DOSE ANYOE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE LAW OF CONSENT REGARDING BENZOS IN UK

I got a big problem my new GP want to pull me off 8mgs f Diazepam in 6 weeks to 3 months    If I write a letter stating 'Under the law of Connect Act 2017  I do not give my consent for him to do that, and neither do I give my consent to be pushed into a too rapid taper when I'm already in a mess and holding. Dose he have to continue allowing me to address the taper at my own rate and not lower my dose? And is it illegal if he says he won't allow me treatment and tells me to leave the surgery if I don't cut as fast as he says??

 

Love Nova xxx  :smitten:

Nova:

 

I do not know the laws in the UK. I tried to look it up for you but there is nothing there. Sorry.

Oh man am so so sorry nova...

Have you una corbets number???

 

She can act on your behalf with doctors...have got the phone number of B.A.T You can speak to her there!!

Xxxx

 

Hi Nova,

 

I am sorry you are going through this...

 

While I don't know the answer to your questions, I'm sure there are knowledgeable people from the UK on FB support groups. Feel free to PM me!!

 

Take care 

Julz xx

Also do you use the uk help line in Bristol??

 

You can get 10 mins a day for just reasurrence ❣️

 

They have all been through it on the help lines!

 

Ian knows his stuff,his done this for decades helped people.Its just nice to know there’s some one to cry or ask questions too...have got the Bristol project number too that’s ian & co

Xxxx

I'm so sorry to hear this Nova.  I hope you get some answers.

I live in the UK and I have never heard of this.  AFAIK, your doctor can just refuse to prescribe benzos any more, unless you become a registered drug addict, which is what some people do in order to continue to take them. 

 

The tendency has been for many years for UK doctors to refuse to prescribe benzos except very, very short term (ie a few days) to get you through a crisis.  In the last 5-10 years, prescribing has also tightened up regarding z drugs as well. 

I have never heard of this Law and I am very active in the UK campaign group.  If he insists in tapering you too fast make it perfectly clear that he is putting your health at risk.  Ask him why he would do this?  I would put it in writing.  Cite the NICE Guidelines on benzodiazepine withdrawal.  Cite the Ashton manual.  He has a duty as a doctor not to put your health at risk.  Ask him for a written response..  Ask him why there is a need to taper you so quickly when a slow taper is the proven method of withdrawal and the least likely to result in harm.

 

These are just some suggestions.  Remember Baylissa said she would act as an advocate.

 

Perhaps you would like to know that I have a full acknowledgement now that my health has been utterly destroyed by a too rapid taper and I am in a position to take legal action if I so choose.  Forcing a too rapid taper is highly dangerous. 

 

Best wishes

 

Fiona 

 

nova,

 

I didn't see anything about that law. But I do know a bit about local law in NL and informed consent.

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/consent-to-treatment/

 

Is this of any help ? Before  you try anything, I would suggest you contact a lawyer with knowledge of that part of UK law. Likely he's got a better lawyer than you ...

I wonder if you are referring to this legal case .. it is about informed consent ... now I don't know if "tapering" would be regarded as "treatment".  It may not but I am no legal expert.

 

http://www.bmj.com/content/350/bmj.h1481

 

 

Fiona

My Doctor is FULL OF SHIT!!!   He told me that he is ''Following NICE GUIDELINES by pulling off at 2mg a time over no less than 3 months  after I've been on  this Drug 20 years or longer???  He's also going by an 8mg dose I'm prescribed after spending year's fighting to lower the dose myself with no medical help although I begged for it? And I had to up-dose to 10mg and have been holding there 6 months trying to stabilise as I'm really fkd up

 

 

FROM THE NICE GUIDELINES

 

Benzodiazepine and z-drug withdrawal

Last revised in April 2015

 

Negotiate a gradual drug withdrawal schedule (dose tapering) that is flexible. Be guided by the person in making adjustments so that they remain comfortable with the withdrawal.,

 

And its printed on BLOCK PRINT in the guidelines under '' Managing someone who wants to stop

How do I manage someone who wants to stop benzodiazepines or z-drugs?

 

I also went in massive anxiety in front of him, was very depressed broke down and cried was panicking and pleading for him to reconsider and to work with me but he still refused. Another section  from the NICE GUIDELINES

        Symptoms of depression. Withdrawing these drugs can worsen symptoms of clinical depression. The priority is to manage depression first, before attempting drug withdrawal — see the CKS topic on Depression.

        Symptoms of anxiety — see the CKS topic on Generalized anxiety disorder. Withdrawing treatment when significant symptoms of anxiety are present is likely to make symptoms worse and is therefore unlikely to succeed. However, when symptoms are reasonably well controlled and stable it may be possible to attempt careful drug withdrawal.

        Symptoms of long-term insomnia. If insomnia is severe, consider treating this with non-drug treatments prior to starting withdrawal of a benzodiazepine or z-drug — see the CKS topic on Insomnia.

        Any medical problems and whether these are well controlled and stable. If problems are causing significant distress, consider managing these first, prior to starting withdrawal of benzodiazepines or z-drugs.

 

Consider whether the withdrawal of the benzodiazepine or z-drug can be appropriately managed in primary care.

 

    People are considered suitable if they:

        Are willing, committed, and compliant, and have adequate social support.

        Have no previous history of complicated drug withdrawal.

        Are able to attend regular reviews.

 

THE NICE GUIDELINES https://cks.nice.org.uk/benzodiazepine-and-z-drug-withdrawal#!scenario

 

 

He's doing completely the OPPOSITE to the guidelines he's insisting he's following???

 

Love Nova xxx  :smitten: :smitten:

 

 

I don't know how else to put this, but have you considered you are addicted to diazepam?  You are not 'fkd up', it's the drug, not you.

I don't know how else to put this, but have you considered you are addicted to diazepam?  You are not 'fkd up', it's the drug, not you.

  Hi Ginger  For your information Ii am NOT 'Addicted'' I am ''Dependant' BY ''FKD UP'' I'm sure everyone realises that I am talking about the severity of the withdrawal symptoms and how disabled I am by them. BUT still keep getting misdiagnosed and the Doctor is trying to put me back on a Z drug I took myself off in a MASSIVE DOSE, on an even BIGGER DOSE? Also I asked for 20 odd years for help to get off the drug. It never buzzed me out or made me ''feel good', and I often didn't bother putting in for a prescription as I had spares where I was cutting back, there is a recognised difference between ''Addiction'' and ''drug induced dependency''.

 

 

Love Nova xxx  :smitten:

Dear nova1,

 

I meant no disrespect, I am so sorry you're going through this.  Yes, there is distinction between addiction and physical dependence, thank you for reitereting this point.  I hope you can work out your situation.

Hi Nova l have to say doctors in the UK tend to pull people off benzo and z drugs far too quickly.l don't know if you are dependent on one doctor or if your health centre has a number of doctors.l would advise you go to another doctor in that practice.l think if this is not an option ring the citizens advice bureau and see if they can advise you on what to do next.

Hi Nova l have to say doctors in the UK tend to pull people off benzo and z drugs far too quickly.l don't know if you are dependent on one doctor or if your health centre has a number of doctors.l would advise you go to another doctor in that practice.l think if this is not an option ring the citizens advice bureau and see if they can advise you on what to do next.

Hi Stut  He's the head of the practice so I can't see any other Doctor rocking the boat and I tired C.A.B but the woman I spoke to was no help at all, I may try them again to see if someone whose more knowledgeable answers.

 

 

Love Nova xxx  :smitten:

I'm in the US, not the UK, and our laws are different.  However, I would be careful about pushing too hard.  In the US, some people have gone back to their doctor stating that they need to taper slower than the time the doctor allotted.  When the doctor refused, the patients went to the doctors boss or board of medicine.  In several cases, this did not help the patient, and instead, led to the doctor refusing to prescribe any more benzos, and the patient was cold turkeyed (or left to taper with whatever they had on hand).  A fast taper is definitely better than no taper!

 

My Doctor is FULL OF SHIT!!!   He told me that he is ''Following NICE GUIDELINES by pulling off at 2mg a time over no less than 3 months  after I've been on  this Drug 20 years or longer???  He's also going by an 8mg dose I'm prescribed after spending year's fighting to lower the dose myself with no medical help although I begged for it? And I had to up-dose to 10mg and have been holding there 6 months trying to stabilise as I'm really fkd up

 

FROM THE NICE GUIDELINES

 

Benzodiazepine and z-drug withdrawal

Last revised in April 2015

 

Negotiate a gradual drug withdrawal schedule (dose tapering) that is flexible. Be guided by the person in making adjustments so that they remain comfortable with the withdrawal.,

 

And its printed on BLOCK PRINT in the guidelines under '' Managing someone who wants to stop

How do I manage someone who wants to stop benzodiazepines or z-drugs?

 

I also went in massive anxiety in front of him, was very depressed broke down and cried was panicking and pleading for him to reconsider and to work with me but he still refused. Another section  from the NICE GUIDELINES

        Symptoms of depression. Withdrawing these drugs can worsen symptoms of clinical depression. The priority is to manage depression first, before attempting drug withdrawal — see the CKS topic on Depression.

        Symptoms of anxiety — see the CKS topic on Generalized anxiety disorder. Withdrawing treatment when significant symptoms of anxiety are present is likely to make symptoms worse and is therefore unlikely to succeed. However, when symptoms are reasonably well controlled and stable it may be possible to attempt careful drug withdrawal.

        Symptoms of long-term insomnia. If insomnia is severe, consider treating this with non-drug treatments prior to starting withdrawal of a benzodiazepine or z-drug — see the CKS topic on Insomnia.

        Any medical problems and whether these are well controlled and stable. If problems are causing significant distress, consider managing these first, prior to starting withdrawal of benzodiazepines or z-drugs.

 

Consider whether the withdrawal of the benzodiazepine or z-drug can be appropriately managed in primary care.

 

    People are considered suitable if they:

        Are willing, committed, and compliant, and have adequate social support.

        Have no previous history of complicated drug withdrawal.

        Are able to attend regular reviews.

 

THE NICE GUIDELINES https://cks.nice.org.uk/benzodiazepine-and-z-drug-withdrawal#!scenario

 

 

He's doing completely the OPPOSITE to the guidelines he's insisting he's following???

 

Love Nova xxx  :smitten: :smitten:

 

I am so sorry, Nova.  I don't know what to suggest.  The addiction specialist that I saw on Friday said I should have tapered off 5 mg Nitrazepam over one to two years.  I had been on it for 40 years.  He is saying this after the fact of course.  I do not know what the advice would have been if I had consulted him before I started tapering.

 

Can you insist on a referral to a specialist?

 

Please let us know what happens.

 

Take care

 

Fiona 

Another thought .. write to your GP ... quoting NICE guidelines etc .. stating your health is now at serious risk because of his actions .. state you do not consent to this treatment due to risks involved for you.  Copy it to your MP.  If you have a solicitor, copy it to him/her.  Ask for reasons for his decision-making.  I don't know if this could all backfire on you .... and you may not feel this is a wise course of action.  Just some ideas.

Do you know about this service in Wales?  It may not cover the part of Wales you are in but it might be worth giving this lady a call.

 

http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/ViewLocalService.aspx?id=2556&s=Health

 

I think you already know about the Welsh petition and the recent publicity  Stevie Lewis who raised the petition gave me the above link.

Do you know about this service in Wales?  It may not cover the part of Wales you are in but it might be worth giving this lady a call.

 

http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/ViewLocalService.aspx?id=2556&s=Health

 

I think you already know about the Welsh petition and the recent publicity  Stevie Lewis who raised the petition gave me the above link.

Thanks Fiona  Her answer service is on but I'll try again later Yes I signed the Welsh petition, I just spoke to Bristol tranquillising project. And their saying to give the non consent letter a try , and to put what I pointed out about the NICE as well in the letter but I'm going to print the page and highlight it after pointing out to the Doctor he said he's working within their guidelines.

 

And the guy BTP also claim as I'm not refusing to come off the Diazepam but be allowed to continue at a rate that's acceptable to me the Doctor will be in big trouble if he refuses to let me continue or kicks me out of the surgery. The Patients  advisory service I think their called said to write a letter of complaint to the practice manger, and I just remembered something else too. My previous GP surgery, the one Doctor I spoke put me down for a Social worker and a Community health Doctor ( Shrink) which are bit very long waiting lists, to visit me at home regarding coming off the Benzos , and I was also under those ( CCH Doctors) Doctors when the Benzos were put up by THEM 2 or 2 times to my eventual highest dose. A GP originally prescribed 5mg 2x daily as I was stressed and sleep deprived looking after 2 sick parents and a sick older partner at the same time.

 

I had actually gone to see the GP to get my Mothers prescription and he took one look at me and was very concerned about me then I broke down crying then he prescribed the Benzos. I began to sink into terrible depression and mood swings a while later and when the depression got a LOT worse I now know why  freaking Diazepam) Another GP sent me to see the shrink for a few year's it ended up being and different shrinks as they changed every 3 months kept upping the dosage, plus put me on Temazepam 40mg per night  PRN which as I didn't know no better, was going CT after taking them for a month every night months apart each time . When the Doctor was here I was in a state and got confused as to why I was put on the Benzos and he keep telling me I got M.E, and fibro AS£"!*_+(%$"!!

 

And  I said  I think it was for muscle spams but I get confused about what's what and  wasn't sure it was for muscle spams and he said 'Well its no good for your ME??? So I'm going to stop it But I was put on it for anxiety and depression, he was asking a LOT of quick fire questions and I couldn't think properly. Soooooo, I will now also be putting about the Community health Doctor my other Doctor put me on a waiting list for as he didn't think as a GP HE should be messing about taking me off Benozs and shrinks were better qualified although I beg to see why he thinks that, but at least HE was trying to do the right thing.

 

 

Love Nova xxx  :smitten:

It sounds as though you are handling this extremely well.  I admire you greatly.  And you have what sounds like a good plan of action but it should not be necessary for patients to have to do this as you know. 

 

Please keep us updated.  I am very concerned for you.

 

Hugs

 

Fiona 

 

 

It sounds as though you are handling this extremely well.  I admire you greatly.  And you have what sounds like a good plan of action but it should not be necessary for patients to have to do this as you know. 

 

Please keep us updated.  I am very concerned for you.

 

Hugs

 

Fiona 

I will do Fiona, he rang and said he's writing me up one prescription at my usual 8mgs for this month only so I am going to wait until I get it, and the pills before I send the letter, here is the thing about life. When you stand up  for what is right you stand alone no matter who or how how ill you are    Although I was pretty shocked when my Ex who dumped me while I was in hell withdrawal and had no idea why I was getting worse. Said ''He can't do that!! your to taper really slowly as it dangerous, so it seems he's actually now become aware about how evil the Benzos are. Well better late than never at least he now knows I'm not the ''Attention seeking Hypochondriac'' he kept calling me for a few years 

 

Love Nova xxx  :smitten:

You are very brave and very strong, Nova.  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I wonder if you are referring to this legal case .. it is about informed consent ... now I don't know if "tapering" would be regarded as "treatment".  It may not but I am no legal expert.

 

http://www.bmj.com/content/350/bmj.h1481

 

 

Fiona

 

Informed consent: https://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/consent_guidance_index.asp

 

Don't rely on that ...