Benzodiazepine Prescribing Policy

Purpose

Our clinic prescribes benzodiazepines with great caution. While these medications may sometimes help with anxiety, insomnia, seizures, or muscle spasms, they carry serious risks. Our approach is designed to keep patients safe, reduce harms, and follow medical standards.

Risks and Limitations of Benzodiazepines

• Dependence & addiction: Your body may rely on them after even a few weeks.

• Tolerance: They often stop working as well over time, leading to requests for higher doses.

• Withdrawal: Stopping suddenly can cause serious symptoms, including seizures.

• Overdose risk: Especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives.

• Memory, falls, and driving impairment: Higher risk for older adults.

Because of these risks, benzodiazepines are not first-line treatments for most conditions. Other safer options are usually tried first.

Our Clinic Rules for Benzodiazepine Prescribing

1. Assessment before prescribing
   
   

   • A full medical and mental health history will be done.

   • Other treatment options (counselling, therapy, non-benzodiazepine medications) will be discussed.
     
     

2. Short-term use only (when possible)
   
   

   • For most patients, benzodiazepines are prescribed at the lowest dose, for the shortest time.

   • Long-term use is avoided unless there is a clear medical reason.
     
     

3. Controlled prescribing
   
   

   • You must use one prescriber and one pharmacy for all benzodiazepine prescriptions.

   • No early refills or replacement for lost or stolen medication.

   • Renewals require scheduled appointments — no automatic refills.
     
     

4. Monitoring
   
   

   • The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP-NL) will be checked before and during treatment.

   • You may be asked for urine or blood tests if there are safety concerns.
     
     

5. Tapering & stopping
   
   

   • If benzodiazepines are no longer appropriate or safe, we will work with you on a gradual tapering plan to reduce withdrawal risks.
     
     

6. Shared responsibility
   
   

   • You must store your medication safely and never share it.

   • Combining benzodiazepines with alcohol, opioids, or recreational drugs is extremely unsafe and must be avoided.

Rockwise Medical

Dr. Aaron Wiseman

Reviewed: September 15, 2025

709-979-1490

admin@rockwisemedical.com