Anxiety & chronic panic attacks for 20 years along with agrophobia

[[Ka...]]

Hi all . I'm 40 years old and have been taking diazipam for 22 years .I currently get 24 2mg tablets a week . The last two years I was on 44 tablets a week but they tapered me off that amount at 2mg every other week. I'm agrophobic also . My doctors is closing down in 12 weeks and I'm so worried that I will be forced to stop them without any other alternative or help . I heavily rely on these tablets for my panic attacks and leaving the house so I don't know what to do am terrified . Have lots more to say but I'll get to know you first . Thanks for listening. X

[[Be...]]

Hello Kath3939!

 

We are very glad that you found us!

Learning that your doctor is closing down and the possibility of being forced off a medication one has been on for many years would be troubling to anyone. I am sorry you are in this situation. If I were in your shoes I would waste no time in finding a benzo wise doctor.

The manufacturers of this class of medication suggest short term usage (2-4weeks). The drug also looses it efficacy then one becomes tolerant then must increase dosage. Because of this, I would also consider getting off this class of medication and find alternative treatment for your panic attacks and agoraphobia.

 

I would like to suggest that you do some research on the various boards. Becoming well informed should better enable you to make difficult decisions as well as provide you with the tools you need to make a informed decisions.

 

Wishing you the very best!

Bella 

 

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Taper Info:

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[[Fo...]]

May I suggest you make appointment with the practice manager and see what plans are in place for the future. Some GPS like mine have software preventing them from issuing extra benzos and similar to cover holidays etc.  Thus many folk are forced to seek out private GPs. I lost some meds and had to rapid taper for two weeks which was unpleasant.

Let us know how you get on. I would be surprised if you were left high n dry. In our village the NHS took over and folk are content though the continuity is lacking sadly.

Dick

[[Br...]]

Kath3939

Often when a doctor is leaving they probably have referrals to a new physician.  Perhaps you wish to find a new G.P. or Therapist who understands benzos (prescribing and withdrawal) on your own.  Bella Amis (moderator) posted some excellent links regarding tapering off of benzos.  I'm reasonably new to BB as well and have been learning how to navigate around the site. I've found some really great information on here and know there are some wonderful people on here who are very understanding and helpful.

Breck

[[An...]]

Welcome to BB Kath. I agree with what others have said. Why can't you just find another doc who will keep prescribing and allow a slow taper at a speed you feel comfortable with?

[[Ka...]]

Thanks for all you're comments already . Our gp practice is currently being advertised under the NHS with the hope that some parnters/gps will be found to take over . Not looking very hopeful atm am terrified as have read so many horror stories and of also loosing my gp who deals with me mainly over the phone .

 

I'd like to think that they won't just stop my pills ,but it has happened at this surgery in the past when a doctor didn't like to prescribe them ,albeit it was sorted with another gp within two days .

 

I have been referred to a psychiatrist so am hoping they will be able to help ,and also prescribe a taper if that's what I have to do ?

 

I don't know a life where I haven't needed to take them ,terrible travel phobia also.

I have joined this group as it seems to be a lot more supportive than just googling symptoms of withdrawal, I'm not sure I'm ready tho as am at my worst right now. So if I'm in the wrong place please let me know . Many thanks,trying to understand how the website works at the moment on a silly little phone .

Regards ,kath