Use of tranquillisers - Benzos must be tackled

The country’s leading forensic scientist, Harry Kennedy, head of the Central Mental Hospital, is involved in managing some of the most violent patients in the State. It goes without saying, therefore, that his warnings on the use of tranquillisers should be heeded.

The tranquillisers in question come under the group name of benzodiazepines (BZDs) used to pacify violent individuals in Ireland’s prisons and hospitals. But, as Prof Kennedy notes, when the prescribing of BZDs was stopped in prison clinics, there was a marked improvement in the health of patients, including a decline in suicide rates, plus a reduction in violence and self-harm.

These drugs are now generally available in the community at large because of legal over-prescribing by GPs and psychiatrists, illicit black-market sales, and a booming online trade. There are compelling reasons for stopping the prescription of BZDs, especially since they are believed to have no benefits other than rapid relief of severe epilepsy disorders and alcohol detoxification.