Irish people's relationship with anti-anxiety medication, such as Valium, is to be discussed by experts at an event open to the public this week.

The event is part of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland's (RCSI) MiniMed Lecture Series, which sees a range of health-related topics being discussed by experts in the relevant field.

This week's lecture aims to give people a better understanding of anti-anxiety medication, known as benzodiazepines (tranquilisers). Diazepam, marketed as Valium, is probably the best known of these drugs.

During the lecture, the head of pharmacy services at St John of God Hospital, Dolores Keating, will look at the history of these drugs in Ireland, from the 1950s up to the current day, including some of the advertising approaches that have been used to sell these products.

"The story of benzodiazepines is a fascinating one. Once embraced as a triumph of pharmaceutical science, their misuse has led to significant health issues in Ireland today. They are useful medications in certain circumstances but, as with all medications, their benefits must be balanced against the risks associated with their use for every individual patient. The aim of this RCSI MiniMed lecture is to explain how and why," Ms Keating noted.

According to Prof Paul Gallagher, head of the RCSI's School of Pharmacy, while benzodiazepines are ‘generally considered safe and effective' for the short-term treatment of anxiety and insomnia, ‘the risk of overuse, abuse and dependence remains a key concern'.

"Approximately 15% of adults in Ireland have taken a sedative tranquiliser in their lifetime. Use of sedatives and tranquilisers is higher among older adults (35-64 years), and women are more frequently prescribed sedatives than men," Prof Gallagher pointed out.

He will chair a panel discussion on this topic following Ms Keating's lecture.

"The panel discussion will take a logical, holistic and compassionate approach as it considers key aspects of the Irish relationship with anti-anxiety medication,' Prof Gallagher said.

This event will take place at the RCSI, 123 St Stephen's Green, from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesday, February 25. The event is open to the public and is free of charge, however, registration is necessary in order to guarantee a place. You can register online here