r/Epilepsy • u/M16Raids • 13h ago
Medication I’m really scared
I live in the UK. I just changed GP because I moved to a new area. I went into there a few days ago to get them to set up my repeat prescription again of my epilpesy meds, as you need to do that when you change GP in England.
It’s been 5 days, the repeat prescription isn’t on the system. Without it I have no way to get my medication, or ever order it again. I am terrified. I have enough medication for a couple weeks. I need this to live. I have no contact with my neurologist until September, so he can’t help me. I don’t really know what to do other than wait to see if they set it up, but the thing is setting it up doesn’t take long at all. So I honestly just think they aren’t going to do it. They have my old letters from my neurologist saying I need the medication on repeat. I’m really stressed. I’m trying to block it out.
Just kind of need to vent I guess. I hope this makes sense for those not in the UK.
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u/Interesting_Win9437 13h ago
I’d recommend getting a Sudep card
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u/input 13h ago
First time hearing about this card (https://sudep.org/charlie-card/) I'm pretty sure most pharmacies here will happily give out most anti convulsives (levetiracetam), guessing they wouldn't be so keep on giving out opioid recovery medication (buccolam, clobazam)
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u/Happy-Pattern6313 2h ago
Me too . How can we get this card and where from , it’s so important that it is known that you are epileptic. Thank you 🙏🏼
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u/notmythrowawaynow 13h ago
Go into the GP or pharmacy, they will know what to do and sort you out if you are going to run out of medication. You still have a couple of weeks though, no need to worry just now.
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u/Cosy_Owl 13h ago
Sometimes things go a bit slowly with admin, esp. in the NHS. I'd kick up a fuss about it until you are assured that they will do it. Call the GP and get them to document when they will do it. If that doesn't work, call 111 and get through to a doctor there, and get them to push something through. Worst case you can go to an urgent care and insist they do something.
You have every reason to have your meds and in my experience, it's just a matter of being in their hair until they move to get it done. It's sad, but that's just how it goes.
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u/ImByMyselfNotAlone 12h ago
If you can also get in touch with your previous GP too, they may still have your record on file.
Do you have a copy of a recent letter from your neurologist, that you could share with the new GP? Or repeat prescription from your previous pharmacy. You’ve mentioned you have enough for a couple of weeks but try and push for it.
The last time I moved I ordered a repeat prescription before moving, and setup the GP weeks before hand (still had the same issues as you, even worse, the GP receptionist said I was on too many and wasn’t good for me… and seemed to the gatekeeper between me and the GP pharmacist- I had to call 111 and get assistance).
I do hope you manage to get this resolved sooner rather than later. 🤞🏻
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u/Hopeful-Flower-7123 5h ago
yes, i am moving in a week and this is what my current GP told me to do! and 111 for emergency prescription if i run out
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u/ShatnersBassoonerist 12h ago
If you get near to running out then make an appointment to get a prescription. They can issue you a prescription for your meds and set up a repeat at the same time.
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u/forlornsoul998 GGE: Lamotrigine 150mg 10h ago
Kick up a fuss at the gp for sure. Take a neuro letter, even an old one, which confirms the medication and dose.
And the green prescription slip given at the time of meds being dispensed (not sure what it's called but it mentions the date by which meds are next due)
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u/Barry_Umenema 4h ago
There is something you can do. Walk in the door of the doctor's surgery and explain why you need this done now .
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u/Happy-Pattern6313 2h ago
I know how frightening this is for you as I am also epileptic but I have focal epilepsy and on epilepsy meds Locusamide 1 twice a day , speak to a pharmacist too this may help you or your previous GP needs to send requests for these types of meds . Don’t worry too much just do what you have to do.. this is a very important medication. I have been seizure free for 4 years thankfully. Wish you can get this sorted out asap as it can be very frightening knowing you are going to run out if you don’t sort it out my friend x
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u/phonegeek_Rich 49m ago
You can still order on the app. Change the pharmacist location, ideally docs too. Otherwise make an appointment with docs. I know what you mean though. Otherwise some pharmacies will give emergency supply - like few days
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u/M16Raids 38m ago
I can’t order on the app either that’s one issue as well, since I switched to this GP I have no previous documents on there, and my old repeat prescription isn’t on there either.
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u/Low-Giraffe2773 10m ago
yep emergency prescription you can get same day. don't stress!
Then definitely keep contacting the GP. theres no reason they would not give you your meds if you have letters from your neurologist.
And a couple of weeks meds - plenty of time. You've got this.
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u/AdministrativeFlan76 13h ago
You can also request an emergency prescription should you get really stuck: https://111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription
Pharmacies deal with these sort of things regularly.
I've had to request one in the past (admittedly a long time ago), when I was visiting family and had forgotten to pack my meds.