Other - Getting a benzodiazepine script..

[Destiny_JL]

SWIM suffers from what he would call GAD with very minor social anxiety. He was interested to know what things he would have to say to a GP for the outcome to be a script for some anti anxiety pills instead of CBT? which has been tried in the past for him but did not work.

He lives in the UK.

Thanks

[Jatelka]

I'd like to hear a little bit more about the marmosets experience with CBT, how long it was tried and the monkeys thoughts on why it didn't work: If that's OK?

[cnsns2ccl2]

Could swiy tell the doctor that CBT does not work?

[Destiny_JL]

I apologise.. I don't think SWIM explained the situation well enough. He suffered from these problems around 2-3 years ago, and CBT worked short term but found with more stress coming in to his life he just 'relapsed' and his anxiety was as bad as ever. But he has not thought of doing anything about it until recently.

[Jatelka]

The thing is, from the flamingo's experience, CBT is (or should be) an ongoing thing rather than a one off intervention. Not necessarily as frequently as with initial treatment, but keeping some sort of input going continues to deal with the underlying issues and continues to teach the bird coping strategies and "self-therapy" techniques (if you will)

By all means, try for a script for acute anxiety, but come to realise that it's only an elastoplast (band-aid to our American readers), and that other techniques are more suitable for the longer term

[Destiny_JL]

Originally Posted by Jatelka

The thing is, from the flamingo's experience, CBT is (or should be) an ongoing thing rather than a one off intervention. Not necessarily as frequently as with initial treatment, but keeping some sort of input going continues to deal with the underlying issues and continues to teach the bird coping strategies and "self-therapy" techniques (if you will)

By all means, try for a script for acute anxiety, but come to realise that it's only an elastoplast (band-aid to our American readers), and that other techniques are more suitable for the longer term

SWIM understands this, but due to his personality, he is uncomfortable opening up about his problems which really prevents CBT sessions from functioning as they should. SWIM really just wants to get some benzo's or similar to help him relieve anxiety with the least hassle possible, as arranging to go to see a GP and planning what to say will cause him great anxiety. He does not feel very comfortable about the whole situation but knows if he wants the medication he will at some point have to talk to a GP, so was just wondering what SWIY would advise to make the outcome of the appointment more likely to be a script instead of CBT sessions.

[xxxSuSHixxx]

SwiPF got klonopin on the third try, complain about panic attacks, social anxiety,not being able to sleep, ((say you sleep 2-4 hours per night)) and anything you dont want that they prescribe, just tell them it makes you puke or it doesent work, it was like taking candy ((haaaa)) from a baby.

This method is tried and true, but now SwiPF cant even get any euphoria from kpin,
seriously thinking about disolving 5mg under the tongue and see if it does something, 4mg makes SwiPF sleepy, thats about it.... wondering if there is even any potential to this drug.... Swipf is too much of a pussy to inject it, may try to freebase it in the near future......why? no idea.

[Destiny_JL]

Originally Posted by xxxSuSHixxx

SwiPF got klonopin on the third try, complain about panic attacks, social anxiety,not being able to sleep, ((say you sleep 2-4 hours per night)) and anything you dont want that they prescribe, just tell them it makes you puke or it doesent work, it was like taking candy ((haaaa)) from a baby.

This method is tried and true, but now SwiPF cant even get any euphoria from kpin,
seriously thinking about disolving 5mg under the tongue and see if it does something, 4mg makes SwiPF sleepy, thats about it.... wondering if there is even any potential to this drug.... Swipf is too much of a pussy to inject it, may try to freebase it in the near future......why? no idea.

SWIM does actually suffer from the 3 things you described.. but he lives in the UK where doctors are less open to handing out benzo scripts, I think due to the high levels of abuse they see over here.. it's just that arranging an appointment with SWIMs GP and then talking about everything and the whole process would be distressing for him so he wants to be sure he will actually have a chance of getting what he seeks to help him.

He is not looking for euphoria.. being free of anxiety and all worry would be a blissful feeling and totally euphoric enough.

[xxxSuSHixxx]

Well, people like us with chemical imbalance that make us feel shitty, feeling normal is like being high, or so ive thought to be posible, if your used to being in pain all the time, if the pain is gone.... your happy/euphoric with relief.....

((me and my RX'r go round and round about this every time.... "swipf is not addicted, he is addicted to feeling alright" etc

[wintrojan2k]

SWIM says it's hard to get a script in the USA for Alprazolam. The internet, according to SWIM, has many reliable vendors who will gladly sell their goods, which incidentially come blister packaged and in a timely and reasonably priced fashion. SWIM will not divulge any internet sources. SWIM will say, as a daily user self medicated, that xanax is the devil, it's horrible how addictive it can be, so says SWIM

[cosmicruler]

Can SWIY get a benzo script from a GP in UK???

SWIM had to go and have a psychiatric assessment done by a psychiatrist and mental health nurse before being prescribed a mild dose of Lorazapam for GAD/SAD in swims country...

[wintrojan2k]

Originally Posted by cosmicruler

Can SWIY get a benzo script from a GP in UK???

SWIM had to go and have a psychiatric assessment done by a psychiatrist and mental health nurse before being prescribed a mild dose of Lorazapam for GAD/SAD in swims country...

GP= general practitioner? In the USA a general MD can perscribe any medication to my knowledge, generally give you a small amount and then send you to a "specialist." Not sure of the laws in the UK, but the USA seems to be one of the more anal countries when it comes to drug regulation, money to be had!

[cosmicruler]

yea,sorry...GP=General Practitioner.

[Destiny_JL]

Originally Posted by cosmicruler

Can SWIY get a benzo script from a GP in UK???

SWIM had to go and have a psychiatric assessment done by a psychiatrist and mental health nurse before being prescribed a mild dose of Lorazapam for GAD/SAD in swims country...

SWIM isnt sure if they can. He is going to see the GP tomorrow to address the following issues which are all semi related: general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and possibly depression - all 3 of which are caused by a form of OCD that SWIM has called body dysmorphic disorder. SWIM will report back with the outcome, although he is doubtful benzos will be handed out to help ease the anxiety problem.

[xxxSuSHixxx]

SwiPF had to go to a certain mental health organization with doctors specifically there to give you RX's, but if swiy reads online the symptoms required to get a certain script, its easy to fake or lie about the symptoms, also SwiPF has drank 4 red bulls before going to the apointment to make him seem TOTALLY wired and foot tapping/shaking and such, it was very effective for swiPF. Wish you luck in SwiYour endevor althouh, doing it for the wrong reasons like SwiPF did was not a good idea, now swipf is addicted to kpin ((mentally)) and doesent want to taper off because he .... is addicted. yup.

SwiPF

xxxSuSHixxx added 0 Minutes and 51 Seconds later...

SwiPF's 2 red blocks are very very ugly T____T

Reputation Comments on this post:

great post!

[Ihithardfrom95]

Most Benzo's are really hard to get on perscription and of recent the general view of most doctors is to not supply them to their patients as they highly addictive and hard to come off. My suggestion would be to ask for Clonazepam it's similar to Diazipam (sorry about the spelling) but not as addictive and more likely to be perscribed by your doctor. I used to take it to calm me down and stop me feeling paranoid when I was on my dexamphetamine script and it worked quite well. Good luck anyway you choose to go.

[Destiny_JL]

Swim apologizes for the lack of updates on this thread. He was referred to a specialist about his condition and the appointment for a mental health assessment is in around 12 hours.

Swim will keep swiy informed about how this goes, and what the outcome is.

[returntozero]

when swim had a panic attack and an onset of sudden and severe anxiety, he went to the doctor because he didnt know what was wrong. the doc gave him 10 .25mg xanax pills and sent him on his way.

[Destiny_JL]

The doctor simply referred SWIM for CBT sessions.. as was expected. Getting benzos in the UK really is proving to be a big hassle.

[yaba]

Swim get 3x5mg diazepam and 7.5mg zopiclone daily, and he is in the UK but not mainland. Its now on a repeat prescription for tree monts. Will get more when the tree monthes are finished.

It wasn't easy to get that prescription !!!! Swim works in mental health and his opinions about the alternatives, SSRI and SNRI. Aren't good.

Swims Been on fenlafaxine, and hates what it makes you personallity wise eg: dont give a fuck attitude, no emotion etc... His Doc understanded what he was sayin.. Or at least didn't deny it.


When he was 14 he got 3x10mg diazepam daily and temazepam for night, Doctor also tryed him on oxazepam and lorazepam. Swim is Dutch and then living in The Netherlands. One time that Doc asked what do you want swim said: Not feeling good, anxiety, cant sleep, low in mood etc,etc. Doc said: NO WHAT DO YOU WANT ??? cant remember what swim asked for but would be a benzodiazipine. When swim asked him about flunitrazepam he Doc said, not giving you those ! Swim didn't mined rohypnol easly available (in the heroine world) at that time in The Netherlands, at least where swim was living.

Swim knows that his Doctor was spacial,there are not many like him !

[Dickon]

Echoing Jatelka, who's much younger and wiser than I am, I'd be very cautious to use benzodiazepines for what seems a chronic condition. I think the fact you've got your heart set on benzos is a problem in itself, as they are incredibly addictive and difficult to get off. Let's play pretend and imagine you get a months script and it helps. After you stop taking the pills you'll have your original anxiety back, plus the possibility of some rebound anxiety/insomnia. What will you do then? I know what I'd do: viz seek out another benzo script. I'm sorry but I don't feel it would be appropriate to solve your problem, because honestly I think it will create a far worse one if you get what you're after.

Just to say that although I'm not speaking from personal experience, my identical imaginary twin once said

"I used to go round loads of doctors and pick up benzo scripts, although that was mostly in Berlin, and I developed a sizable addiction. They are evil to get off, and I even had a fit once when I stopped cold-turkey. The newer benzos especially things like alprazolam seem to get me hooked in no time, although that might be because of having a past long-term problem. If I used Xanax (alprazolam) for a few weeks, the rebound anxiety would have me stuck in my bed so anxious I could barely move."

Please, I know it seems tempting, and if it gets too much a week's script might just give you some respite, but at what cost? Please go research this, My cat can vouch for the horrors of Benzo addiction. He's seen folk for whom a heroin or even a methadone withdrawal would seem a blessing in comparison.

I hope you get some respite from your anxiety. I'd suggest making sure you have good diet, lots of exercise, and maybe something like meditation or yoga. It may sound like a crap solution, but if you do these kind of things I'll wager a dollar to a doughnut you condition will improve. And of course there's always the problem of, when feeling shit, how to start. For which I shall leave you my favourite cliche: "It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness". Walk 10 yards, round the block etc. rather than sit on the couch, etc. It's amazing how 10 yards can become a 100 can become a 1000. It's also amazing how washing up a tea-spoon can turn into doing all the washing up. if you're like me, it's best not to set yourself up for a big achievement. Just do one small thing, and then once that is done, think about another etc.....If you're like my wife however, she prefers doing BIG goals! lol.

Best of luck

Dickon

Reputation Comments on this post:

realistic and honest and S-O-O true

[lorzapmail]

A history of anxiety is a big plus. Other doctors prescriptons also a a winner. If you really have anxiety/panic diorders the Doctor will get the picture. Also Cymbolta,etc. causes night mares and upset stomachs. You'll probably get 40 0.5mg clonzepam to start. Call in a couple days saying this does nothing an you have about had it.

[Cryptic Concoction]

Certainly, one should approach the use of benzodiazepines for chronic anxiety over a protracted period of time with extreme circumspection.

Approximately a year ago, my psychiatrist prescribed me 4 mg of alprozolam daily to attenuate my acute chronic anxiety. The result was 8 months of physical dependency, short-term memory problems, difficulty sleeping, and an enveloping feeling of persisting apathy.

After combating the withdrawals, I have not touched my prescription bottle since.

[Jatelka]

Can I just stress that the OP is British, and as such, responses from our American friends regarding Clonazepam and Alprazolam are unlikely to be relevant, as neither are used within the NHS for anxiety.

In terms of short term prescriptions for acute anxiety states, far more likely is 2-5mg diazepam 2-3 times per day, and even that is unlikely.

Cryptic Concoction has hit the nail right on the head here, benzodiazepines are associated with a significant risk of dependence and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

They are simply not an option for anything other than a couple of weeks, and thankfully, the NHS finally seems to be starting to realise this (although I am not disputing that there are many with problems due to inappropriate prescribing in the past)

[Destiny_JL]

Originally Posted by Dickon

Echoing Jatelka, who's much younger and wiser than I am, I'd be very cautious to use benzodiazepines for what seems a chronic condition. I think the fact you've got your heart set on benzos is a problem in itself, as they are incredibly addictive and difficult to get off. Let's play pretend and imagine you get a months script and it helps. After you stop taking the pills you'll have your original anxiety back, plus the possibility of some rebound anxiety/insomnia. What will you do then? I know what I'd do: viz seek out another benzo script. I'm sorry but I don't feel it would be appropriate to solve your problem, because honestly I think it will create a far worse one if you get what you're after.

Just to say that although I'm not speaking from personal experience, my identical imaginary twin once said

"I used to go round loads of doctors and pick up benzo scripts, although that was mostly in Berlin, and I developed a sizable addiction. They are evil to get off, and I even had a fit once when I stopped cold-turkey. The newer benzos especially things like alprazolam seem to get me hooked in no time, although that might be because of having a past long-term problem. If I used Xanax (alprazolam) for a few weeks, the rebound anxiety would have me stuck in my bed so anxious I could barely move."

Please, I know it seems tempting, and if it gets too much a week's script might just give you some respite, but at what cost? Please go research this, My cat can vouch for the horrors of Benzo addiction. He's seen folk for whom a heroin or even a methadone withdrawal would seem a blessing in comparison.

I hope you get some respite from your anxiety. I'd suggest making sure you have good diet, lots of exercise, and maybe something like meditation or yoga. It may sound like a crap solution, but if you do these kind of things I'll wager a dollar to a doughnut you condition will improve. And of course there's always the problem of, when feeling shit, how to start. For which I shall leave you my favourite cliche: "It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness". Walk 10 yards, round the block etc. rather than sit on the couch, etc. It's amazing how 10 yards can become a 100 can become a 1000. It's also amazing how washing up a tea-spoon can turn into doing all the washing up. if you're like me, it's best not to set yourself up for a big achievement. Just do one small thing, and then once that is done, think about another etc.....If you're like my wife however, she prefers doing BIG goals! lol.

Best of luck

Dickon

Thanks a lot for the response, SWIM says.

Your post, among others, has made SWIM realise seeking a perscription for benzos would not be a very good idea, as he is likely to get psychologically addicted as well as dependant on them physically, since being anxiety free would be such a euphoric state for SWIM.

Reputation Comments on this post:

Glad to see someone's listening to other DF-ers. I agree with you and Dickon.