Having trouble getting meds.

[macbeth]

When I saw the psych last he suggested that I add valium to night time when I need it. He didn't write the prescription he left that up to my gp. That worked until I moved and can no longer see that gp I have to find a new one. The problem I'm having now is that when I visit a new dr they're not willing to give me valium I've even had one flat out say no telling me my seroquel at night is more than enough. I m not very assertive and just walk out without pushing it further and suffer severe panic attacks alone

 

[bellbird]

Some GPs have policies to not chart benzos, for obvious reasons.
It's also likely that if you're a new patient, they'll be hesitant to prescribe them before getting a reading on you that you won't abuse them.
I'd also caution against appearing too "assertive" with regards to benzos as that's likely going to really work against you.

I wouldn't give up hope, though. Even if you can't have Valium, there are other options.
My GP wanted to prescribe Valium for sleep but pdoc was against it. Instead we went for promethazine (a drowsy antihistamine), which has been a lifesaver. And it doesn't have the tolerance implications like benzos.

Perhaps you could ask a GP about a med like that? Or ask your pdoc to write the Valium script that he mentioned?
Hope you get some solutions soon.

 

[EveHarrington]

Can I ask why your psych isn’t handling your psych meds?

 

[macbeth]

Can I ask why your psych isn’t handling your psych meds?

I'm a public patient so I only got to be reviewed by the psych when I was in crisis. I'm supposed to have psychologist for therapy and gp for meds with psychiatric making recomedations. Public system sucks

 

[EveHarrington]

Can you get your records from this psych to back up your ascertation that you need this med? This way you’re not just drug seeking.

 

[blackemerald1]

I agree with @bellbird & @EveHarrington contact the psych and explain what's happened & maybe ask for a letter regarding your meds.

Or, contact your old gp and do the same.

Or, stop taking that particular medication and discuss with your gp an alternative.

Seroquel is very sedating I am surprised you are needing a benzo on top of this. So maybe also consider a complete review of your meds anyway now that you've changed gp?

 

[macbeth]

I've needed a review of meds for a while but it seems no one wants to change them even though they don't work well. Everyone's different and no 200mg of seroquel is not very sedating for me. (Depending on the night it can have the opposite effect and I become agitated) to be clear I have only used valium a few times in the last year. I'm only given ten at a time. I can't access an actual psychiatrist to review my meds unless I'm suicidal. It's a joke. It was added only on a as needed. Recently I have been going through a lot so it was recommended I stick with that but thought I had some left but didn't so gone to another gp. They said no so I left. Was wondering if others have had trouble. If I could remember the psych s name but they pass u through the system so quick it's frustrating

 

[blackemerald1]

You mention you are stuck within a public system but I don't know what country or system that is.

Nevertheless if you require a review of your meds bc you say they are not working but you still want benzo meds.. I can see why a gp who barely knows you (?) may be reluctant to give a script.

If you've not established regular contact with a psych or a gp and a good relationship there is not much that can be done in regards to a review or getting that type of med.

I've not had trouble getting meds bc I don't require them anymore. When I did it was the doctor or psych who had to convince me that I should take them. But that's bc I had some far from positive experiences with meds.

What other treatment (s) aside from meds are you receiving?

Is there another way of helping yourself calm and soothe without using these meds you've been denied?

 

[macbeth]

I'm in Australia I've been in constant therapy with either a psychologist or therapist every 2 weeks for 13 years the same gp for 10. It's only in extreme circumstances that I need a benzo or I've also had zopiclone in the past. Most of my trauma/abuse happened at night I panic when the sun goes down. I've been forced to m ove a long way away so can't see my old gp

 

[blackemerald1]

Well in Australia if you go to your gp (or any gp) and ask for a referral to a public psych or a private psych they will assist you.

Did you leave without getting a letter regarding your health from the gp? If so, is it possible for you to write or ring him/her and ask for a medical history to be sent to your new gp so that he/she can read the meds you have been taking and why? This isn't too hard to do. A phone call, email or a letter will do it. But you may have to sign a release of medical history form. Your new gp will be able to print one out and get you to sign it and probably even fax it to your old gp if you ask nicely. :)

psychologist or therapist every 2 weeks for 13 years the same gp for 10. I

With such a long history with the same gp my suggestion above should be easy to do. You could also call the psychologist and ask for a referral/medical history for that as well. Again a medical release will need to be signed.

Most States in Australia have Community Health Centres or Community Mental Health Centres where you can see a gp and a psychologist under the public health system for free following a referral from any gp. A mental health care plan is formulated with the help of the gp, you and the psych., and any other health professionals that are available and capable of assisting you.

But of course there is a wait list but once you are on that list you will find some very decent health care professionals.

There are also numerous other mental health care agencies in Australia, local hospitals and clinics that can advise you regarding medication and any other treatments.

've been forced to m ove a long way away so can't see my old gp

That's really unfortunate but if you can establish a good relationship with a new gp (and get that history from your old one) you may be able to resolve the issue of what meds you can and cannot be prescribed.

As @bellbird mentioned a lot of gp's will not prescribe benzo's At. All.