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GMC complaint

Posted , 3 users are following.

BS8
BS8

I am presently making a formal complaint to the GMC. A Psychiatrist has recently sectioned someone I know. They abruptly withdrew them from diazepam. After three weeks this person was literally crawling the walls, hallucinating it became life threatening!!! I found on the royal college of psychiatrists website under benzodiazepines which will include zopiclone also NICE guidelines state abrupt withdrawal is dangerous and should be done at the patients own pace. We eventually managed to get it reinstated.

1 like, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest BS8

    Posted

    I wish you all the best with your complaint. 
    • BS8
      BS8 Guest

      Posted

      Thanks. Any help would be appreciated!
  • Guest
    Guest BS8

    Posted

    I am not sure how I can help. I don't know the procedures for complaining to the GMC.  Not sure if someone can complain on behalf of a friend.  Just know that benzodiazepines should be  tapered gradually, not withdrawn abruptly.  Have you read the Ashton manual - written by Professor Healther Ashton - foremost expert in benzo withdrawal.  Just Google Heather Ashton manual and you will find it.  
    • BS8
      BS8 Guest

      Posted

      Yes I have many years ago, I have also spoken to Heather Ashton in the past. it's the Ashton manual that NICE provides a link to. I am not doing this as a friend, I am doing it with their legal

      consent. I have managed to get them discharged now. We are going to stabilize first then take it from there.

  • Guest
    Guest BS8

    Posted

    I wish you the best of luck.  I have been bedridden for 30 months after completing a three month taper from nitrazepam.  It has been absolute hell.  Improving though. 
    • Guest
      Guest

      Posted

      Just had a thought.  There is a meeting at the BMA in a couple of days to discuss prescribed drug dependence.  Chair of BMA, Baroness Hollins is quite keen to see something done about the issue.  Are you aware of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Prescribed Drug Dependence and the work of Council for Evidence Based Psychiatry?  If you want you could forward an account of what has happened to the BMA.  If you message me I will give you the email address to write to. 
    • BS8
      BS8 Guest

      Posted

      Hi Fiona

      Firstly I too am bedridden as are other people I know (we all had the same GP) one of these came off abruptly others and I didn't. 3 months sounds too quick to me? Could I first ask how much were you taking and for how long?

    • BS8
      BS8

      Posted

      I have an email written to the BMA but not sent yet . The meeting is tomorrow, what do you suggest I do?
    • Guest
      Guest BS8

      Posted

      I was on nitrazepam for 40 years for myoclonic epilepsy.  My GP suggested I stop taking it so I tapered over 3 months  Had no symptoms at all so thought all was well. No reason to slow down or stop. Next 6 months weren't too bad then bang I was hit with a barrage of physical symptoms.  Been in bed mostly since then.  Have I met you already on Benzo Buddies or on Facebook by any chance?  You will recognise my story if we have met already. 
    • Guest
      Guest BS8

      Posted

      I would send it off.  Is to George Roycroft? He is pretty good at replyiing promptly I have to say so he must check his emails regularly.  
    • BS8
      BS8 Guest

      Posted

      Hi Fiona No sorry you haven't but I would be happy to meet you I am in the south west where are you? I do believe you are in withdrawl as it can take years.
    • Guest
      Guest BS8

      Posted

      Have sent you a message with more details. 
    • BS8
      BS8

      Posted

      Sorry havmt had chance but I will asap
  • Guest
    Guest BS8

    Posted

    Even if your email is too late for tomorrow's meeting, there wil be other meetings.  It is just good to given the BMA as much evidence as possible that benzodiazepine withdrawal is a problem.  Maybe they know that already.  
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