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1 year 2 months ago #282794 by McMaddie
Meds was created by McMaddie
Hi

I am helping my friend with her PIP appeal. She is allergic to paracetamol, cant take other pain relief for various reason and also doesn't take any mental health meds as the side effects are really bad and make her more depressed, stressed, anxious and we wondered if the DWP stance on taking meds had changed since the Feb 22 guidance on the absence of mental health meds, she suffered such terrible side effects from Depixol depot injections that she is terrified of anti psychotic drugs. We are stumped as to how to phrase this as it was completely ignored by IAS at her phone assessment. Can you help at all?

Thank you.

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1 year 2 months ago #282797 by BIS
Replied by BIS on topic Meds
Hi Mcmaddie

There hasn't been any change to the guidance since Feb 22, but it doesn't surprise me that the assessor ignored it. Many assessors still think that if a claimant is not taking a lot of medication, then their condition is not as serious as they may say.

Your friend should list the medications she has tried, describe the side effects (mental and physical)and say why she can't take them or why she doesn't choose to take them. She should also say if she has been offered any medication that she decided not to even try. She should also voice her fears of medication. If she has anyone who has seen the effects of any medication she has taken - they could write a supporting letter. If she has anyone willing to write a letter saying how she struggles because she cannot take medication - that would also be useful.

I would expect the Tribunal panel to have more knowledge and be more sympathetic about this area.

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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