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Tranquillisers: Misuse

Answer

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has not recently issued any new advice on the addiction potential or the safe withdrawal from benzodiazepines or “z drugs”.

Benzodiazepines and “z drugs” (zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone) are recognised to be associated with an addiction potential particularly when taken for longer than the recommended 2-4 weeks. Over the years action has been taken by the MHRA, the Department of Health and professional bodies to provide extensive warnings about the risks of dependence, limit prescribing and issue advice about gradual withdrawal.

The risk of dependence on a benzodiazepine (or zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone) can increase with higher doses and longer duration of use; therefore, the time it takes to completely stop the medicine varies and withdrawal programmes may sometimes need to be individually tailored.

Patients receive a patient information leaflet in their pack of benzodiazepine (or zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone). The leaflet includes information and advice about their medicine, which will support the vital discussions they have with their doctor and pharmacist about their treatment or stopping treatment.

Benzodiazepines and “z drugs” are considered acceptably safe and effective when used in accordance with the approved indications and for the recommended duration of use.

An online learning module for healthcare professionals on benzodiazepines was published on the MHRA’s website in March 2013. The module’s section on dependence and withdrawal gives general guidance on the principles of benzodiazepine withdrawal. The online learning module reflects the product information for these medicines.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

222212

Session

2014-15

Subjects

Misuse Tranquillisers

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk