Benzodiazepine Prescribers Must Register with the NSPMP
Unregistered physicians prescribing benzodiazepines must now register with the Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program (NSPMP). Effective Saturday October 20th, the NSPMP will integrate benzodiazepines prescribing data into its monitoring. Benzodiazepines prescriptions will continue to be written on regular prescription pads (duplicate pads are not required).
If you are one of the few physicians not yet registered, your prescriptions for benzodiazepines will be held, to the detriment and inconvenience of your patients. Please register today.
Real-time data on your patients’ use of benzodiazepines and other controlled substances available through the NSPMP portal will inform your prescribing decisions. Many are aware that the opioid crisis is misnamed. It is, in fact, an overdose crisis. The majority of overdose deaths in Nova Scotia involve benzodiazepines, usually in combination with opioids.
The management of patients on benzodiazepines, whether alone or in combination with other controlled substances, needs to be sensitive and measured. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is a dangerous condition. Patients should be aware of the risks of their medication and engaged in their treatment plan.
If prescribers have any questions or need assistance in registering, please contact the NSPMP:
Email: pmp@medavie.bluecross.ca
Tel: 902-496-7123 / 1-877-476-7767