Skip to main content

Hypnotics and Anxiolytics

Prescribing of anxiolytics and hypnotics in Somerset is now significantly above the national average which is why it has been chosen as a safety and quality area to review as part of this year’s incentive scheme scorecard.

On this page you will find resources to support practices in tackling this difficult area of prescribing including patient letters, leaflets and alternatives to medication.

Material to Support Appropriate Prescribing of Hypnotics and Anxiolytics

Educational PackDownload
Appendix 1 – Medicines for Anxiety and InsomniaDownload
Appendix 2 – Assessment ToolsDownload
Appendix 3 – Information for PatientsDownload
Appendix 4 – Guides for Healthcare ProfessionalsDownload
Appendix 5 – Hypnotic and Anxiolytic Reduction/Withdrawal ResourcesDownload

Hypnotics

Appropriate and cost-effective prescribing of hypnotics and anxiolyticsDownload
Practice policy- hypnoticsDownload
Hypnotic withdrawal letterDownload
Reducing and stopping benzodiazepines and Z-drugsDownload
Patient contract for reducing benzodiazepine/Z drugsDownload

Insomnia

Self care resources for insomniaDownload
Patient information leaflet – Sleeping tabletsDownload
Sleep problems and how to manage themDownload

NHS Sleep Hygiene

Every Mind Matters – How to fall asleep faster and sleep better

Deprescribing benzodiazepine and Z drugs used for insomnia

Please use the NHS Somerset Medicines Management tapering documents for patients using diazepam, temazepam or zopiclone for insomnia, with thanks to Dr Jon Dolman.

Diazepam Tapering Document June 2022Download
Temazepam Tapering Document June 2022Download
Zopiclone Tapering Document June-2022Download

Sleepstation

Referral to Sleepstation formDownload
Sleepstation Patient PathwayDownload

MHRA alerts

MHRA ZolpidemDownload