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Benzodiazepines and z-drugs: Quality prescribing - a guide for improvement
Benefits and impact

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Benzodiazepines or z-drugs (B-Z) are used for a variety of conditions, including in the treatment of insomnia, and some anxiety disorders, and are commonly prescribed for people experiencing a range of comorbidities. This guide provides general principles to support person-centred review of individuals receiving B-Z, using the 7-Steps process, from their initiation to cessation as well as during the post-treatment follow up period. It includes advice for treatment plans, managed reductions, and stopping where this is appropriate for adults. This advice supports healthcare professionals and others in the appropriate use of B-Z, enabling proactive person-centred reviews, and appropriate continuation, reduction and stopping of B-Z.

This advice is not intended to supersede other prescribing and treatment advice such as NICE, British Association for Psychopharmacology (BAP), Scottish Government Polypharmacy Guidance³ or the principles outlined in the Realising Realistic Medicines report, but rather to complement them and offer additional practical advice and options for tailoring care to the needs of the individual.

Why is reviewing B-Z use important?

Benefits to the individual

Benefits to healthcare professionals

Benefits to organisations

Environmental impact