Diazepam

[Tinygem]

Why are doctors so incredibly reluctant to prescribe Diazepam/Lorazepam these days.
I'm currently on week 5 of sertraline, suffering from acute anxiety and depression. Had awful side effects from the sertraline and could really do with some extra support at the moment.
Have suffered something almost identical many years ago and used both Lorazepam and Diazepam in a very controlled way, they helped immensely.
Yet, despite this I can't seem to get anything other than a very small, low dose amount from the out of hours service. I know they can be addictive but they helped me so much last time.
Has anyone experienced anything similar?

Both of those are considered highly addictive drugs. They make you feel great in the short term but are rubbish in the long term. GPs are reluctant for this reason, as you have explained in your OP. I sympathise with you as I’m currently faced with a stressful and violent situation with my neighbour. I haven’t approached my GP about increasing my 10mg Citalopram but I’m hoping that they eventually will. I would love some diazepam in the meantime but fear the addiction factor.

Thank you for replying. Having used them with great success before I'm not worried about addiction. The GP I had at the time was excellent and we followed a structured plan. Had no problem stopping them, gradually decreasing dosage.
Hopefully the Sertraline will start working soon but the depression, anxiety and awful sense of doom are difficult to deal with as. I also need to be at work for financial reasons.

I understand and hope you can soon find a resolution. Please keep communicating with your GP and if they aren’t understanding try another? You’re not the only one who needs additional support! Best wishes OP. I’m sorry I can’t offer additional guidance.

I wholeheartedly agree that diazepam shouldn't be made out to be the devil's drug. I have used it for years, ad-hoc for GAD and insomnia and latterly back spasms. Is call it a life saver. It's a multi purpose drug for me at times. Used for over 20 years and I have no addiction problems whatsoever. My GP cut me down a little on it (ie took it off repeat prescribing about two years ago), but allows it every couple of months-5mg. Without it I would have avoided many situations having to co-parent with my hideous ex, (I suffer PTSD from his behaviour during/post divorce). It has also enabled me to fly and go on holiday when otherwise I'd have stayed home. Anti depressants did not help me in the same way.

I would love some! Remember being able to get it in Thailand in any clinic 20 years ago.

I've been prescribed propranolol but it doesn't work the same.

Agree propranolol never worked for me either. I know so many people who struggle massively with anxiety and all they ever get prescribed are one anti depressant after another. It annoys me that people suffer when diazepam could help. I found Mirtazapine the next best but nobody seems to escape the side effect of being absolutely ravenous/ weight gain.

I had sciatica early this year and my DP went to the chemist for painkillers. They gave him a packet of 60 diazepam at the same time! It was a life saver for the spasms and allowed me to sleep. Still got half stashed away for the next time 😊

Who gave him diazepam? The chemist’s?
I have had diazepam a couple of times for excruciating sciatica. The most I was ever allowed to be prescribed was five tablets.

We live in Portugal - there are a lot of drugs available OOC that are prescription only in the UK

Oh my god I need to go to Portugal

OP I have the same issue
it helps me sleep, they know my history but would prefer I try one of the SNRIs

why they prefer that to a couple of diazepam a week, I don’t know

the doctor did stay quiet when I pointed out that I really don’t need to get fatter, which is a common problem with SNRIs.

so frustrating. I found z drugs excellent for sleeping but no one will prescribe those either.

Oh and they also said to me - it’s an addiction risk

i pointed out they’d prescribed 10 in the last year so I couldn’t be described as on the edge of addiction

then they said “only 10? Well you don’t really need it then”. While looking at the record which showed a manic episode after 72 hours of no sleep!

is there a way to start a campaign? Honestly it’s mad.

Spoke to a nurse via 111 yesterday as I don't feel far away from a crisis. She agreed with me, I had 2 tablets left so I took them and the relief was huge for a few hours. However out of hours GP still wouldn't prescribe any more... so none left now and really struggling. Need to approach my GP again but not hopeful.

So sorry OP
wish I could say something helpful.

Sorry that you're going through this. I completely agree with you about Diazepam. I have had terrible reactions to antidepressants but have always got on well with Diazepam. It works wonders for me. I've never been addicted and only use it short term until the anxiety/depression has passed. Just a very low dose is enough for me.

So sorry you are feeling that bad OP. If I were you I'd go back to the GP and insist the benefits outweigh the risk etc.. just keep asking. It makes me so angry that other countries can sell OTC. Also I remember my GP saying they got addicts saying they'd lost their prescriptions etc. to get more. Surely your GP can risk assess you from your records and see clearly you don't come into that category.

In Cyprus you can buy most things over the counter in chemists, like antibiotics & diazepam, no need for prescription. It's crazy how different countries work!

I got loads of diazepam for sciatica, still have a stash you never know when you might need it!