Signs that might indicate abuse or diversion of medicines include changes in an individual’s behaviour (such as lack of concentration, regular unexplained absences from the work area) or other changes such as loss of stock; inappropriate or excessive ordering.
 

Any suspicious behaviour should be reported to the relevant person (e.g. patient’s consultant/GP or staff line manager). Misappropriation of any medicines by staff or patients will not be tolerated within NHS Tayside. Theft of medicines is a serious criminal offence and will be reported to the police.
 

The local police advise on drugs that are potentially misused within NHS Tayside and staff should be aware of the pattern of drug misuse within the local community. Current drugs liable to misuse include:

·        All benzodiazepines, including:

§          Diazepam

§          Lorazepam

§          Lormetazepam

§          Midazolam

§          Nitrazepam

§          Oxazepam

§          Temazepam

·        Analgesics:

§          Codeine

§          Dihydrocodeine

§          Gabapentin

§          Pregabalin

§          Tramadol

§          Ketamine

·        Hypnotics:

§          Zopiclone

§          Zolpidem

·        Other Drugs:

§          The type of drugs potentially misused by patients/staff is continuously changing. Examples include corticisteroids, sildenafil and laxatives.
 

Temazepam is a schedule 3 CD and must be ordered in the Ward Controlled Drug Order Book and stored in the CD cupboard.  Local restrictions on other medicines may be applied to ordering and storage requirements – local SOPs must be followed, if applicable.
 

Suspected misappropriation of any medicine should be dealt with in accordance with Section 30: ‘Suspected or actual theft of Medicines’.