HSE to develop policy to tackle benzodiazepines overuse

THE Department of Health and the HSE are developing new policy to improve practices around the overuse of benzodiazepines (BZDs) within the health system.

The drugs, such as Valium and Xanax are commonly used to reduce anxiety or stress, encourage sleep or relax muscles.

However, concern has been mounting over their use for some time, and according to the Department of Health, “increasing evidence of inappropriate use” may necessitate the introduction of additional legislative controls on the prescribing of the drugs.