Introduction to Safe Prescribing: Opioids, Benzodiazepines, and Stimulants

Canada is in the midst of an opioid crisis and this crisis has been recognized at all levels of government and has been the subject of several recent editorials in the Canadian medical press. There are calls to improve awareness among prescribers about the crisis and to improve their knowledge of prescribing opioids. By extension, it is also important to consider the prescribing of stimulant and sedative as hypnotic medications (benzodiazepine) medications. These medications are also potentially addictive and have serious side effects and complications associated with them. Additionally, prescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids in combination may place the patient at significant risk.

It is therefore crucial that we begin learning the basics of prescribing these medications early in our career. Knowledge of safe and effective prescribing is important in all specialties to keep our patients and ourselves safe.

After completing this course, you will be able to: 

1. Recognize the indications for and goals of prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants.
   
2. Define how to set boundaries to ensure safe prescribing of opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants.
   
3. Identify the prescriber and patient risks inherent in prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants.
   
4. Outline the key features of an opioid, benzodiazepine or stimulant trial
   
5. List the aberrant behaviours that may be associated with prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants.