3 replies to this topic

[Davevanza]

I 've been suffering from chronic headache, besides from panic disorder and depression for years.

I've got a private prescription of Piracetam from a neurologist, but it is not approved by the chemist as it is an unregistered medication, and while waiting for my busy neurologist to get a Special Access Scheme form approved from the TGA, ( in this case I've been waiting for almost 2 months), I went around to several GPs to get a prescription of Piracetam as well as an approval form from the doctors.

I was surprised that all the GPs were reluctant to prescribe Piracetam with reason that they were not familiar with it ( even though I printed out infos about Piracetam, that it could improve brain function, and be used as a preventative medication for headache), instead they easily offered me 50tabs of 2mg Xanax and 100tabs of 500mg paracetamol+30mg codeine.

As far as I know, in other countries, it is the other way around, it is hard to obtain opiates and benzodiazepines but easy to get Piracetam.

So now, while waiting for my neurologist to get an approval, I stockpile few bottles of Xanax, Valium, and few boxes of paracetamol+codeine.

Is it the same case in the States ?

[Johann]

In the US, if one goes to the Dr and asks for a nootropic, the doctor will not go for it. One is more likely to receive birth control pills or blood pressure medication. Those are some of the top sellers here. SSRIs and Statins are also big.

But to answer your question, if one were to go into a Dr's office here and ask for Piracetam, the Dr would probably just offer him a vaccination. There are lots of vaccines in the USA. Doesn't matter if its the big toe hurting, there is probably a vaccine for that.

Edited by Johann, 19 November 2009 - 01:13 PM.

[KimberCT]

Here in the USA, my doctor will not prescribe anything he is not familiar with. Instead, he offers to read up on the drug and call me a few days later with his decision. So far he's always called me back and given me the prescription.

[chrono]

...instead they easily offered me 50tabs of 2mg Xanax and 100tabs of 500mg paracetamol+30mg codeine.

Is it the same case in the States ?

I've had quite the opposite experience, in the US. I suffer from moderate to severe neck and shoulder pain resulting from a car accident, and for about 3 years this went uncontrolled as several GPs sent me away with ibuprofen or near-useless NSAIDs. Practitioners are terrified of DEA scrutiny, and it's very difficult to find someone who will prescribe anything potentially "recreational" unless your condition is rock-solid and objectively demonstrable. I know people who have had to resort to checking into methadone clinics just to get pain relief. It's especially troublesome if you're a twentysomething male.

Benzos are slightly easier to obtain; psychiatrists are still more ready to prescribe, and there has been less of a backlash than against opiate prescriptions.

As far as nootropics go, it is somewhat outside the purview of a GP to "prescribe." With only a few exceptions, they aren't something you need a script for. You either order online, or obtain OTC at health stores/pharmacies. Piracetam is unapproved, but not illegal here. Whether your doctor will discuss their benefits with you and make recommendations depends on their focus, and how progressive they are.

I was surprised that all the GPs were reluctant to prescribe Piracetam with reason that they were not familiar with it ( even though I printed out infos about Piracetam, that it could improve brain function, and be used as a preventative medication for headache)

I think a lot of docs are understandably weary of patients coming in with internet printouts. Not sure what you brought in, but I think doctors are most impressed by medical literature. Maybe try a PubMed search?