Prescriber support: Benzodiazepine reduction

Hours of learning: 3

Publication date: January 2014

Aim
To enable pharmacist prescribers to effectively manage benzodiazepine reduction and withdrawal in primary care.

Intended learning outcomes
Having completed this workshop you should be able to:

• describe the mechanism of action of the bezodiazepines
• state the extent of benzodiazepine prescribing in Northern Ireland
• explain the implications of long-term benzodiazepine use for patients
• highlight the range of evidence-based models available for benzodiazepine reduction
• list the challenges specific to undertaking this role within primary care.