Long Term Medication Information
This is a regular update message that we send to patients.
Medications prescribed for pain relief, sleep issues, and anxiety are effective for short-term use. However, prolonged use can lead to reduced effectiveness and potential dependence.
If you’re considering reducing or stopping these medications, please contact our practice. Our healthcare team is ready to support you in developing a safe and personalized plan to manage your health effectively.
Please avoid increasing your medication dosage without medical guidance, as this can lead to serious health risks.
Opioid painkillers—such as codeine, tramadol, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl—are commonly prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain. They are often used after surgery, injury, or for cancer-related pain. In some cases, opioids may also be used for long-term (chronic) non-cancer pain. While these medicines can be effective in the short term, their long-term use requires careful consideration and regular medical review.
Over time, your body can become used to the effects of opioids, a process known as tolerance. This means you may need higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. In some cases, this can lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to the medication and experiences withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, sweating, sleep disturbances, nausea, diarrhoea, and flu-like feelings.
For this reason, it is important never to stop taking opioid painkillers abruptly. If a reduction is needed, your doctor will support you with a slow and safe tapering plan to minimise discomfort and risk. Some people may also develop psychological dependence, where the medication becomes linked to a sense of wellbeing or control over pain.
Opioids can cause a range of side effects. Common issues include constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, low mood, confusion, nausea, and reduced libido. Long-term use may also affect memory, concentration, and emotional wellbeing. In some cases, a condition known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia can develop, where the medicine increases your sensitivity to pain rather than reducing it.
The NHS now advises that opioids are not usually recommended for managing most types of long-term non-cancer pain. Research shows that the benefits often decrease over time, while the risks—such as dependence, falls, cognitive problems, and reduced quality of life—can increase.
If you are taking opioids long term, your treatment should be reviewed regularly by your healthcare team. Your doctor may discuss alternatives such as physiotherapy, non-opioid medications, psychological support, or lifestyle approaches to help manage pain more effectively and safely.
If you have any concerns about your medicine, talk openly with your doctor. With the right support, it is often possible to reduce or stop opioids safely and explore alternative pain management strategies that support your long-term health and wellbeing.
Diazepam (also known as Valium) and other sleeping tablets, such as zopiclone, temazepam or nitrazepam, are commonly prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety, muscle tension, or difficulty sleeping. These medicines work by calming the brain and nervous system, helping you feel more relaxed and enabling better sleep. While they can be helpful in the short term, there are important considerations around their long-term use.
The NHS advises that these medicines should typically be used for only short periods—usually no longer than two to four weeks. This is because over time, your body can become used to their effects, meaning you may need higher doses to achieve the same result. This is called tolerance. In some cases, long-term use can also lead to physical or psychological dependence, where stopping the medication becomes difficult without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, restlessness, disturbed sleep, shaking, nausea or irritability. In some cases, people may find that their original symptoms return more intensely when they stop taking the medication. This is why it’s important not to stop suddenly. If you are considering stopping diazepam or sleeping tablets, your doctor will support you with a slow, carefully managed reduction plan to help minimise discomfort and keep you safe.
There are also other concerns with long-term use. These medicines can cause side effects such as drowsiness, poor concentration, memory problems and reduced coordination. These effects may increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults, and can affect your ability to drive or carry out everyday tasks safely. Some people also report feeling emotionally ‘numb’ or notice mood changes such as low mood or confusion.
Because of these risks, regular reviews with your doctor are essential. If you are taking these medications long-term, your GP will want to ensure they are still the most appropriate treatment and may discuss safer alternatives, such as talking therapies, sleep hygiene strategies, or non-addictive medications.
If you have concerns about your use of diazepam or sleeping tablets, speak openly with your healthcare professional. With the right support, it is possible to reduce or stop these medicines safely and find longer-term strategies that improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Gabapentin/Pregabalin is a medicine often prescribed to help manage long-term (chronic) nerve pain, such as pain from diabetes or shingles. Many people find it helpful in reducing persistent discomfort and improving daily life. However, like any long-term treatment, it’s important to understand the potential risks and how to use it safely.
Gabapentin/ Pregabalin is usually well tolerated, but some side effects can become more noticeable over time. The most common are tiredness, dizziness, and problems with concentration or coordination. These often improve as your body adjusts, but if they continue or affect your daily activities—such as driving or working—speak with your doctor.
A key concern with long-term use is the risk of physical dependence. Your body can become used to gabapentin/pregabalin , and stopping it suddenly may lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sleep problems, nausea, or flu-like feelings. To avoid this, your doctor will support you with a gradual dose reduction if you decide to stop treatment.
Gabapentin/Pregabalin has also been linked to mood changes in some people. Although rare, some patients have reported low mood, irritability, or even suicidal thoughts. It’s important to tell your doctor straight away if you notice any changes in your mental wellbeing.
Gabapentin/ Pregabalin can interact with alcohol and some other medications, including strong painkillers like morphine. These combinations can increase drowsiness and reduce your ability to concentrate, so always tell your doctor and pharmacist about anything else you’re taking.
Because of the potential for misuse and dependency, gabapentin is now classified as a controlled drug in the UK. Your GP will review your treatment regularly to ensure it remains effective and appropriate. Some patients may be advised to try reducing their dose after a few months to see if pain can still be managed without it.
If you are using gabapentin/pregabalin for chronic pain, regular reviews, honest conversations with your doctor, and careful monitoring will help ensure your treatment remains safe, effective, and right for you. Never stop the medicine suddenly, and don’t hesitate to raise concerns. With the right support, gabapentin can be a helpful part of your pain management plan.
