NOTICE TO ALL PATIENTS
Prescribing of hypnotics and anxiolytics (benzodiazepines).
These are medicines which are highly addictive and open to abuse. The UK medicines regulatory body, the MHRA, advises that doctors should avoid long-term prescribing of this type of medicine which includes the following examples:
Diazepam Nitrazepam
Lorazepam Temazepam
Loprazolam Zopiclone
Lormetazepam Zolpidem
Oxazepam Zalepon
Chlordiazepoxide
These medicines will no longer routinely be started by the practice.
Prescriptions for these medicines:
- Will be for short term use only (up to 2 weeks maximum)
- Will require regular follow up/return to the practice prior to issuing
If you are already taking any of the above medicines then you may be invited to the practice for a review with your doctor to discuss a plan to step down/stop the medicine. As part of treatment with these medicines the practice will carry out random urine testing. If you would like more information please discuss with your doctor.