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I'm puzzled as To why a doctor would add in extra benzodiazepine?

Posted , 3 users are following.

BS8
BS8

Has anyone any idea why a doctor would add in another benzodiazepine? I'm really puzzled and it makes no sense to me . I also understand it is contraindicated, so why? Do doctors think, no not think, know they can do what they like with people. Do they think they are above the law by going off label? Try this is all they say to their patients. Any good doctor should look at a patient, take a full history and form their own opinion. No they use old notes from their predecessors which may have no bearing on the current situation. If an error they can then get their colleagues to back them up. After giving out two benzodiazepines they decide to withdraw one if not both of them. Where does that leave the patient apart from withdrawal! Then misdiagnosed as another illness? Any answers or comments please!

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • craig137
    craig137 BS8

    Posted

    Hello You

    ​Your absolutely right that a full history, including family is absolutely fundemental to making an informed guess. I say guess as thats all it really is. They certainly shouldn't be prescribing based on old notes or without taking at least the last 2 weeks of history (if an event has occured, self harm for example) If unsure they should without a doubt get a consult from another DR. The process of titration is founded in science this sometimes requires another benzo to counter act the missing metabolites from a stronger benzo. Rhohypnol too xanax too diazepam, too chlordizepozide. It's not an exact science and everyone person is reactive in different ways. The one thing that MUST not happen is sudden withdrawal from any CNS depressant. Most importantly is people do their own research and don't blindly follow instructions. Benzos are useful pills as are most medications if they are following directions specified. The problem arises when people themselves start increasing doses or ordering something of the web. Knowledge is king if you don't know Ask. There is no such thing as a stupid question. Hope this finds you well

    Craig

    • BS8
      BS8 craig137

      Posted

      Not sure I follow, why only two weeks history? What if someone were really in withdrawal eg delayed/protracted then diagnosed as another illness. Does the doctor make what a guess? 
    • BS8
      BS8 craig137

      Posted

      would that also include Z drugs?
    • craig137
      craig137 BS8

      Posted

      yes it would include the Z drugs. The reason I say 2 weeks is that is the time frame the NHS consider weather or not someone is in a mental crisis or not. I agree it should be extended, but chances are if your in a "fugue" state you would be well known to the psych team anyway. Unfortunately you are right that misdiagnosis is far too common due to WD from psychlogical drugs. This is just lazy medicine and clearly a differential diagnosis has not been done by a fully qualified psych team.
    • craig137
      craig137 BS8

      Posted

      Short answer with the avaible information at the DR's disposal. Yes. Dr's are human just like the rest of us mistakes can and will be made.
    • BS8
      BS8 craig137

      Posted

      If  a locum or junior the patient with insomnia, hallucinating (due to abrupt withdrawal) we're back to what, another guess? so yet another mistake? Something has to be done about this Craig - Oh happy Easter
    • craig137
      craig137 BS8

      Posted

      I agree whole heartly, more research is required, but unfortunately psychological research is far down on the list behind cures for other conditions, cancer (and various forms) HIV/AIDS ect ect. And NO WAY should a locum or especially a jr DR be making decisions this affecting on peoples lives without the consult of a senior DR. It is far from a perfect system. sad
    • craig137
      craig137 BS8

      Posted

      happy easter to you too looooooooooooooooooooool
    • BS8
      BS8 craig137

      Posted

      Craig could I have your input please? if one had a differential diagnosis from an independent GMC registered psych team. The NHS psych refuses to read it and ignores all guidelines, time has passed so this event has now taken place.  A complaint is now going through the process of weeks.The differential  diagnosis is still ignored so the patient is deteriorating.This is not good practice in anyone's book so any idea of what can one do?
    • craig137
      craig137 BS8

      Posted

      I would contact the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman​ on 0345 015 4033
    • BS8
      BS8 craig137

      Posted

      That was done some time ago, as was the CQC and NHS England any other ideas Craig?
  • carol20979
    carol20979 BS8

    Posted

    Well I can tell you from personal experience it is a BAD idea I might have this in my system for a month or more hoping that is not the case I just take diazepam now and don't want that but I do not want ro add another drug to this mix.SO I am stuck not knowing where to turn drs are making it worse.
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