Huge rise in use of sedatives in West

Date Published: 20-Feb-2009

NEW research into the misuse of drugs in the region has uncovered a staggering rise in the use of minor tranquilisers and sedatives in the region.

A report to be published by the Western Region Drugs Task Force today reveals that the number of prescriptions for drugs which are designed to calm and relax patients has doubled between 2000 and 2007.

Researchers found that throughout the seven-year period, 1.5 million prescriptions for sedatives and minor tranquilisers were written for patients in the region, at a cost of €26.42million to the Exchequer.

Patients who sought the drugs were for the most part, older, female and holders of medical cards.

Speaking in advance of the launch of the report, Senior Lecturer in Health Promotion at NUI Galway, Dr Saoirse Nic Gabhainn said the findings on the use of the relaxing drugs were startling. “In terms of the health implications and cost to society and the financial burden on the state, the issue of the misuse of sedatives is major and the findings are staggering,” she said.

Dr Nic Gabhainn said the results left no doubt but that…