Doctors trying to stop meds

[Jk2833]

Hi well this is happening to meat the moment. I was prescribed 70mg diazepam per wk from pain clinic after I stopped the patches but after a few months I asked my gp to be put back onto the nitrazapam which totals 25mg s week just do I could get some sleep as well as muscle relaxation. Now it appears to be removed from my script? With all due respect how can gps override specialists perscriptions?

To top it off it's also for chronic bowel pain too. I'm epileptic so no meds should be stopped immediately plus if I'm overtired I have seizures,& with an autistic son to take care of on top of my pain it's ridiculous, I'm at gps Tuesday so I hope they have a darn good reason for this.

[Mary-intussuception]

How long have you been taking these high doses?

You cannot stop them abruptly. You will have withdrawal symptoms.

If GP thinks you should cut down then they should discuss with you first. Reducing dose should be very gradually over a long period of time. Definitely NOT sudden stop.

Can you make an appointment with the most approachable, agreeable GP in the practice asap to sort this out?

Xx

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Sorry forgot. Your seeing doctor on Tuesday. Is this the GP who stopped Diazepam? Have you got enough tablets to last till Tuesday?

Xx

[Hidden in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Yes I agree whole heartedly, a gp should ask you to book in for a medication review, this used to happen 6 monthly but due to shortage of GP,s and many retiring early this hasnt been done ( or is it another ploy from the powers that be)

[DanielleGemma]

I'm so sorry that you are having such a hard time. When I came off all of my tablets it was a very gradual process that took 5 months!

I would consider ringing 111 as they can get you an emergency appointment today and hopefully help with getting your medication back on track! Xxxx

[Hidden in reply to DanielleGemma]

Yes if we ALL pester 111 about reduced medication without consultation THEy will moan at their bosses, many will be having withdrawal which is another appt needed to sort that out- who is in this Ivory Tower dishing out these vile instructions, my gp says hes looking to move away from general practice and go back to his job in obstetrics as he feels he cant be a good gp anymore.

[DanielleGemma in reply to Hidden]

Yes I completely agree. I think a lot of time they expect people to stay silent but I've been in withdrawal and it is one of the most awful feelings in the world and someone should be held accountable for the decisions being made xxx

[Mary-intussuception]

Hi Jk

Did you see your GP today, is everything sorted.

Please don't run out of Diazepam and suddenly stop. Phone 111 or go to A&E if it comes to that.

Hopefully not, and all was sorted today.

Xxxx

Mary 🐥

[Jk2833 in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Hi I went to Drs today and apparently controlled drugs aren't allowed on repeat perscriptions anymore, you have to ask for them. Some medical guidelines?

I got them no problem

Thank you for your concern

Take care

Jk

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Jk2833]

As long as you are ok.

Guidelines ??? But we have to ask for our repeats every month anyway.

Thanks for update.

Xxx

[Jk2833]

I always have done for over 8 years but it's all changing now. I know they're trying to stop some patients from taking diazepam etc altogether. They did tell me what guidelines but I've forgotten.

Take Care

Jk

[jackie4ball]

All my controlled drugs are done on repeat prescription it’s crazy that if something is working for you and then someone decides that it’s no longer good to take them makes me wonder if it’s cost more than anything. So far I haven’t had a problem. I have heard the government are saying that opioids don’t help chronic pain! Well I’d like to see them live with pain 24/7 see if they then change their minds. I hate having to take pills everyday but if I didn’t I wouldn’t be any good to anyone.

[Mdaisy]

I personally think this all relates to Reducing Opioids & High Risk Medications reduction (see link below) drive and also plays into some dismissive GPs who do not believe in Fibromyalgia. I believe are targeting this patients for this reduction and not acknowledging the pain they are experiencing due to their personal beliefs about the condition.

pulsetoday.co.uk/clinical/c...

If this is happening to you, I would suggest writing to the Practice Manager about the inadequate healthcare you are receiving explaining Fibromyalgia and even linking to the recent Parliamentary Debate. GPs have a duty of care to address a patients pain and we should not be considered to be addicts or abusing medication just because it isn't relieving our pain.

I understand they need to work to reduce those who are abusing prescribed medications including Opioids & High Risk meds but we should not be caught in the middle of this. Its another example like the Benefits system where they are trying to achieve a goal like decreasing fraudulent claims and get as many as they can back to work - we are caught in the middle with an invisible illness that is truly debilitating often disabling.

Also in regards medications they do need to identify patients who are addicts or abusing them but when they do where is the help via the primary care services they need to help them stop. If finances keep being cut where can these people who may also have mental health issues going to get the right support to help them - it leads to find other ways ie Street Drugs which isn't helping to decrease the problem. People who are addicted or abusing medication in any way are usually self medicating due to a trauma or mental health issue and need support for their medical condition - the general public should not many any preconceived judgements until they've walked in their shoes.

Anyway that's my thoughts on this subject

Emma