§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study his Department has made of possible addiction to valium; if the Chief Medical Officer has advised doctors on treating such addiction and withdrawal symptoms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Committee on the Review of Medicines (CRM), with an expert subcommittee including eminent psychiatrists, has made a comprehensive study of all aspects of the clinical use of benzodiazepines, including diazepam, the active ingredient of Valium. On the basis of present knowledge the CRM has concluded that addiction potential was generally low. However, it did note the occurrence of adverse effects including apprehension, insomnia, tremor and nausea, when treatment with any benzodiazepine was discontinued abruptly. Although these symptoms occasionally occurred following quite short periods of treatment, they were usually seen when high doses had been received particularly over long periods. Although the withdrawal symptoms are not considered indicative of dependence, doctors will be warned in the CRM guidelines to use long-term or high dose treatment with considerable care and to withdraw treatment gradually following any course of benzodiazepines. It is anticipated that these Guidelines on the use of benzodiazepines will be published in the medical press shortly.
It is not the practice for the chief medical officer of the Department to advise doctors on clinical matters within their own responsibility. Publication of the guidelines and consequent revision of data sheets will give doctors sound information on which to exercise their clinical judgement.