Publication of recommendations and consultation analysis on prescription medicine dependence and withdrawal
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 28th February 2022
The Scottish Government's Short Life Working group have released the outcomes from their work
In response to a petition submitted to the Scottish Parliament and work undertaken by Public Health England (PHE) to review dependence and withdrawal associated with some prescribed medicines, the Scottish Government established a short life working group (SLWG). The group was asked to look at the scale of the issues in Scotland. Membership of the SLWG included medical, pharmacy and nursing representation from the professions as well as professional bodies, patients with lived experience, patient organisations, SIGN, Public Health Scotland and academia.
The group sought to identify the scale, distribution and underlying contributors to prescription drug dependence and what might be done to address this in Scotland.
The review covered adults (aged 18 and over) and 5 classes of medicines:
• Benzodiazepines (mostly prescribed for anxiety and/or insomnia)
• Z-drugs (sleeping tablets with effects similar to benzodiazepines)
• Gabapentin and pregabalin (together called gabapentinoids and used to treat
epilepsy, neuropathic pain and, in the case of pregabalin, anxiety disorders)
• Opioids for chronic non-cancer pain
• Antidepressants (for depression, anxiety disorders and neuropathic pain).
The group shared draft recommendations within a consultation. An analysis of consultation responses can be found here (this link will take you away from our website).
The final agreed recommendations from the Short Life Working Group on Prescription Medicine Dependence and Withdrawal, amended following the consultation, can be found here (this link will take you away from our website).
End of page.
You may also like:
The National Autistic Society has launched a campaign calling for improvement to support, inclusion, and services.
Continue readingGlasgow-based charity Spider Arts are launching a free arts therapy group for adults at The Hidden Gardens.
Continue readingThis budget must put the third sector on a sustainable footing, and deliver on the Government's pledge to abolish social care charges.
Continue readingICIC26 brings together global experts and people with lived experience to explore how integrated care can better serve diverse communities.
Continue readingEvery Child’s Right to Health – The Time for Action is Now
Continue readingShare your views before 19 February
Continue readingWith Covid19 exposing how children’s rights were sidelined, the Inquiry called for statutory Child Rights Impact Assessments
Continue readingReform of the council tax system is long overdue, with the current system negatively impacting funding for services including social care.
Continue readingRead our response to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee's consultation on extending voting rights.
Continue readingBeware of the risks of counterfeit alcohol
Continue readingHelp build a new NHS Scotland system to enable people to share how they feel and how treatment affects their life
Continue readingIf you have a Visual Impairment and any experience of using the Access to Work scheme, please take this survey.
Continue readingNew research highlights the barriers to accessible train travel for people with Visual Impairment
Continue readingHelp improve the accessibility of NHS information on eye care
Continue readingNew guidance for all professionals working within healthcare settings
Continue readingNHS 24 Survey – improving access for people with Sensory Impairment, BSL users, or Speech Impairment
Take the survey to help make NHS 24 services more accessible
Continue readingApply to the Agnes Hunter Trust by Wednesday 5 February.
Continue readingFirst monitoring report shows improvements in wellbeing and services alongside ongoing gaps in data and unequal outcomes
Continue readingIn person leadership events exploring compassionate leadership, system working and positive workplace cultures in health and social care.
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingThe Scottish Government Plan builds on progress from the first Women’s Health Plan and sets new priority areas.
Continue readingThis toolkit helps people work together to find, collect and share information about local resources that support community wellbeing.
Continue readingThe programme continues to be a critical strategic partner in gambling harms prevention work across Scotland.
Continue readingFindings reinforce ALLIANCE concerns on declining performance, limited reporting and inequalities
Continue readingProgress in many areas is welcome, but the budget must go further on social care, mental health and third sector support.
Continue reading