Thousands ‘could be at risk of GP drug addiction’

FEARS have been raised that thousands of patients in Kirklees are at risk of getting hooked on prescription drugs.

New figures for 2017/18 show a large proportion of people prescribed powerful medications by GPs in the borough have been taking them for more than a year.

Generally speaking, drugs such as anti-depressants, opioid painkillers and benzodiazepines, to treat insomnia and anxiety, should only be used for short periods.

But Examiner analysis of Public Health England (PHE) data shows 60% of the 8,449 prescribed benzodiazepines had been on them for more than a year.

Almost two thirds (59%) of the 5,037 Kirklees folk on sleeping pills, known as z-drugs, had been on them for over a year.

Of the 55,683 patients in Kirklees taking anti-depressants, 46% had been taking the drugs for at least a year.

Similarly, 46% of the 45,176 residents on opioid pain medication, such as codeine, had been doing so for more than a year.

While the drugs are vital for the health and wellbeing of many patients, they are potentially addictive, particularly if taken over long periods.

PHE has now recommended patients are given more information about the benefits and risks of the drugs, and offered alternatives, such as talking therapies.

And it says there should be more support for patients with dependencies to the drugs. People who have been on these drugs for longer time periods should not stop taking their medication suddenly. If they are concerned, they should seek the support of their GP.

Prof Paul Cosford, emeritus medical director at PHE, said: “These medicines have many vital clinical uses and can make a big difference to people’s quality of life and for some their long-term use is clinically necessary, particularly anti-depressants, which can take longer to have their full effect.

“This report shows that while the vast majority of new prescriptions for these medicines are for short term use, within clinical guidelines, it also highlights significant numbers have been taking these medicines for a long time.

“It is vital that clinical guidelines for prescribing are followed and regular reviews with patients take place to address this.”

Makrand Gore, head of medicines management for Greater Huddersfield and North Kirklees clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), said: “This is a longstanding issue in our area and both CCGs have been working closely with West Yorkshire Research and Development to better understand the factors involved, develop plans to improve prescribing overall, and reduce opioid prescribing specifically.

“We have a number of schemes in place that support prescribers to implement clinical guidance and as part of this undertake regular medicines reviews.

“We have already seen some improvements in these key areas as a result.

“Our continued ambition is to reduce any potential harm to patients by working with colleagues across West Yorkshire to maximise this positive work.”

The review also found prescribing rates and duration of prescription are higher in some of the most deprived areas of England, and patients are more likely to be prescribed several potentially addictive drugs at the same time.

Rosanna O’Connor, director of alcohol, drugs, tobacco and justice at PHE said: “We know that GPs in some of the more deprived areas are under great pressure but, as this review highlights, more needs to be done to educate and support patients, as well as looking closely at prescribing practice, and what alternative treatments are available locally.

“While the scale and nature of opioid prescribing does not reflect the so-called crisis in North America, the NHS needs to take action now to protect patients.”