Through the BENZOMOE project, Huisartsenpraktijk Vechtrijk, Service Apotheek Weespersluis and Oefentherapie Weesp help you use sleep medication responsibly and, where possible, taper it safely.
The aim is not simply to use less medication, but above all to sleep better, wake up feeling more refreshed and regain confidence in your natural ability to sleep.
Why is it important to review sleep medication?
Sleeping tablets and sedatives such as temazepam, oxazepam, lorazepam, diazepam, zolpidem and zopiclone are generally intended for short-term use. Your body can quickly become accustomed to these medicines. As a result, their effect may decrease and sleeping without medication can become more difficult.
Long-term use may lead to:
- drowsiness and tiredness during the day;
- problems with memory and concentration;
- slower reaction times;
- impaired driving ability;
- an increased risk of falls and fractures;
- tolerance and physical dependence.
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms or risks. We will therefore discuss what is appropriate and achievable in your individual situation.
Who is BENZOMOE for?
BENZOMOE is intended for patients who use sleeping tablets or sedatives.
If you have recently started or only use the medicine occasionally
When you first start taking sleep medication or use it occasionally, the GP and pharmacist will discuss how to use it as safely as possible. This includes:
- the agreed duration of use;
- using the lowest possible dose;
- possible side effects;
- alcohol, driving and operating machinery;
- other ways to improve your sleep or manage tension.
This helps prevent temporary use from unintentionally becoming long-term use. Repeat prescriptions are therefore not issued automatically. The GP will first assess whether continued use is necessary and appropriate.
If you have been using the medicine for a longer period
Even after months or years of use, reducing or stopping the medication may still be possible. This must always be done gradually and according to a personalised tapering schedule.
Together, we will consider:
- which medicine and dose you use;
- how often and for how long you have used it;
- why you originally started taking it;
- any previous attempts to reduce your medication;
- your sleep and how you function during the day;
- a tapering pace that suits you;
- the support you may need.
You and your GP will decide together whether tapering is advisable and medically appropriate. You are not obliged to stop.
How does tapering work?
If you want to taper your medication and it is medically appropriate to do so, the GP will work with you to create a personalised tapering plan. The pharmacy can help check the schedule and supply the correct doses.
During the tapering process, we will regularly discuss how you are getting on. Temporary withdrawal symptoms may occur, including poorer sleep, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, headaches, sweating or difficulty concentrating.
If a reduction is too difficult, the tapering pace can be adjusted. The aim is to provide a safe and achievable process, not to stop as quickly as possible.
It may not always be possible to stop completely at the first attempt. Slower tapering or partially reducing your medication can also provide health benefits.
Never stop suddenly
If you have been taking a sleeping tablet or sedative every day for a longer period, do not stop suddenly or change the dose yourself.
Stopping abruptly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. With some medicines and doses, there may even be a risk of confusion or a seizure. You should therefore only taper according to a schedule agreed with your GP.
Contact the practice if you develop severe symptoms or have any concerns.
Support for better sleep
Reducing sleep medication is often only one part of the treatment. We will also consider habits, thoughts, tension and physical symptoms that may be affecting your sleep.
Several forms of support are available, depending on your situation.
Support from the mental health practice nurse
Our mental health practice nurse can support you at the GP practice with sleep problems, tension, anxiety or worrying. They can also provide guidance while you taper sleeping tablets or sedatives.
Read more on our page about the mental health practice nurse (POH-GGZ).
Sleep exercise therapy
A sleep problem does not only occur at night. Your daytime activities, habits, thoughts, feelings and physical symptoms may also affect your sleep.
During sleep exercise therapy, you and the therapist identify the factors that cause or maintain your sleep problems. You gain insight into your sleeping habits and learn practical exercises to break the vicious cycle of poor sleep.
As part of the BENZOMOE project, we work with Oefentherapie Weesp. This support is available to residents of Driemond, Weesp, Muiden and Nigtevecht.
Free RHOGO sleep training course
If you have mild to moderate sleep problems, you may be able to take part in RHOGO’s free sleep training course. The course is suitable for people who want to improve their sleeping pattern, whether or not they use sleep medication.
During the course, you will receive practical advice and learn techniques to improve your sleeping habits. You can also share experiences and tips with other participants in a safe group setting.
The course:
- consists of five 90-minute sessions;
- is led by a mental health practice nurse;
- has places for 6 to 12 participants;
- takes place in Blaricum;
- is free of charge.
Visit the RHOGO sleep training page for current dates, contact details and information about taking part.
If you are unsure which type of support would suit you best, discuss this with your GP or mental health practice nurse.
Would you like to participate or find out more?
If you use sleeping tablets or sedatives and would like to know whether reducing or stopping them may be possible, contact your GP or discuss this with Service Apotheek Weespersluis.
The GP or pharmacy may also invite you to discuss your medication. This does not mean that you are required to stop. Together, we will consider what is medically appropriate and achievable for you.
Collaboration
BENZOMOE is a joint project involving:
- Huisartsenpraktijk Vechtrijk;
- Service Apotheek Weespersluis;
- Oefentherapie Weesp.
By combining medical care, medication support and treatment for sleep problems, we aim to support you as effectively as possible in using these medicines responsibly and tapering them safely.
Further information
Read more:
