Ep 47 – Prescribing medicines associated with dependence: how can NICE guideline NG215 support our practice?

In this episode, which has been recorded for Chronic Conditions Month 2022, Dr Peter Bagshaw (Clinical Lead in Dementia and Mental Health, South Glos CCG) and Dr Rob Hampton (Portfolio GP, Leicestershire) discuss the prescribing of medicines associated with dependence and approaches to their withdrawal. Is there a link between deprivation and long-term use of pain medications? What is the role of "sensitisation" in primary pain conditions? What are the particular challenges associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal? What alternatives should we be considering?