The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reclassified codeine linctus, a medicine used for the treatment of dry cough, from
a pharmacy-only medicine (P) to a prescription-only medicine (POM) owing to the risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose.
This implies that the dry cough syrup, which is also known as codeine oral solution, can only be dispensed upon the submission of a prescription at a pharmacy,
rather than being accessible over the counter upon request.
Patients are cautioned that as an opioid medicine, codeine can be addictive, and the risk of addiction may increase, particularly with prolonged use over an
extended period.
According to the medicines regulator, codeine is converted into morphine by the liver enzyme CYP2D6. In individuals identified as ultra-rapid metabolizers, this
conversion from codeine to morphine occurs at a faster rate than in others.
"If you want to stop taking it and have been taking codeine linctus for a long time, then it is important to reduce the amount you take slowly with the help of
your prescriber," the agency said in its drug safety update issued on Tuesday, 20 February.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) recently announced a valuable addition to their e-library collection: the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines,
authored by renowned experts Mark Horowitz and David Taylor.
Designed to assist pharmacists and clinicians in recognising and appropriately treating withdrawal effects of medications, the guidelines have garnered praise
from industry figures like Peter Pratt, National Speciality Advisor for Mental Health Pharmacy and RPS Fellow.
This initiative responds to the increasing demand for guidance on safely reducing or discontinuing psychiatric medications, providing comprehensive support for
clinicians and patients alike.
Drawing on insights from contributors to The Lancet Psychiatry, the handbook offers step-by-step instructions for tapering antidepressants, benzodiazepines,
gabapentinoids, and z-drugs, along with troubleshooting strategies.
We've all heard of Dry January, but that doesn't mean that the first month of the year is the only one where you can quit the booze for an intermittent period.
No, you can do it anytime and often it can be just the push you need to review your relationship with the hard stuff.
More and more of us are developing problematic relationships with alcohol, and the likes of addiction are on the rise. Attempting an alcohol detox can be a good way
to understand your relationship, although if you are heavily reliant on the substance, it is worth doing it in a controlled and safe environment with professional
care.
That said, for many of us that isn't the case and giving up for a month can see a wealth of changes in your life. So, what can you expect exactly?
Improved Physical Health
First and foremost, your physical health will improve as a result. Alcohol is known for its empty calories and sugar. It's why many of us develop beer bellys and
gain weight when we drink regularly.
Ultimately, by cutting those calories, you'll find it much easier to shed weight and the results can happen relatively quickly. What's more, as alcohol slows down
metabolism and can often lead to poor food choices like takeaways, eliminating it makes it much easier to manage your weight.
