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Benzodiazepines

Greg Gordon

Greg Gordon is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Next Step Drug and Alcohol Services (Mental Health Commission, WA). In his current role, he provides the AOD clinical in-reach service to Joondalup Health Campus and Joondalup Community Health. Prior to this, he has worked in the AOD field since 2008, performing various roles, including Clinical Coordinator roles in both inpatient and outpatient areas for Next Step and as Nurse Educator for the service. He has had an eclectic nursing career, including mental health, neurology and infectious diseases.

About this resource

This presentation discusses the use of Benzodiazepines for insomnia in general practice, and focusses on both alternative treatments and also the prickly issue of ‘de-prescribing’ for clients where there is either a dependency or an expectation that ongoing provision of these medications will occur. The presentation also covers Benzodiazepine withdrawal and its management and refers to both services and resources available to support GPs.

Resources

  1. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has developed patient fact sheets on both the use and cessation of benzodiazepines, along with sample letters for Patient mail outs and sample dose reduction strategies for particular agents.
  2. Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) - BZD fact sheet for GPs
  3. Referral to Community Alcohol and Drug Services
  4. Prescription Shopping Programme
  5. Headspace – Sleep Fact Sheet

WA Primary Health AlliancePrimary Health Network: Perth North, Perth South, Country WA

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