Repeat Prescriptions

Self Care

Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home?

By treating yourself at home you could save a trip to the surgery and free up time for the GPs to see patients with more serious health problems.

Read about some of the most effective home treatments on the NHS website for:

Back pain

Dermatitis

Heartburn and indigestion

Nasal congestion (blocked nose)

Constipation

Migraines

Coughs

Acne

Sprains and strains

Headaches

Visit the NHS website

Antibiotics

Each year 25% of the population visit their GP for a respiratory tract infection (eg sinus, throat or chest infection). These are usually caused by viruses.

For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessary for viral infections.

These infections will normally clear up by looking after yourself at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol.

Ear infections typically last 4 days

89% of cases clear up on their own

A sore throat typically lasts 7 days

40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics

Sinusitis typically lasts 17 days

80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics

Cough/bronchitis typically lasts 21 days

Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day

Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria.

Taking unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided because they may not be effective next time you have a bacterial infection.

Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Ask at reception for more information.

Medicine cabinet

You can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.

We suggest you keep the following:

Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)

Mild laxatives

Anti-diarrhoeal medicines

Rehydration mixture

Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)

Travel sickness tablets

Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher

Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)

Tweezers and sharp scissors

A thermometer

A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings

Remember:

Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children

Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose

Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date

Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy

Other NHS services

As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.

You can ask your local pharmacist about lots of health issues, including when to visit your GP. And there’s no need for an appointment.

Patient information on sleeping tablets

The following advice applies to people prescribed benzodiazepines, such as temazepam, loprazolam, lormetazepam, nitrazepam, and “Z” drugs, such as zaleplon, zolpidem, and zopiclone.

Why are doctors reluctant to prescribe sleeping tablets?

Sleeping tablets may cause significant problems, which include:

Drowsiness and clumsiness: People taking sleeping tablets are known to have more accidents such as falls and car-related incidents, therefore it may not be safe to drive or operate machinery. Older people taking sleeping tablets have an increased risk of falling and sustaining bone fractures such as hip injury.

Mood and mental changes: Some people can become aggressive, confused, forgetful, or depressed.

Dependence and tolerance: Your body may rapidly get used to the effect of sleeping tablets, hence they may fail to help if you keep taking them. Some people may become addicted to sleeping tablets (i.e. dependence problems), which may make it difficult to stop taking them and may cause withdrawal symptoms. Typical withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, panic attacks, sweating, headaches, and shaking. Other symptoms may include the inability to sleep, sickness, or being oversensitive to light and sound.

Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and death: There is evidence that people who take sleeping tablets are at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and premature death.

Advice if a sleeping tablet is prescribed:

Sleeping tablet prescriptions will usually only last for a short period such as a week or so. Please do not ask for more, or for it to be added to your repeat prescription.

If you feel drowsy the next day, do not drive or operate machinery.

Avoid alcohol.

Never give your sleeping tablets to anyone and always keep them in a safe place such as a locked cupboard.

IMPORTANT. Do not stop taking your sleeping tablets suddenly if you have been taking them for longer than four weeks, as this may cause problems. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss how to stop your sleeping tablets safely.

What if you have been taking sleeping tablets regularly for some time?

As a rule, you should consider reducing or stopping them with advice from your doctor. Do it gradually: reduce the dose a little at a time. There is a possibility that you will have worse sleep when undertaking a tablet reduction regime. However, most people who reduce or stop sleeping tablet medication say they feel much better mentally and physically when they have stopped taking the tablets. There are leaflets available from your practice or pharmacy to help you with coping strategies, and tips on how to improve your sleep pattern naturally.

Benzodiazepines and driving:

The DVLA is responsible for deciding if a person is medically unfit to drive. A significant number of drivers (25%) involved in road traffic accidents have impaired driving skills owing to alcohol, drugs, or illness. Some sleeping tablets have legally-set blood level limits that police can test for if your driving is considered impaired. This is similar to blood alcohol levels. It is the responsibility of the licence holder to inform the DVLA of any medical condition that may affect safe driving. Failure to notify the DVLA if you have, or have had, these problems is a criminal offence that may lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

It is the responsibility of your GP to ensure that all steps are taken to maintain the safety of the patient and the general public. These issues will be discussed when you attend the appointment regarding your prescription.

WARNING: Benzodiazepines make you sleepy. If this happens do not drive or use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol.

What is the alternative to sleeping tablets?

Look for possible causes of sleeplessness such as pain, indigestion, breathlessness, or itching. These may interfere with your sleep, but can often be treated without sleeping tablets. Check with your doctor or pharmacist whether any other medicines you are taking are likely to cause sleep problems.

Use the “good sleep guide”. Copies are available from your GP practice and include helpful advice on how to get a good night’s sleep. Good sleep patterns can take weeks to establish, but be confident and you will get there in the end!

Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can give you advice on how to tackle poor sleep without drug intervention. Advice includes reducing the intake of stimulants such as tea, cola, and energy drinks that contain caffeine, more exercise and suggestions to improve your bedtime routine.

If you are suffering with chronic pain and managing with medication, maybe there are different ways to deal with your pain. This link will help you manage you pain and look at alternative options to medication

NHS England — South West » Opioid prescribing for chronic pain