News | Addiction and substance misuse

Rise in antihistamine-related deaths prompts call for move to POM status

Researchers found that the proportion of drug-related deaths where first-generation antihistamines were detected “significantly increased” between 1999 and 2019.…

Nearly 200 naloxone kits provided through ‘click-and-deliver’ service during pandemic

Exclusive: Since May 2020, a charity in Scotland has issued 187 naloxone kits — an emergency antidote for overdoses caused by heroin and other opioids.…

A pharmacy resolution for 2021: let’s improve the way patients with addiction are treated

There’s evidence that community pharmacy’s disrespect for people with addiction is deterring them from seeking the drug treatments designed to aid their recovery — putting them at risk of drug-related death.…

The man and his ‘illegal’ van trying to fix Glasgow’s drug problem

A van providing a safe space for drug users to inject is being piloted in Glasgow but, despite backing for the idea of such a facility from the Scottish government, Westminster says that it is illegal.…

Pharmacists can help put an end to illicit drug deaths by being at the centre of a new non-medical use market

Providing currently prohibited drugs through pharmacists in state-run pharmacies sounds like a radical idea, but it could be a way of improving prospects for users.…

Pharmacies receive up to £10 per consultation in smoking cessation pilot

Pharmacies are being paid up to £10 per patient consultation as part of a national smoking cessation service pilot.…

Drug-related deaths in England and Wales remain at record levels, ONS report shows

Deaths related to drug poisoning remained at record levels in 2019, according to figures published by the Office of National Statistics.…

We designed a new way of tapering antidepressants, but why won’t the health authorities recognise its value?

When Peter Groot, a researcher in mental health experience, suffered uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms from his antidepressants, he set about developing tapering strips — clever tools to help patients gradually reduce their dose. But, despite their effectiveness, they are yet to take the medic…

Healthcare professionals must warn patients of opioid dependence risk, advises medicines regulator

Healthcare professionals should warn patients taking opioids of their risk of dependence and addiction, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has advised.…

Medicines regulator introduces age restrictions on OTC laxatives following safety review

Over-the-counter laxatives for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years can now only be supplied under the supervision of a pharmacist, following the results of a review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.…