Prescriptions for certain meds

Hi all

I'm moving to the UK on a spouse visa on Aug 28. For the better part of 15 years, I've taken (on a very limited, as-needed basis) medication for extreme anxiety/panic attacks.

This is a controlled substance here in the US, and I'm sure it is in the UK as well.

I don't have a recent Rx for it, and do not have a GP at the moment because I have no insurance, as I've been working temp jobs in preparation for the move across the pond.

Does anyone know if there's anything in particular that I would need to bring or show proof of if I'm trying to get this medication in the UK? I plan to find a regular GP very soon after getting over there.

My husband (aged 73) had a repeat Rx for clonazepam (similar to xanex) for years in the US. He was told that it would NOT be prescribed here, which I personally think was a good thing, as he had the beginnings of a mental dependency.

I suspect no GP would prescribe an anti-anxiety drug on the strength of past history in the US. Certainly try to get your old doctor to give you a copy of your medical records - which they should do for no charge, but don't expect anyone here to rely solely on that.

It's different for many other drugs; my simvistatin for cholesterol was prescribed w/o a re-check, but drugs with any potential for recreational use or addiction will certainly be subject to a current evaluation.

Wellbutrin isn't typically available here as an antianxiety drug.  It can only be given as an anti-smoking aid by GPs, but I have read in places that you can get it if you go through consultants. 

The only problem with doing all that is they usually want to try other drugs first.

It would be difficult for me to get ahold of any medical history because it's been so sporadic - I've had insurance only off and on over the past 15 years. I will certainly try though. I've also only had maybe 3 prescriptions filled within that time as well. I still have some leftover from 2011. So I'm definitely not abusing it and am fully aware at how addictive these drugs can be - something I certainly respect.

I only take it when I have severe panic attacks, which are rare but do happen. I know that what I take (Lorazapam) is on some part of the NHS website, and they list it as being prescribed for anxiety and a few other things.

I'm hoping to have some on hand is all. Hopefully I can get some medical records from the past.

Thanks for the advice.