Something stronger than propranolol?

[Ladybird04]

My daughter is fighting cancer and has had several relapses. It’s normal for her type of cancer to relapse a lot but she’s had more relapses than most kids. We go to the hospital roughly once a month for examinations under anesthesia to find out if the cancer is still active or for treatment. We’ve been doing this for nearly 3 years now and my mental health is at rock bottom.

I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks even before this and every time we go to the hospital my anxiety is so bad I literally want to die. The doctor has prescribed propranolol which I’ve tried several times now but they do nothing. I’m already on antidepressants but they don’t help with the anxiety.

What else could they prescribe to help me? I now they might be reluctant to prescribe anything addictive hence I’m asking here first so that I know what to push for.

Many thanks!

I’m prescribed Buspirone for anxiety but that had to be initiated by a Psychiatrist. No idea why, it’s not addictive and is generally tolerated well. It quietens my mind, shuts up the endless negative thoughts.

That sounds great! Did you get a referral from your GP to see a psychiatrist in order to get it prescribed?

No chance of a psychiatrist referral where I am. I had to pay privately.

But definitely ask your GP first. They might prescribe it. Honestly I don’t know why they are so reluctant, it’s not a Benzo, not addictive and doesn’t cause sedation.

You have already been on medications as you mentioned so it would be difficult for you to quit them completely but what you can try is take therapy sessions alongside medication. The progress of therapy would be low but it would definitely help you.