The Independent has reported on recent law suits in relation to patients who have become addicted to prescription drugs. There has been an increase in the number of long-term prescriptions given for Benzodiazepines, also known as tranquilisers . These prescription drugs are prescribed to deal with problems such as stress and bereavement, and can cause addiction.

A number of patients have been prescribed these drugs long-term or by way of repeat prescriptions, making it very hard for them to stop taking these drugs. Despite safety guidelines published over 20 years ago, GPs have failed to advise patients of the addictive nature of such drugs and have failed to make short-term prescriptions only.

There has been a 15-20% increase in the prescription of Benzodiazepines over the past decade.

Another problem for patients arises when they are encouraged to undertake rapid detoxification. As with any addiction, stopping can cause a range of psychological and physical symptoms which can be so severe that they lead to seizures and even death. Detoxing is not an easy process and can take months. Specialist tranquilliser withdrawal services are available across the UK and a new helpline, Recovery Road, has been created.

The report by the Independent quoted a case study of a woman who had a panic attack after having her fourth child. She was prescribed the Benzodiazepine, Oxazepam and subsequently became addicted. Sadly, when she gave birth to her fifth child (a little boy), he too was addicted and suffered withdrawal symptoms after his birth.

These cases have attracted a great deal of criticism and it is believed that there will be an increase in the number of clinical negligence claims that result from these prescriptions. At the moment, a specialist Benzodiazepine expert is drafting new guidance in relation to the future prescription of tranquillisers and guidance on how best to detoxify from these addictive drugs is also being drafted.

How we can help

At Quality Solicitors Oliver & Co we have experience in cases that are as the result of GP errors or medication errors.

Please contact us for advice if you feel you have experienced any form of negligent medical/dental treatment. We have a specialist team of solicitors who are always happy to help. At Quality Solicitors Oliver & Co, we are unique in that the head of our Clinical Negligence department, Linda Schermer, is a qualified doctor as well as a qualified solicitor. We therefore benefit from in-house medical knowledge and are able to get to grips with your claim and locate any areas of negligent care quickly.

Our solicitors deal with a wide variety of medical claims including missed/delayed diagnosis claims, orthopaedic injuries, drug dispensing errors and claims against GPs. Our Liz Fry also has extensive experience with claims against dentists and our Kerry Bateman has had great success in pursuing claims involving poor nursing care.

With the assistance of our paralegal Lisa Thomas and our team secretary Corinna Phillips, we tend to work on a team basis and pool our legal and medical knowledge to offer the best service to our clients.

If you would like advice on whether you have a potential clinical negligence claim or assistance with drafting a letter of complaint, please contact us on the number below. Please note that there are legal time limits in place for starting a claim for compensation, and our specialist clinical negligence solicitors will be able to advise you specifically on the facts of your own case.

Direct Dial Clinical Negligence Department: 01244 354688.