Citalopram

[Baby_Sham]

I'm not happy today. I phoned my GP surgery this morning to get a repeat of the medication I've been on for a while (diazepam) and was told I'd "need to make an appointment as there was a note on the screen to say I wasn't allowed to make a request over the phone".
So, I managed to get an appointment and have just been. My doctor wasn't there so I had to see someone else who's prescribed me something completely different - 20mg Citalopram??? I asked why I couldn't have my usual medication and he said "it's not something they like to prescribe long term".

I'm in a right state now. Just the thought of having to go without it is sending me into a massive state of anxiety. In twelve years of suffering with anxiety and OCD this is the only thing that's helped, so I don't understand why they would think it a good idea to take me off it?

Can I appeal against this decision?

Also, does anyone have any experience of this drug? I need to know if there's any side effects, or anything 'bad' before I start taking it (and no I cannot read the leaflet).

Thanks.

[Mamyalynne]

May have made the right decision to change, but in my opinion , stopping Diazepam 'cold turkey' is not good.

[pixie373]

It is addictive. Works faster and wears off faster. But citalopram is more stable. I would expect the doctor will work out a combination to change over as smoothly as possible.

[Robinia]

Going 'cold turkey' from diazepam is definitely not good but it was what I had to do when I moved house and my new GP had a no diazepam policy apart from a few patients in exceptional circumstances.

[jd_1984]

GP opinion's regarding appropriate treatment will often differ. However if you have been on a course of treatment, that has proven effective, it is strange how the new doctor has ignored your previous prescription, however, it is well within his rights to do so. He will base the decision on your previous medical history and current mental/physical health. Are there any changes at all in your health or any factors discussed with new doctor that may have influenced his course of action. I dont know anything about diazapam (other than its is an anti-anxiety drug) but if the doctor feels you dont need it, perhaps he should have suggested lowering the dose rather than changing the meds, in my opinion... Having googled diazapam it appears as though it is commonly used "to get you through" periods of anxiety rather than being regarded as a cure or regular fix, perhaps the doctor has seen fit to give you an every day solution with the new drug but again, I really dont know much about these medicines!

[Baby_Sham]

I take 10mg of Diazepam, so I would have thought there was room to lower the doseage and do it over time, as opposed to overnight. I don't even take them every day, more 'as and when' really.
The GP I saw this morning said that as I'm now having CBT there "shouldn't be any need" for me to be on Diazepam... which is just ridiculous. I've had two sessions of therapy, so it's hardly surprising that I don't feel 'cured' just yet! He was really unhelpful and just seemed very uncaring - unlike my regular doctor who genuinely seems to give a damn.
I've always been aware of the fact I can't take Diazepam long-term, but I don't see the problem with taking it as I do. I only have a few left now, and have taken one today, so don't know what I'm going to do if my own doctor won't give me any either.
Anyway, I'll try not to think about that now and will see what he says tomorrow.

Thanks all :)

[jd_1984]

It appears that you are "stressing about stress" or "worrying about worrying"which sounds strange, but I have been there. 12 weeks of CBT did help me a lot, I never needed medication

[anneasquith]

how long and how often have you taken 10mg. diazepam ?

[Baby_Sham]

Once a day, usually towards bedtime as that's when my anxiety is at it's worse. I have been 'on them' on and off for 12/13 years. I do not take them every day though, just as and when. I suppose, on average, I take 4/5 a week but there really is no set rule to this and I just use them as a crutch.

I'm going to bed now to read, so won't reply to anything further, but thanks again.

[divegirl]

Hi Baby_Sham,
Really pleased to hear you're feeling a lot calmer. I've never taken Diazepam so can't comment on that but what I do know is that if a drug has a side effect I will suffer it lol but I with Citalopram I didn't have any. I really did find it helped me.... I was medication free for a fair few years after a long course of it.

I wish you peace.

Lisa x

[maggiebee]

I have been on 20mg Citalopram for a few years now and am likely to be on it for life. Have had no side effects, it just seems to keep me on an even keel.

[Baby_Sham]

Medication update: So, I went to see my regular GP. He was very understanding and I explained that I didn't think I could physically take the Citalopram as just the thought of having to take something new made me go into a bit of a sweat! He agreed that it probably wasn't the best decision to move me straight onto this and has decided, for now, to keep me on the diazepam - which I feel much, much happier about. I don't know if it's just a placebo, but knowing I've got some 'nearby' really makes a huge difference to me.
Anyway, all sorted now. I've got three months worth and have to go back for a "review" when I've run out, which suits me fine.

Thanks to all that answered and offered advice :-)

[Charlie911]

Hi Baby_Sham. Of course you can ask (any) doctor to change you back to Diazepam, and I personally think you should talk it over with your own doctor before your medication is changed. After all your own doctor knows you best.
I HATE taking Diazepam as it makes my long and short term memory dreadful, plus it kames me sooo very very sleepy all the time. I tend to use 20mg Backlofen - but then we are all so very different.
Best of luck to you Baby_Sham.