Response to NICE regarding the draft Safe Prescribing and Withdrawal Guideline
Danny Kruger MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Prescribed Drug Dependence (APPG-PDD), along with Co-Chair Lord Crisp, has formally addressed a letter to Dr. Paul Chrisp, Director of the Centre for Guidelines, concerning the draft Safe Prescribing and Withdrawal Guideline. Their letter raises significant concerns that the current version of the draft guideline inadequately addresses the critical aspects of withdrawal management. Specifically, they highlight that the sections related to tapering protocols are lacking in essential information that is necessary for patients to undergo withdrawal safely and effectively.
In their communication, Kruger and Crisp emphasize that a well-structured tapering plan is crucial for minimizing withdrawal symptoms and ensuring patient safety. They argue that without clear and comprehensive guidance on how to gradually reduce medication, patients may face unnecessary risks and complications. They urge Dr. Chrisp to consider these issues seriously and to incorporate more detailed and practical advice on tapering into the final guideline.
These concerns are further supported by a comprehensive Statement of Support, which has been sent to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This statement, endorsed by all current dedicated UK withdrawal services, the International Institute for Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal (IIPDW), and leading psychological therapy organizations, reinforces the call for more robust and informative tapering guidelines. The signatories collectively stress the importance of providing clear, evidence-based guidance to help patients safely navigate the withdrawal process.
The support from these organizations underscores a shared commitment to improving the safety and efficacy of prescribed drug withdrawal management. The collective feedback aims to ensure that the final guideline will be a valuable resource for both healthcare providers and patients, ultimately leading to better outcomes for those affected by prescribed drug dependence.
