benzodiazepines
New psychoactive substances a growing problem
Diazepam was the top contributing drug in Victorian fatal overdoses in 2023, a coroner’s report has revealed…but deaths involving new drugs are increasing The Coroner’s Court of Victoria has published …
Sleeping medicines in Australia: a short history
Pharmacists have long played a role dispensing, counselling, and providing education related to sleeping medicines, the number and range of which have changed significantly over the past century. This article …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Co-prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines/Z-drugs associated with all-cause mortality In this large population study, patients prescribed benzodiazepines/Z drugs and weak opioids …
Fake Xanax circulating
Police have issued a warning after seizing around 10,000 fake Xanax tablets Police from South Australia’s Serious and Organised Crime Branch seized about 10,000 of the tablets, which are white, …
The week in review
Good news for those paying the maximum PBS co-payment this week, plus a lot of research news With the election looming, politics were naturally on the agenda this week, with …
Benzo intervention sees inappropriate use drop
The Choosing Wisely approach has made an impact in the safe prescribing of benzos and sedative-hypnotics among older adults, says keynote speaker The Choosing Wisely questions are a vehicle for …
Benzo, antidepressant use analysed
Delirium has been linked to preoperative use of specific antidepressants and benzodiazepines in a new case-control study, with a strong case for pharmacists to deprescribe People who use antidepressants and …
Car boot benzo sale pharmacist faces Tribunal
A pharmacist has been found guilty of professional misconduct, after buying benzodiazepines from another pharmacist out of a car boot in a high rollers casino car park In December 2016, …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Reducing Medical Admissions and Presentations Into Hospital through Optimising Medicines (REMAIN HOME) Integrating pharmacists into 14 general practices to review medicine …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Balancing the Risks and Benefits of Benzodiazepines This article is a viewpoint on the risks and benefits of benzodiazepines, showing risk …
‘Hundreds of prescriptions that should not have been issued.’
A GP blamed printer malfunctions and two patients for a large number of scripts for alprazolam, diazepam and testosterone to two patients A GP’s registration has been cancelled for excessive …
‘I can get u more Valium if u need em.’
SMS exchanges led to a nurse being found guilty of professional misconduct for supplying prescription drugs to patients in exchange for money, and borrowing thousands of dollars from them A …