Millions of Britons are unknowingly playing “Russian roulette” with their health, trapped on long-term prescription medications that come with devastating side effects. This urgent warning comes from top pharmacist Deborah Grayson, who reveals an “epidemic of long-term prescribing without review,” where patients are often left on drugs they no longer need, without guidance on safely stopping.
“People trust their doctors, but are rarely warned about damaging side effects,” she explains. These risks are often hidden in the fine print. For instance, opioid painkillers like codeine can cause dependency in just three days, leading to distressing withdrawal. Antidepressants, prescribed to millions, come with risks from weight gain to severe sexual dysfunction, and stopping can trigger “electric shock” sensations and intense anxiety. Even common statins, for cholesterol, have debatable benefits for healthy individuals and can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and even type 2 diabetes.
Ms. Grayson, with 30 years of experience, points to NHS pressures and a “quick-fix” culture as contributing factors. She emphasizes that “every drug carries risks,” and our “blind reliance on medication is a ticking time bomb for public health.”
Her crucial advice? It’s time to talk to your GP. If you’ve been taking a medication for months or years, demand a conversation about whether it’s still necessary. “No one should be stuck on pills indefinitely without a clear plan,” she urges. Explore safer alternatives and actively review the benefits versus harms of your prescriptions.
Be proactive, ask questions, and ensure your medication plan truly serves your long-term health.
