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Benzodiazepine dependence — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCNS TherapeuticsBenzodiazepine dependenceGPhC CRA

A patient requests an early repeat of diazepam for anxiety, saying they increased the dose during a stressful week. The prescription is not due for another ten days. What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Discuss dependence risk and contact the prescriber before supply

Benzodiazepines carry dependence, sedation and withdrawal risks. Early repeat requests require professional judgement and prescriber liaison rather than automatic supply. In this scenario, the correct option is discuss dependence risk and contact the prescriber before supply. The other options are plausible but do not address the key clinical, legal or safety issue as directly. This aligns with UK pharmacy practice guidance cited in the reference field.

Reference: BNF; MEP