Z-DRUG PRESCRIBING Posted or Updated on 15 May 2026

PRESCRIBING OF SLEEPING AND SEDATIVE TABLETS INCLUDING BENZODIAZEPINES AND ZOPICLONE

We have reviewed our prescribing of sleeping and sedative tablets including benzodiazepines and zopiclone. In Devon, we prescribe significantly more than the national average. This represents a risk to our patients. These drugs increase the risks of falls and hospital admission. They also cause cognitive impairment, dependence and are dangerous in overdose. We have undertaken a review of our protocols and will be significantly reducing the number of tablets we prescribe and the circumstances where this is appropriate. Hopefully, bringing our practice into line with the best in the country will protect you, our patients, from unnecessary harm.   

For safety reasons, we will not initiate sleeping and sedative tablets without a full clinical review due to risks of dependence, memory impairment, falls, and overdose. 

We no longer prescribe in these circumstances: 

• Lost or stolen medication 

• Flights 

• Dentistry 

• Scans 

 Patient Information