Controlled Drugs Policy

Willington Medical Group’s approach to patients seeking to register with us who are prescribed Controlled Drugs

 “Controlled drugs” (including opioids (morphine-based drugs), gabapentin, pregabalin & sleeping medication eg Temazepam) are not the safe and effective treatments for long term, non-cancer pain or sleep problems that was once thought.

As well as the risk of addiction, long-term use can lead to medical problems such as:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Mental function (memory & concentration)
• Hormone function (sexual function, depression, hot flushes)
• Reduced immune function
• Balance issues
• Breathing and lung issues, especially at night

Willington Medical Group is working with patients who are on long-term controlled drugs, including opioid prescriptions, to safely manage and support their pain or symptoms with reduced and alternative medications where possible and appropriate.

If you seek to register with us, you will need to first please:

• Read and accept our policy on controlled drugs via the link below.
• Agree to discuss you present prescriptions with a pharmacist or pharmacy techinician then a GP. Those medications will be reviewed and may be advised to be changed over time.
• Agree to start a support process & planned reduction of controlled drugs, where appropriate.

Dr R Lunney 28.4.26

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