Medication

Benzodiazepines and stimulants can be addictive, but most medications are not.

With some drugs, it’s fine to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. For other drugs, this can be dangerous. Ask your doctor what to do if you miss a dose.

If you're worried about the amount of medication you've taken, call:

Australian Poisons Information Centre         13 11 26
New Zealand National Poisons Centre         0800 764 766

You should discuss this with your doctor. Discuss why you want to stop, whether you need other treatments and what they might be, and how to stop gradually so you don’t get side effects.

Some medications might be taken for a short time, perhaps a week or two.

Other medications are used to keep you well in the long term – meaning you might take the medication for life – just like blood pressure tablets or diabetes medication.

You should talk with your doctor. It can help to take all your tablets to a consultation. Take any herbal and alternative medications as well.

You can be given medication without your consent if you are at risk of harming yourself or others. This is called involuntary treatment. If the risks are severe you might have to be treated in hospital. Treatment must be authorised by law, through a court or tribunal.

You, and your family or carers, have the right to have the decision reviewed by an independent authority, such as a court or tribunal.