§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider providing extra resources to provide support facilities for the trauma suffered by patients undergoing withdrawal from long-term benzodiazepine tranquilliser use.
§ Mr. John PattenFamily practitioner, community health and general hospital services are available to those experiencing trauma as a result of withdrawal from the long-term use of benzodiazepines. In addition, funds have been allocated under the drugs initiative to three local voluntary self help organisations providing services specifically for those dependant on tranquillisers and many other projects offer services to this group as well as to those misusing other drugs. Guidelines on good clinical practice in the treatment of drug misuse have been issued to all doctors. They contain advice on the addictive potential of benzodiazepines and on withdrawal procedures.
§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the evidence available to him about the cumulative effect of the benzodiazepine group of drugs upon the elderly.
§ Mr. John PattenIt is well known that elderly people are particularly sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepine drugs and doctors are advised in the "British National Formulary" and in data sheets relating to individual products to reduce dosages for the elderly.
§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has about the effect of drugs within the benzodiazepine group on personality changes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenA considerable amount of data on the effects of benzodiazepines on the central nervous system has been published and is available in professional literature. The effects are known to vary between individuals and between different drugs in the class. Advice to doctors on these drugs is contained in section 4 of the "British National Formulary."
§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the number of patients taking benzodiazepine tranquillisers who first took the drug whilst staying in hospital.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe do not hold this information centrally.
§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider arranging to supply all patients who are given prescriptions for benzodiazepine tranquillisers with a data sheet listing their possible side-effects.
§ Mr. John PattenWe do not think such action is necessary. Individual reaction to these medicines may 117W vary considerably and it is for the doctor, in the light of his knowledge of the patient, to advise him or her accordingly. In the absence of specific instructions from the prescriber, pharmacists are recommended to label these products with the words "Warning. May cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink". This advice is now incorporated in the British National Formulary—the basic handbook on prescribing and dispensing.