Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017: benzodiazepines and z-drugs

The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 places restrictions on unlawful possession of benzodiazepines and z-drugs.

The most significant effect of the new regulations (due to come into effect on May 5th) is in relation to benzodiazepines and z-drugs. Possession of benzodiazepines and z-drugs is now illegal

Benzodiazepines will be removed from the Misuse of Drugs Exemption Order and, as a result, the restrictions in place on the possession of controlled drugs will apply to all benzodiazepines.

The benzodiazepines previously found in Schedule 4 of the 1988 Regulations are now found in a new Schedule 4 Part 1 of the new 2017 Regulations. The "z-drugs" zopiclone, zolpidem and zaleplon will also be listed in Schedule 4.

More info

• New Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 – Advice for GP prescribing
• Information from The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI)
• Department of Health