Quality prescribing for Benzodiazepines and z-drugs: guide for improvement 2024 to 2027

Benzodiazepines and z-drugs are indicated for a variety of conditions including the short-term relief of severe insomnia and some anxiety disorders. People can quickly become tolerant to the therapeutic effects of benzodiazepines and z-drugs, rendering them ineffective. Nonetheless chronic use is common, exposing people to avoidable adverse drug effects and harms, and associated increased mortality risks with their use.This guide is primarily intended to support healthcare professionals and others in the appropriate prescribing of benzodiazepines and z-drugs; supporting and enabling proactive person-centred reviews, and continuation, reduction and stopping of these medicines where appropriate.An important principle in improving the care of individuals on benzodiazepine and z-drugs is to consider the role of the individual in shared decision-making and adopt a person-centred approach when discussing treatment options available. The 7-Steps medication review process allows a person-centred approach to both the initiation and review of existing treatment, centred around the needs of the individual.