GPs can now monitor their own prescribing of antidepressants by reviewing the data on the PCRS Suite of Online Services for GPs. This is in addition to the audit facility for prescribing of benzodiazepines through systems put in place by the HSE. The systems allow GPs to compare their prescribing practices with those of their peers.



The Department of Health has recently launched a consultation on stronger legislation to address the problem of illicit trading and supply of certain prescription medicines, to include Benzodiazepines and ‘z’ drugs. Research has been carried out by the Department previously in relation to the use of benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines are drugs with a clear addictive potential. They have specific clinical indications but should be used for a limited time period to avoid problems of habituation.

Anti-depressants are a very different group of drugs prescribed for the management of moderate-to-severe depression.

This is a very common, often chronic disease and anti-depressants are of clinically-proven benefit. They should be viewed quite differently to benzodiazepines and other tranquillisers, the Minister for Health Dr James Reilly said in response to Joint Oireachtas Health Committee questioning by Deputy Ciara Conway.