Opinions - Is it wise to mention to a Doctor you have self-medicated with benzodiazepines?

[GreatWonder]

SWIM would like to know thoughts on this. SWIM has had ongoing anxiety and panic for 5 years. SWIM has aquired Alprazolam though not through a Doctor / GP and would now like to bring up the subject with their Doctor / GP. SWIM's only been prescribed Temazapam previously for what the Doctor / GP described as SWIM needing 'quietening down' and just wondered (though in no way intending to 'sway') if it was worth mentioning the self-med of Alprazolam and the fact it has transformed SWIM's social life - though only on a strictly occasional use?

[grecian]

If its SWIYS intention is to eventually be prescribed Alprazolam then mentioning that SWIY has self-medicated may do more harm than good, perhaps say that a friend or family member has been prescribed it in the past and recommended it to SWIY.

[GreatWonder]

SWIM always thought an 'I've heard that.......' statement would actually sound more suspicious than an 'I've carefully benefited from.....' statement.

As in the old argument 'a friend of a mine needs to know....'. This is a difficult one especially as the symptoms of the problem are keeping SWIM away from having the guts to go in the first place.

[grecian]

I know what u mean, it did work for my brother being prescribed roaccutane (a completely different kettle of fish BTW). Maybe the NHS direct phone number would be a good first point of contact for you. Also remember that if your GP does not prescribe you it then you can always request a second opinion from another doctor. My opinion of NHS is that if you keep hassling them eventually they will give you what you want just to get rid of you.

[yaba]

Originally Posted by grecian

I know what u mean, it did work for my brother being prescribed roaccutane (a completely different kettle of fish BTW). Maybe the NHS direct phone number would be a good first point of contact for you. Also remember that if your GP does not prescribe you it then you can always request a second opinion from another doctor. My opinion of NHS is that if you keep hassling them eventually they will give you what you want just to get rid of you.

Yes its true that if your a pain you get things done swim works in the NHS. The bigger the pain someone is the more things will be done!!

[Riconoen {UGC}]

NO. swim repeats, NO. telling a shrink you have self medicated with benzos is a good way to get them to refuse to prescribe them to you.

[Donmeka]

SWID told his doc that a family member had it prescribed and when SWID had a panic attack at her home and she gave him alprazolam and it helped. SWID now has been prescribed benzos without a problem

[DrMuffy]

Well most docs would not prescribe their patients benzos after the patient just admited he went behind the doc's back and self medicated. Now it is one thing to say SWIY has been taking alprazolam regularly from some random source, or having an "attack" and having your sister give you one of her medication (alprazolam) and it helped alot. In SWIdr's opinion, just tell SWIY's doc the second situation happened and he would be more likely to prescribe some to you.

[asplinteredfawn]

It really depends on the doc, SWIM has gone from completely hiding that hes ever abused heroin. To being overly dramatic telling them the only way he can stay off dope is ( whatever medication ). He has also played the " I have someone to dispense them to me " con ( which can work exquisitely ). It's all about the bed side manner. Read the docs face. Docs often can tell that SWIM is a bit over educated on the subject. So, playing stupid is sometimes a necessary evil.

[Psych0naut]

SWIM found out half a year ago he has ADD. He could never concentrate on a job, never focus, and never keep his attention on something for longer dan a few minutes. He once got a ritalin 10mg from a friend, and took it, he found out he could suddenly keep his attention for much longer. SWIM went to the psychologist, and told her that he took the ritalin, and could suddenly concentrate much better, and after doing some searching on the net, he saw that he matched almost all the criteria for ADD. He was sent to the doctor because the psychologist couldn't prescribe any medication, and after telling the same thing to his docter, he was prescribed ritalin, in the dosage he thought worked best. Even though he wasn't prescribed benzo's, but ritalin instead, it's the same point, it may work sometimes, if SWIM says he/she tried it, and it worked.

[GreatWonder]

SWIM had an appointment with their Doctor / GP about the panic and anxiety. Anti-deps and beta-blockers (both on a daily basis) were discussed and declined by SWIM, who was sent away with a 'script for 10x 2mg Diazepam to take on an as-needed basis. SWIM was not happy with the result but will make another appointment in a couple of weeks and ask if there are quicker acting benzo's that I may benefit from. At this point I will advise the Doctor / GP that on an emergency only basis, SWIM took a 0.5mg Xanax tab that belonged to a friend and benefitted greatly from it. SWIM will act dumb and ask what the difference is between Xanax and Diazepam, and if it worked could it not be considered if all else failed. SWIM hopes to report a result soon - and an end to sourcing unreliable expensive Alprazolam, and an end to SWIM's anxiety!

[JaWill88]

swims mom has clonazepam and she sometimes gives swim some. swim likes benzodiazepines. swim went to his doctor. his doctor knew he abused cocaine and heroin intravenously on a daily basis for quite a while. swim just went to his doc and said "swim has panic attacks as does his mom and she is perscribed clonazepam. swims anxiety seems to run through the family. sometimes swim feels like he is going to die, has intense fear and has a hard time breathing, its really weird and swim can't explain it. swims mom gave swim clonazepam and it really helped... ect." this got swim a perscription to clonazepam. but swim does have some real anxiety issues put definately not panic attacks. sometimes he uses them for minor social anxiety but usually uses them for opiate withdrawal or stimulant comedowns. so swim was only half lying as every once in a while his anxiety does interfere with his life. anyways, point being even a drug abuser one can get meds.