Campaigners who want a discussion on the use of drugs such as anti-depressants and benzodiazepines have taken their fight to the Scottish Parliament
Campaigners are calling for support for those who are struggling with prescription drugs.
The Recovery and Renewal group wants those on drugs such as anti-depressants or benzodiazepines to be given more information on what they are being prescribed, and for support mechanisms to be put in place for those who are struggling with addiction.
A petition presented by the group to the Scottish Parliament has received hundreds of signatures, with the campaigners aiming to ensure that those who seek help from their GPs are given the facts about prescription drugs.
“We want to get people to understand the drugs they are taking, or what they may be offered,” said Marion Brown, a psychotherapist who is representing the group publicly.
“For some people, anti-depressants have been very successful, but not so much for others and some people have had a terrible experience.”
Brown is quick to stress that the group recognises that anti-depressants can be of great benefit to many people, but there are many others who may not respond or have a negative reaction to prescriptions.
“We can’t have people stopping taking their drugs, because this can be incredibly dangerous and the consequences could be terrible.
“This is not about saying whether the drugs are good or bad, but about ensuring they are managed and used safely, and getting people understanding that there can be risks in using them.”
The group wants the Scottish and Westminster governments to look at creating a support service which is specifically tailored for those who feel they are struggling with medication.
“At the moment, there is no specific support for people who are worried about the drugs they are taking,” Brown added. “A helpline and dedicated website would help people to be able to get help and not feel like they have nowhere to turn.”
The petition was last discussed by Holyrood’s Public Petitions Committee in January, where MSPs agreed to hear further evidence for consideration at a later date.
The British Medical Association has backed the petition, and called for politicians to work together to introduce a national helpline for prescribed drug dependence. It has highlighted that there is limited provision of services for those who need support for addiction and withdrawal from prescribed drugs.
Recovery and Renewal has said that it believes the preparation of a Suicide Prevention Action Plan for Scotland presents an opportunity for the role of anti-depressants and how they are prescribed to be examined.
In a submission to the petitions committee, the Scottish Association for Mental Health highlighted that medication can be very important in facilitating recovery from mental health problems, but has called for doctors to follow guidance on treatment of mild depression and to review prescriptions regularly during the initial treatment period.
The Scottish Government has said it is committed to providing the right support for those with mental health conditions.
“All medicines are prescribed based on clinical need and discussed with patients within the context of their long-term recovery,” a government spokesperson said.
“Prescriptions should be reviewed regularly to achieve the best possible health outcomes and on-going support should be provided to patients who are prescribed medicines that are known to be addictive.
“We are grateful to campaigners who help to raise the profile of mental health issues, decrease stigma, and act as a vehicle for people to talk about their own experiences.”
