On 8 January 2026 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that warnings on the packaging and patient information leaflets for gabapentinoids, benzodiazepines and z‑drugs will be strengthened. The new warnings will state ‘May cause addiction, dependence and withdrawal reactions’ and provide clearer definitions of dependence and addiction, guidance on tapering and stopping use, and encouragement of conversations between patients and health‑care professionals. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) identified the need to increase these warnings and supported new patient resources that advise against combining the medicines with opioids or alcohol and against sharing medication. MHRA Chief Safety Officer Dr Alison Cave said the changes aim to help patients and professionals use the medicines safely. The MHRA will monitor safety and may take further regulatory action. Manufacturers will implement the changes over a transition period.
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https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-strengthening-dependency-and-addiction-warnings-on-medicines-used-to-treat-pain-anxiety-and-insomnia
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