What do you think my GP will say if....?

[nomoretablets]

I come clean about my over the counter sleeping tablet addiction?

I've been abusing using them for 2 and a half years, so a little over the 3 days only guideline, I have used as much as 400mg / 8tablets but I am currently taking around 150mg 3times a week or less. I know I've cut it down hugely but I just can't quite kick the habit.

I suffer from anxiety, and have done for years, although this is getting better. I am much better at using my coping strategies in the daytime / around people, but when it's dark and it's time to go to bed, I just lose it. Can't sleep. Stare at the ceiling having panic attacks until the tablets kick in.

What will my GP say?! I can't decide if it's a good idea or not. But I am starting to suffer from migraines and I think it might be connected to this. I am hoping for some short term sleeping / anxiety medication but I don't know what they will recommend.

Na just tell him. Put in a little disclaimer first about it being an addiction and you need help etc.

I'm so ashamed!

Be honest, they won't shout.

Which sleeping tablets do you take? And are you me? I've been doing the same for 2 and half years too.

this is bread and butter for GPs. It won't phase them at all.

Good luck!!

I think GP will be a lot less shocked than you imagine. Please be clear about the effect your anxiety is having on you, so they can give you something else to help, even if short term.

They will definitely not shout.

Yes celery I think I am you!

Have always had trouble relaxing enough to go to sleep. The tablets made me feel soooo niiiice aaaaand relaaaaaxed, especially when I took More Than The Recommended Dose

I ahve found myself going round different pharmacies all over 2 cities to keep up a supply (it's one of the ones where they narrow their eyes and ask you lots of stuff - in my case for good reason). I haven't been rumbled yet though.

Well I know this is a bit of a drip feed, but...

I am an ex heroin addict, but we are talking 8 / 9 years ago, reformed character, pillar of the community etc, but I am worried they are going to take one glance at my medical records and think 'bloody junkie.'

Which I suppose I am.

I once went in to see one of the doctors about 6 years ago, who said before I sat down, 'well I suppose you will be after more methadone then,' and I said 'no, check the date on my records, that was years ago, I'd rather have a referral for physio on my back ta.'

I think in all honesty you should be straight with them. Like everyone else said, it's not a shocking thing. The doctor that you posted about last should be shot. Inconsiderate twat.

What a dickhead your previous doctor was. You'd be surprised at the amount of people GPs see with similar problems. They are much more likely to say well done for admitting the problem and confronting it.

Good luck, you've taken the first step to kicking the habit.

The dr who said that to you deserves a slap around the head with a wet kipper. How unprofessional.

What you have, as you know, is an addiction. It is an illness not a character flaw. You don't need to feel apologetic or embarrassed.

Take a deep breath and say 'I have developed an addction to x tablets; I've been using them for 2 years and have cut down from [highest dose] to [current dose] and I want off them altogether but I'm having trouble with the last leg of the journey. Please help.'

I did the visiting different pharmacies too. Until I discovered I can buy a different brand ( but does the same job ) in bulk online. Not great. I rarely take more than the recommended dose, and do only use them as a sleep-aid. But every single night for two and a half years can't be good can it?

I'm not sure I want to stop. I like sleeping.

Agree with Ethelina that your previous GP was a twunt, and unless you are very unlucky it shouldn't be like that again.

The fact that you've had a serious substance problem in the past should make your GP take things more seriously but it might make him/her reluctant to prescribe for you initially.

You might find they offer you a referral back to Psychiatry (possibly Addiction services) for the issues of anxiety and panic attacks and the potential for 'making things worse' by prescribing another potentially habit forming drug. I'd just be prepared for this, and try not to be upset/offended but try to recognise it is likely to be due to the GP's anxiety.

Good luck.

and at what that other dr said to you. But I suppose having a medical degree doesn't prevent twat-ishness. See someone else who will almost certainly be helpful and supportive.

OTC medication addictions are almost certainly under reported and under diagnosed in this country, I bet drs deal with this sort of thing almost every day, really.

Is it diphenhydramine that you have been taking? It's an antihistamine but sold as sleep-aid. It does make you very groggy and is quite habit forming, especially for those unfortunate enough to be prone to substance addiction. It's been proven to be linked to genetics - the susceptability to become hooked on certain drugs (eg nicotine). So, whilst you definately need to be honest and get this sorted, you aren't alone and you aren't a bad person for having this problem.

The anxiety needs to be addressed first, and perhaps an anti-anxiety medication and a prescribable sleep aid could be started while you gradually cut the dose of your sleep-aid.

You have obviously turned an addiction completely on it's arse before and you can definately do it again. Just take small steps and you'll get there.

Look you've quit heroin before, quitting these will be relatively simple! :)

Your GP will not bat and eyelid. Almost every person I know over 70 tops up their legit prescriptions with over the counter gubbins So it's not limited to ex-heroin addicts.

It may be that you would benefit from antidepressants or cognitive behavioural therapy. Go with an open mind. You've identified that what you are doing is not good, that's an excellent start.

Good luck.

Yes Smash tis diphenhydramine. The withdrawal from the higher doses was awful... It only tends to make me groggy on the higher doses.

Celery I have looked to buy in bulk online but that would be the end of me I think!

Also, I like getting twatted sleep.