly tomorrow first thing.

I booked an appt with new GP and first appt available was yesterday, the duty Dr said she was not happy to prescribe any diazepam as if there was an emergency I wouldn't be able to get off the plane??? I said, they help me rationalise and keep calm, they don't knock me out. She wasn't happy so said she'd get my actual GP to call me today. The receptionist called me at 4pm and said that my GP isn't happy to prescribe them either. Not happy that I was promised a call from my GP but she avoided the conversation and asked the receptionist to call me so I couldn't speak to anyone medically trained to help me. My medical records are there for drs to see so I cant understand at all why they couldn't issue me a small prescription.

I can't take propanalol due to an adverse reaction with my asthma a few years ago. So now I'm stuck without anything at all and I'm so panicky, I leave my house at 1:30am tomorrow morning.

Does anyone know if I call 111 will they be able to prescribe anything?

OP posts:
SheWentWest · 12/09/2023 22:02

If I have a back spasm the only thing that will release it is a couple of diazepam. I live in fear of the day this happens and they won’t prescribe it ! If you have less than 10 a year then you would think they could feel a bit confident you aren’t addicted

Pollyputhekettleon · 12/09/2023 22:04

Sunandstorms · 12/09/2023 21:53

@XenoBitch my 7 year old is severely needlephobic too after a year of chemo. For some reason no one’s suggested prescribing diazepam for her either. Because it’s not recommended because of the risks

I mean, that may also be because she's 7, but ok.

MumblesParty · 12/09/2023 22:08

Katrinawaves · 12/09/2023 21:31

You may not mean to @Pollyputhekettleon but you are totally coming across as someone who is themselves addicted to benzodiazepines on this thread!

Yes I was thinking the same!

SpongeBobSquarePantaloons · 12/09/2023 22:09

This probably isn't helpful at this point OP, but I can recommend travel sickness tablets - specifically cinnarizine. They make me so drowsy and out of it. It might work for you, and they are OTC.

Original poster
anxiousflight · 12/09/2023 22:10

I didn't mean to cause so much trouble!

Funnily enough, I have sciatica and GP issued me 100 prescription strength co codamol a couple of months ago, it will take me about 10 years to get through them.

I don't drink because I find it makes me feel really depressed so although a couple of glasses of wine or such sounds like a good idea, I think I'd be worse off in long run.

I'm just going to address a few things before I stop reading this thread.

1 - I'm not addicted, I will never be addicted. I take 8-10 per year, spread over probably 3 occasions.

2 - I know it's my choice to go on holiday and I'm privileged to be able to. Personally, I'm never going to deny my hardworking husband and my daughter a holiday because I have a fear. That's not fair.

3 - I couldn't get a GP appointment quicker, this was the first one available when I called 3 weeks ago.

4 - my old GP didn't refuse me a prescription, why would I call my old GP when I'm not a patient there anymore?

Thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions, I am going to look into a private psychiatrist when I'm back 😊

OP posts:
Pollyputhekettleon · 12/09/2023 22:10

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Defiantjazz · 12/09/2023 22:11

Another one with no concept of professional ethics or shame. You should be struck off.

That’s hardly fair. Speaking in general wanting to prevent the misuse of a drug of abuse (and, I’m sorry, but it is a drug that addicts will use and when I say addicts think heroin, cocaine and alcoholism) is hardly unethical or shameless 😵‍💫

The OP is obviously not dependent or a diversion risk but this frothing at the mouth that such drugs are not available on demand is odd.

Katrinawaves · 12/09/2023 22:12

Pollyputhekettleon · 12/09/2023 22:02

The OP takes a maximum of 10 per year and has done for many years. She is at no risk of addiction. She's a real patient who deserved proper professional care, today, in her specific individual circumstances. She didn't get it because of a robotic adherence to guidelines, applied without the slightest trace of intelligence, and motivated by the kind of hysteria you display. And she's not the only one let down in this way. The girl having a severe panic attack in hospital who was refused any medication and prescribed CBT? So, yes, we're going to joke about it. Black humour is very appropriate.

Show quote history

Or she could get 10 a year from the GP, and 10 from the vet, 10 from her mate with left over meds, and the rest from the local drug dealer. How exactly does the new GP who has never even met her know and given she doesn’t meet the prescribing guidelines for the medication why would/should the GP make the exception for her you are advocating when it could cause her significant long term issues.

Rounee · 12/09/2023 22:12

anxiousflight · 12/09/2023 22:10

I didn't mean to cause so much trouble!

Funnily enough, I have sciatica and GP issued me 100 prescription strength co codamol a couple of months ago, it will take me about 10 years to get through them.

I don't drink because I find it makes me feel really depressed so although a couple of glasses of wine or such sounds like a good idea, I think I'd be worse off in long run.

I'm just going to address a few things before I stop reading this thread.

1 - I'm not addicted, I will never be addicted. I take 8-10 per year, spread over probably 3 occasions.

2 - I know it's my choice to go on holiday and I'm privileged to be able to. Personally, I'm never going to deny my hardworking husband and my daughter a holiday because I have a fear. That's not fair.

3 - I couldn't get a GP appointment quicker, this was the first one available when I called 3 weeks ago.

4 - my old GP didn't refuse me a prescription, why would I call my old GP when I'm not a patient there anymore?

Thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions, I am going to look into a private psychiatrist when I'm back 😊

Rather than continuing to take the diazepam I think it would be better if tried to see if there was other options that worked for you instead.

Greenfishy · 12/09/2023 22:12

SERIOUSLY MNHQ??!!
There are people here advising the OP to take animal medication and you blocked my post suggesting jelly sweets with a perfectly legal ingredient you can buy in Holland and Barrett 🙄

Defiantjazz · 12/09/2023 22:13

Maybe you're all are just really agreeable people or something

LOL

Muu · 12/09/2023 22:13

Best of luck op.

I’m surprised they didn’t prescribe you it in your situation.

Pollyputhekettleon · 12/09/2023 22:14

Defiantjazz · 12/09/2023 22:11

Another one with no concept of professional ethics or shame. You should be struck off.

That’s hardly fair. Speaking in general wanting to prevent the misuse of a drug of abuse (and, I’m sorry, but it is a drug that addicts will use and when I say addicts think heroin, cocaine and alcoholism) is hardly unethical or shameless 😵‍💫

The OP is obviously not dependent or a diversion risk but this frothing at the mouth that such drugs are not available on demand is odd.

Tell me what it is she said that I was responding to. Quote it. Then defend it as ethical.

Then find exactly where I said that benzodiazepines should be available on demand. I'll wait.

bobaloo · 12/09/2023 22:14

It's clear that many, many people don't understand anxiety/panic/phobias with their suggestions of Kalms, antihistimines, and numbing creams. 😂

Be thankful you don't have a clue. The reason it feels unfair to OP is because she's actually safer medically with access to a drug she has taken before and found to be effective, than without. So no, the dr. isn't doing her a favor.

MumblesParty · 12/09/2023 22:16

StudentNurse3 · 12/09/2023 21:50

I do find it annoying when you have been prescribed something long term and suddenly a Dr wants to change it. You can't just stop without finding some kind of alternative. I take lorazapam and a Dr stopped them without notice once. Luckily another Dr over rode them.

Unfortunately that is exactly how it goes in medicine. Research is being done all the time on various drugs, and when a study points conclusively in a certain direction, action has to be taken.
We used to happily prescribe diclofenac to people for pain - it worked, caused few side effects and was cheap. But it became apparent it increased risk of heart attacks - data was collected, analysed etc, and diclofenac was swiftly withdrawn. It wouldn’t have been safe to just keep prescribing it until an alternative was produced.
But sometimes, of course, this is a good thing. Thalidomide for example, was great for morning sickness. But then the connection was made between thalidomide and baby limb abnormalities, so it was quickly withdrawn. Nothing has been as effective since, but I don’t think anyone would want thalidomide brought back.

SpongeBobSquarePantaloons · 12/09/2023 22:17

bobaloo · 12/09/2023 22:14

It's clear that many, many people don't understand anxiety/panic/phobias with their suggestions of Kalms, antihistimines, and numbing creams. 😂

Be thankful you don't have a clue. The reason it feels unfair to OP is because she's actually safer medically with access to a drug she has taken before and found to be effective, than without. So no, the dr. isn't doing her a favor.

I have a fear of flying. The travel sickness tablets with antihistamine help because I fall asleep. That's not why I take them, it's for the sickness, but it might work for OP. Worth a try 🤷🏻‍♀️

AlanBrazil · 12/09/2023 22:17

4 - my old GP didn't refuse me a prescription, why would I call my old GP when I'm not a patient there anymore?

I guess reading isn't some people's forte.

OP, I hope you manage to have a lovely holiday despite this bumpy start.

Katrinawaves · 12/09/2023 22:18

bobaloo · 12/09/2023 22:14

It's clear that many, many people don't understand anxiety/panic/phobias with their suggestions of Kalms, antihistimines, and numbing creams. 😂

Be thankful you don't have a clue. The reason it feels unfair to OP is because she's actually safer medically with access to a drug she has taken before and found to be effective, than without. So no, the dr. isn't doing her a favor.

Phenergan which is an anti histamine is also prescribed on label by many psychiatrists for anxiety even very severe anxiety and can be as effective as low dose benzodiazepines but is not addictive. So it is definitely worth a try.

Rounee · 12/09/2023 22:18

bobaloo · 12/09/2023 22:14

It's clear that many, many people don't understand anxiety/panic/phobias with their suggestions of Kalms, antihistimines, and numbing creams. 😂

Be thankful you don't have a clue. The reason it feels unfair to OP is because she's actually safer medically with access to a drug she has taken before and found to be effective, than without. So no, the dr. isn't doing her a favor.

The GP isn't there to do her any favours.

Primarily they are there to treat any medical problems she may have.

Prescribing against guidance isn't part of it.

User937xd · 12/09/2023 22:18

Hi OP, I have a terrible fear of flying and used to take diazepam once or twice per year to manage it.

My GP is now following the new guidelines and so won’t prescribe it but I’ve found antihistamines can help take the edge off by making me sleepy. I have to take them early enough before my adrenaline kicks in (a few hours before take off) and I can often still be quite nervy but they definitely take the edge off. Be careful if you have to drive once you land though as they really knock me out.

You could get some from a Boots at the airport maybe? Make sure you don’t get the ‘non drowsy’ ones!

Hope that helps!

ilovesooty · 12/09/2023 22:18

Greenfishy · 12/09/2023 22:12

SERIOUSLY MNHQ??!!
There are people here advising the OP to take animal medication and you blocked my post suggesting jelly sweets with a perfectly legal ingredient you can buy in Holland and Barrett 🙄

I'm surprised that the posts suggesting sharing medication or getting it from alternative Internet sources haven't been removed.

MumblesParty · 12/09/2023 22:19

StudentNurse3 · 12/09/2023 21:58

You'd never prescribe them to someone who knows they are called benzos? Bet you don't like patients reading the BNF either!

Show quote history

See my earlier comment. This was somewhat tongue in cheek, but the casual colloquial use of the term “benzos” for a highly addictive drug with a street value, is a bit of a red flag. So yes, if a patient came in and said “doc can I have some benzos” I would be slightly concerned.

Solonge · 12/09/2023 22:23

The new GP can look at her notes and if in any doubt speak to her old GP as a decent doctor would. Everyone is an individual and should be treated as such. The present ‘care’ in the NHS is all but absent and is frankly no where near good enough.

bobaloo · 12/09/2023 22:23

SpongeBobSquarePantaloons · 12/09/2023 22:17

I have a fear of flying. The travel sickness tablets with antihistamine help because I fall asleep. That's not why I take them, it's for the sickness, but it might work for OP. Worth a try 🤷🏻‍♀️

Show quote history

I'm glad they work for you. I guess that's the issue -- certain medications work for some and they don't for others. It's too bad her dr refuses to prescribe a medication that she knows does work for her.

I agree with you that in this instance, it wouldn't hurt to try an antihistamine, but with panic disorder, I've never come close to feeling sleepy or relaxed, even when taking the "meds that shall not be named." It only takes the edge off enough to be able to sit in the seat.

(Long term an SSRI and CBT has helped greatly, but I still require/desire the highly addictive pills on my person, just in case. Because, anxiety.)

Defiantjazz · 12/09/2023 22:24

Tell me what it is she said that I was responding to. Quote it. Then defend it as ethical.

Then find exactly where I said that benzodiazepines should be available on demand. I'll wait

She said she wouldn’t prescribe diazepam to someone who described them as benzo’s as that’s the term addicts tend to use for them (which is true)

Its ethical to try and avoid giving drugs to people who are dependent on them because obviously this harms them in the long term.

To be honest I DON’T think it would be unreasonable to give the OP diazepam given the circumstances she describes but I don’t really blame the Gp for not doing all the same given the constraints. I don’t know if you could call it unethical anyway.