Posted by viridis on March 13, 2003, at 1:14:34
In reply to How do I get a benzo?, posted by Caleb462 on March 12, 2003, at 22:42:33
See another doctor (preferably a psychiatrist), tell them that various drugs you've tried for anxiety haven't worked, and mention that you've heard that clonazepam helps (be kind of vague about it; don't indicate any familiarity with benzos). Don't ask for Xanax; my pdoc says this is a huge red flag. And, be insistent about the classes of meds you refuse to take, with good reasons to back this up.
If you have panic attacks, emphasize this -- Klonopin is one of the 'gold standard" drugs for panic disorder (with good reason).
I'm not suggesting any deception; you just don't want to give any hint that you like benzos, because so many doctors are ridiculously paranoid about these drugs.
Just to emphasize: having panic attacks really helps (if it's true). I do, and I think this is what triggered an immediate multi-benzo prescription once I saw a good psychiatrist.
BTW, previous history of drug use isn't necessarily a contraindication, unless you've actually abused benzos. If you've used them legitimately and didn't get off (like me), this is worth mentioning if the context is right. I said (quite honestly) that anything above the prescribed dose just made me sleepy, and this seemed to reassure my pdoc.
I doubt you'll get anything more than a short-term benzo prescription from a GP, unless you're very lucky; most will just want to try endless still-under-patent ADs (or even APs), no matter what you say.
poster:viridis
thread:208601
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030310/msgs/208651.html