Starting Potentially Addictive Medication

Dependence forming medication

You have been prescribed a medication which is classed as dependence forming, and therefore it is important that we monitor and review this more regularly to ensure it is effective for the treated condition. We are aware that this group of drugs come with a number of side effects, and these can sometimes outweigh the benefits of taking the medication.

For more information on the medication which has been initiated please see its individual information:

Pregabalin: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pregabalin/

Gabapentin: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/gabapentin/

Diazepam: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/diazepam/

Zopiclone: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/zopiclone/

Opioids: https://fpm.ac.uk/opioids-aware-information-patients/taking-opioids-pain

We are aware that although drug treatment can initially be effective for treating some conditions, long term it tends to loose its benefits meaning that we escalate doses, and therefore increase side effects.

Management of Pain:

More than a third of the population live with persistent pain. It is a long term condition and cannot be ‘fixed or cured’. Traditional medical treatments such as pain medicines are now recognised as having only limited value.

Instead, a different way of living with persistent pain is growing in influence. It’s called a ‘self management’ approach.

For more information see website:

https://livewellwithpain.co.uk/

https://www.britishpainsociety.org/people-with-pain/

https://fpm.ac.uk/patients/what-pain-medicine

 

Insomnia and sleep problems:

For more information see:

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/sleeping-well

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/sleep-problems/about-sleep-and-mental-health/

https://healthtalk.org/sleep-problems-later-life/overview

 

 

Anxiety and mental health:

For more information see:

https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

https://www.mind.org.uk/

https://www.rethink.org/