Important information about these medicines
We are contacting patients who may be prescribed medicines such as:
- Gabapentin
- Pregabalin
- Diazepam
- Lorazepam
- Temazepam
- Clonazepam
- Nitrazepam
- Zopiclone
- Zolpidem
These medicines can be helpful for some conditions, including nerve pain, anxiety, epilepsy, muscle spasms and sleep problems. However, they can also cause dependence, addiction, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, particularly when taken for long periods or at higher doses.
This advice follows updated guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
What do these terms mean?
Dependence
Dependence means your body becomes used to the medicine. You may feel unwell if the medicine is reduced or stopped suddenly.
Addiction
Addiction is when a person feels unable to control use of a medicine despite harm or negative effects.
Tolerance
Tolerance means the medicine may become less effective over time, leading some people to feel they need higher doses.
Withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can happen if these medicines are stopped suddenly or reduced too quickly.
Symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Flu-like symptoms
- Seizures (in some cases)
Important safety advice
Do not stop these medicines suddenly
Stopping suddenly can be dangerous and may cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
If you wish to reduce or stop your medication, please speak to the practice. A gradual reduction plan may be needed.
Take only as prescribed
- Do not take more than prescribed
- Do not take doses more frequently than advised
- Do not share medication with others
Alcohol and other medicines
Taking these medicines alongside alcohol, opioid painkillers, or certain other sedative medicines can increase the risk of:
- Excessive drowsiness
- Breathing problems
- Overdose
- Serious harm
Please speak to us or your pharmacist before combining medicines.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent medical advice or call 999 if you experience:
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Loss of consciousness
- Overdose concerns
- Seizures
- Severe confusion
Support for medication dependence or substance misuse
If you are worried about dependence on medication, alcohol, or other substances, support is available.
Local support services
Cranstoun Derbyshire
Cranstoun provides confidential support for drug and alcohol concerns, including prescribed medication dependence.
You can self-refer directly:
👉 https://www.cranstoun.org/services/derbyshire-recovery-partnership/
Need advice?
If you have concerns about your medication or would like to discuss reducing your medicines safely, please contact the practice.
Please do not stop medication suddenly without medical advice.