On 18/8, psychiatrist Feng Shang-Chun stated the patient in question was a former regular at his clinic in Taichung. The patient moved south in March of this year to care for her parents and sought treatment for insomnia at a private clinic with "high ratings" on social media.
After three months, her condition worsened instead of improving. By the fourth month, the doctor had prescribed 23 pills, all to be taken before bed, yet the patient still couldn't sleep well. Discouraged, she returned to her former clinic in Taichung for treatment. Dr. Chun revealed the woman spent 4,000 TWD per month on the 23 sleeping pills and an additional 5,000 TWD on eight daily weight-loss pills.
When the patient pointed out that her previous doctor had effectively addressed her insomnia with just a few pills, the doctor at the southern clinic reportedly replied, "Impossible. I've prescribed a strong enough dosage, why can't you sleep?", according to tw.news. The incident has become a focal point for public discussion and amongst medical professionals.
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Illustrative photo: Health |
Illustrative photo: Health
Experts warn that overprescribing medication is not only ineffective but also dangerous. Dr. Lin Geng-Xin, a veteran in depression treatment, cautioned that Taiwan has the second-highest rate of sleeping pill consumption globally. Wang Ren-Bang, Chairman of the Taiwan Psychiatric Clinic Association, confirmed he will raise the issue with health authorities to establish stricter prescription guidelines.
Veteran pharmacist Hu Ting-Yue believes this isn't an isolated incident. A review of the prescription reveals not only sleeping pills but also numerous medications for anxiety and depression prescribed concurrently. He suggests the patient requires additional intervention from psychologists or social workers, as underlying psychological conditions may be contributing to her insomnia.
Meanwhile, Shen Tai-Ying, Chairman of the Taiwan Pharmacists Association, called the incident "a wake-up call for the system". She stated that taking eight medications simultaneously guarantees interactions. Ying recommends strengthening the role of pharmacists in reviewing doctors' prescriptions to ensure patient safety and prevent overdoses, drug interactions, and misuse.
Huang Dung (According to tw.news)
