Alprazolam       eg, Alprax, Kalma, Alprazolam, Xanax, Zamhexal   

 Bromazepam    eg, Lexotan   

 Clobazam          eg, Frisium    

 Clonazepam      eg, Paxam, Rivotril   

 Diazepam          eg, Antenex, Ducene, Valium, Valpam, Diazepam

 Flunitrazepam eg, Hypnodorm   

 Lorezepam        eg, Ativan   

 Midazolam        eg, Hypnovel, Midazolam   

 Nitrazepam       eg, Alodorm, Mogadon   

 Oxazepam         eg, Alepam, Serapax, Murelax   

 Temazepam      eg, Normison, Temaze   

 Triazolam         eg, Halcion

General Prescribing Position

This practice takes a cautious and structured approach to prescribing Schedule 8 and Drugs of Dependence.

Prescribing will only occur where:

• There is a clear and documented clinical indication.
• Non-pharmacological and safer pharmacological alternatives have been considered.
• Risks and benefits have been discussed with the patient.
• Prescription monitoring has been reviewed (where required).
• Legislative permits or authorities have been obtained where necessary.
• A management and review plan is in place.

New Patients

In accordance with RACGP risk minimisation guidance:

• Schedule 8 and Drugs of Dependence will not be prescribed at an initial consultation.
• The practice does not initiate long-term opioid, benzodiazepine, or stimulant therapy for new patients.
• Full medical records must be obtained prior to consideration of ongoing prescribing.
• Transfer of care requires appropriate documentation and clinical review.

Exceptions will only be made in clearly documented and exceptional clinical circumstances.

Weekend and Public Holiday Prescribing

To support safe prescribing and reduce risk:

This practice does not prescribe Schedule 8 or Drugs of Dependence on weekends or public holidays, except in rare and clearly documented clinical emergencies.

Specifically:

• No new S8 or DoD prescriptions will be initiated.
• No early repeats will be issued.
• No replacement prescriptions will be provided for lost, stolen, or destroyed medications.
• No bridging prescriptions will be provided due to failure to obtain medication during routine hours.

Patients are advised to plan ahead and obtain prescriptions during weekday consulting hours.

This approach is consistent with RACGP guidance supporting structured, non-reactive prescribing systems to reduce harm and medico-legal risk.

Single Prescriber and Single Pharmacy Model

For patients receiving ongoing treatment:

• One GP within the practice will act as the primary prescriber.
• The patient must nominate a single pharmacy.
• Real-time prescription monitoring (e.g., Tas Script or equivalent) will be checked as required.
• Regular review appointments will be scheduled.

Clinical Requirements Prior to Prescribing

The following must be documented:

• Comprehensive clinical assessment
• Pain or condition-specific assessment where relevant
• Risk assessment for substance use disorder
• Review of prescription monitoring system
• Evidence of discussion regarding risks (tolerance, dependence, overdose)
• Clear treatment goals and review timeframe

For long-term therapy:

• A written management plan may be required.
• Dose escalation must be clinically justified.
• Periodic reassessment of functional benefit must occur.

Early Requests and Lost Prescriptions

The practice operates a strict policy:

• Early repeat prescriptions will not be routinely issued.
• Lost, stolen, or destroyed prescriptions will not be routinely replaced.
• A police report does not guarantee replacement.
• Repeated requests may prompt review of suitability for ongoing therapy.

High-Risk Situations

Prescribing may be declined where:

• There is evidence of doctor shopping.
• There is active substance misuse.
• There are repeated lost scripts.
• There is concurrent high-risk polypharmacy without specialist oversight.
• There is aggressive, coercive, or threatening behaviour.

Staff safety and professional boundaries are prioritised.