Hi, I am new to this forum and joined it as I am looking for help.
For about 20 years I have been prescribed Diazepam to help me cope with potentially stressful situations. I have also previously had consultations with psychiatrists, hypnotherapists and undertaken a 3 month course in CPD. Although the talking and exercises helped to a degree, I still suffer from anxiety and rely on Diazepam.
Whilst I worked, I was prescribed 56 x 5mg Diazepam tablets every 3 months. After retiring, I was able to reduce the amount I need to 28 tablets every 3 to 6 months. So effectively, I take just over one tablet per week, normally when I visit the dentist, visit the hospital for tests, make presentations, play competitive golf or meet old business clients for dinner. It is to overcome the anticipation of something I cannot rationalise, which normally manifests itself in a nervous cough and a feeling of sickness. Once, I have that under control I am fine for the rest of the day.
My doctor retired and I had to visit the Locum who wanted to know why I had requested Diazepam. I explained my situation and told him this was a regular request and he put a note in the system to ensure future prescriptions would be issued as they had for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, he stopped working at the practice due to the pandemic and physical consultations more or less stopped.
When I submitted my request a few months later the only remaining doctor only issued a prescription for 14 tablets. I put a note in and the response was that Diazepam was now restricted due to government policy but I could be given Pregabalin instead. I had always worried that one day I might have a problem in supply so I have kept back around 20 Diazepam I can still fall back on.
So now I have been prescribed 60 x 50mg Pregabalin and the packet says 'take 2 per day'. My doctor said in a note that the Pregabalin worked in the same way as Diazepam which means I should only need to take one tablet when necessary. I tried the first one three hours ago and did not notice any effect at all. Even half a 5mg diazepam tablet would have a noticeable calming effect on me. Perhaps the Pregabalin needs to build up in my system, but I do not want to take 60 Pregabalin tablets a month to replace 4-5 Diazepam tablets. Surely the latter is safer?
What I am looking for is advice on whether the Pregabalin is a good replacement or not? Do I need to take 2 tablets per day? Should I ask for a stronger dose tablet of Pregabalin to take just when needed, to give me the calmness I need from time to time?
I have thought of moving to another surgery, but I would not know the thinking of the new doctor. My thought is that some doctors are 'jobsworth's' and not really interested, or know much, about mental health issues, despite the UK government saying it is going to focus more on this problem. If it is simply to remove drugs like Diazepam from people who need it, then that is very poor. Maybe, I could try and get a consultation with a private doctor?
I do not know which way to turn and would appreciate some advice from people on this forum who could direct me in a positive way with regard to Pregabalin (which I had never heard of). I feel I am made to feel guilty by asking for Diazepam
Many thanks for any positive advice!
For about 20 years I have been prescribed Diazepam to help me cope with potentially stressful situations. I have also previously had consultations with psychiatrists, hypnotherapists and undertaken a 3 month course in CPD. Although the talking and exercises helped to a degree, I still suffer from anxiety and rely on Diazepam.
Whilst I worked, I was prescribed 56 x 5mg Diazepam tablets every 3 months. After retiring, I was able to reduce the amount I need to 28 tablets every 3 to 6 months. So effectively, I take just over one tablet per week, normally when I visit the dentist, visit the hospital for tests, make presentations, play competitive golf or meet old business clients for dinner. It is to overcome the anticipation of something I cannot rationalise, which normally manifests itself in a nervous cough and a feeling of sickness. Once, I have that under control I am fine for the rest of the day.
My doctor retired and I had to visit the Locum who wanted to know why I had requested Diazepam. I explained my situation and told him this was a regular request and he put a note in the system to ensure future prescriptions would be issued as they had for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, he stopped working at the practice due to the pandemic and physical consultations more or less stopped.
When I submitted my request a few months later the only remaining doctor only issued a prescription for 14 tablets. I put a note in and the response was that Diazepam was now restricted due to government policy but I could be given Pregabalin instead. I had always worried that one day I might have a problem in supply so I have kept back around 20 Diazepam I can still fall back on.
So now I have been prescribed 60 x 50mg Pregabalin and the packet says 'take 2 per day'. My doctor said in a note that the Pregabalin worked in the same way as Diazepam which means I should only need to take one tablet when necessary. I tried the first one three hours ago and did not notice any effect at all. Even half a 5mg diazepam tablet would have a noticeable calming effect on me. Perhaps the Pregabalin needs to build up in my system, but I do not want to take 60 Pregabalin tablets a month to replace 4-5 Diazepam tablets. Surely the latter is safer?
What I am looking for is advice on whether the Pregabalin is a good replacement or not? Do I need to take 2 tablets per day? Should I ask for a stronger dose tablet of Pregabalin to take just when needed, to give me the calmness I need from time to time?
I have thought of moving to another surgery, but I would not know the thinking of the new doctor. My thought is that some doctors are 'jobsworth's' and not really interested, or know much, about mental health issues, despite the UK government saying it is going to focus more on this problem. If it is simply to remove drugs like Diazepam from people who need it, then that is very poor. Maybe, I could try and get a consultation with a private doctor?
I do not know which way to turn and would appreciate some advice from people on this forum who could direct me in a positive way with regard to Pregabalin (which I had never heard of). I feel I am made to feel guilty by asking for Diazepam
Many thanks for any positive advice!
