Moved to UK. Dr. refusing to prescribe meds

[SoDiana]

HI there,
I'm in a bit of a tizz. I have moved over from Ireland and have registered with a GP practice here. GP here, despite getting fax of my prescribed meds from my GP in Ireland, refuses point blank to prescribe my meds until he receives a detailed history from my GP in Ireland. Apparently they can't get through to my doctor today.
Basically, I'm on two anti-depressants and 2 other meds for other conditions. If he doesn't give me my meds today, I will be 5 days going cold turkey off my anti-depressants by Monday. This is potentially lethal for me as it has taken literally years to get my meds to a point where my condition is stable.
What in God's name can I do?
Urgent advice required!!!

Unfortunately it may be that the valdoxan is not allowed to be prescribed in primary care in his region. It is on the black list for many areas. A and E unlikely to be able to give it either. Prozac should not be a problem though.

Could you ask for a script for Prozac and as previously is there any way you could get a script for valdoxan from your previous GP whilst awaiting a referral?

Can you actually go to your gp surgery? I find they are often more helpful in a face to face discussion...and if they can't get hold of your previous gp maybe you could ring while you're there.

I know Asda pharmacy will dispense Irish prescriptions, although I believe you'll have to pay for the medication.

That said, I don't know if they will be able to dispense Valdoxan. It's probably worth a try.

I have been there!!!!!! I have spoken to the idiot on the phone at length!!!

If one of the drugs isn't routinely prescribed by GPs in the UK, then you can understand his reluctance to take your word for it that that's what you have successfully taken previously. As per my previous post - his job would be on the line if he prescribes inappropriately.

It could also be that UK guidelines recommend different drugs than those you've had in Ireland for the condition you have. You don't get the same thing everywhere. GPs can only work within the rules.

Different countries health services work different ways. I would suggest you ask your UK GP to recommend you to a specialist as an emergency and see someone privately today. There should be someone with a slot available for the right price.

If you haven't become suicidal after 5 days off your drugs, perhaps you'd be OK over the weekend?

NHS guidelines here
www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/pages/MedicineOverview.aspx?condition=Mood%20Disorders&medicine=Valdoxan

"Valdoxan is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history."

He is not taking my word for it. He is taking my previous GP's word for it - as prescribed by my previous psychiatrist!!!!

I'm two days without the meds. By monday, I'll be five days.

It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history

Enough said. I think you either need to get of MN and find a private expert who has an appt free today and who can take your history and prescribe, or get your two GPs talking to each other.

How utterly crap.

I wonder, considering the time of day and urgency of the situation, if it might be wise to contact the crisis team. I don't know how things work in the UK but it may well be worth a punt.

Sorry - that was a bit short - I am trying to help - really.

Will he prescribe you everything except the Valdoxan, if that's the issue?

He won't prescribe me anything!!!!!!!!!

Have you a prescription from Ireland? Pharmacy may dispense.

Go to the local on call service for an emergency prescription. If you have your old packs or a copy of a prescription, it should be fine. It will buy you the time you need to get it sorted out with the gp. Pharmacies will be very reluctant to provide an emergency supply of the medicines you are talking about.

I have the empty boxes of all meds.

So, why won't GP prescribe anything? Have you had a proper consultation with him, rather than just asking him for a prescription?

What has he actually said? What treatment (not necessarliy drugs??) would he usually prescribe for someone presenting with symptoms similar to yours?

How does he suggest you get round this issue?

If your Irish GP won't send notes over this week, is there any guarantee you can ever get them? Why won't Irish GP phone UK GP?

Can you calm down and give us the full story, slowly?

Where is the delay coming from? Are your Irish GP's going to send over the relevant medical history to your current GP within the next hour or two? The issue here is with the fact that it's been left to the very last possible moment, and your Irish GP not communicating with new GP.

The asda pharmacy might be worth a try if previous posters have said they will accept Irish prescriptions.

The problem is with an Irish prescription, is that the NHS won't bear the cost. OP would have to pay full whack, and there's probably some admin reason why you can't buy drugs privately with an NHS prescription. She'd need a private prescription (probably).

OP - there are lots of good ideas on here, if you read back through the posts.

*Get the prescription made up in Ireland and sent over.

*Go home yourself for the weekend and get your prescription, and you're notes from the GP while you're at it.
*Get a private referall for an emergency appt today
*Other suggestions too I think...

OP

It is not the GP's fault that they are unable to precise you this drug.

This is an extremely rarely used medication ( at least in the uk) and as far as I know is designated a 'red' drug on the national formulary.

What this means is no GP is permitted to prescribe this, even if requested to by a secondary mental health service.

My advice to you would be to request an urgent referral to the local Mental health assessment/ liaison or crisis team, if you explain that you are beginning to withdraw and have previously felt suicidal they should see you quickly.

I can see how this must be extremely frustrating and upsetting for you but please believe me it is not within the GP's gift to go against the NF.

Should have said the above post applies to the valdoxon, the Prozac is not a red drug and Go should have no issues prescribing that.

Is it an option to get you Irish GP to issue a prescription, and ask someone to fill it and send it fed ex or whatever to you?

My concern for you is that the valdoxon might not even be easily obtainable via pharmacy in the uk.

Have you told your new GP the risk to your health if he won't even give you a few days worth ?

I think your best option is to go back to Ireland and get some

Would it be possible for you To travél Ireland this weekend and Get a prescripción filled there from your previous GP or psychiatrist? Then Get your GP in Irleand To send what the GP in the UK needs for your next prescripción?

Obviously I don't know your sitúation re family/child care/work, but it's not a long haul flight and if you can Get the meds you need by doing it that has To be better than feelling suicidal.

I hope you can Get it sorted quickly.

Sorry you are having to go through this stress and worry

I have no experience of Valdoxan but found this:
"Agomelatine is a melatonergic antidepressant developed by the pharmaceutical company Servier. It is marketed for the treatment of major depressive disorder and has been reported not to produce discontinuation syndrome…" so hopefully you should be able to get through this weekend.