Protocol for Prescribing Opioids and Dependence-Forming Medications

Purpose

To ensure the safe, effective, and appropriate prescribing of opioids and other dependence-forming medications, while minimizing the risks of misuse, dependence, diversion, and pa-tient harm.

Medications Covered

This protocol applies to the following classes of medication:

• Opioid Analgesics (e.g., morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, tramadol, codeine)
• Benzodiazepines
• Gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin)
• Other Medications identified by a GP as carrying a risk of dependence

Key Prescribing Principles

• Acute Prescriptions Only: All opioids and dependence-forming medications pre-scribed by Ightenhill Medical Centre will be issued exclusively as acute prescriptions. They will not be added to automatic repeat prescription lists.
• Ongoing Clinical Review: Patients should not assume automatic renewal of these medications. Every request will be assessed individually on each occasion to ensure the medication remains appropriate.
• Clinical Discretion: To prioritize patient safety, the prescribing GP reserves the right to amend, reduce, suspend, or discontinue the dosage, quantity, or frequency of these medications at any time following a clinical assessment.