Difficulties getting supplementary medication
Hey everyone,
I was prescribed Sertraline 25mg by my NP for Panic Disorder, OCD, and GAD.
I’ve done my research on SSRIs and I know the side effects tend to hit hardest in the first few weeks. I’m in BC, Canada, using a telehealth service for this.
I’ve had panic attacks daily for over a year and a half now, so I know for a fact the first few weeks are going to be rough, especially the physical stuff like racing heart and palpitations.
As a precaution I wanted the lowest dose of Xanax to get through that window. My telehealth provider doesn’t offer benzos at all, and when I tried urgent care they turned me down too.
I get why providers are cautious given how addictive benzos can be, but it feels pretty unfair to be denied something I actually need just because other people misuse them. I’ve never taken one in my life.
Propranolol’s out for me because of childhood asthma, and I’m hesitant on hydroxyzine too given the QT concerns and how sedating it is.
I just wanted a two week bridge so I’m not showing up to the ER every time it gets unbearable.
To make it worse, I’m also quitting a year of daily cannabis use the same week I start the medication, so I’m bracing for both at once.
Honestly this whole process has left me feeling hopeless. Every provider I talk to treats me like I’m drug seeking instead of someone who’s actually struggling.
Anyone else been through this? How’d you manage the first few weeks without a benzo bridge?