Doctors are being warned they face disciplinary action if found to be over-prescribing highly addictive anxiety and sleeping medication.
The Medical Council says the prescription rate of benzodiazepines, z-drugs and Pregabalin in Ireland is a major problem, on par with opioid prescription rates in the US.
It is calling on GPs to reduce the number of prescriptions of the drugs given to patients, saying the medicines should only be prescribed when "absolutely required".
Prescribing the drugs can have a role in treating patients on a "time-limited basis", but require "caution and strict monitoring".
According to the council, they will take action against individual doctors 'if necessary to protect the public'.
President of the Medical Council, Dr Rita Doyle, stressed that doctors have a very clear ethical responsibility.
Dr Doyle explained: "[Patients] can become addicted very quickly and highly dependent.
"They can start exhibiting drug seeking behaviour, doctor shopping, all of that type of thing. These drugs depress the central nervous system, and make patients less reactive."
She added: "It's a big problem, and it is definitely influencing social behaviour.
"Patients who become dependent... their whole life can fall apart, and they can become homeless. It's just a huge patient safety issue."
The council says any patients who do become dependent on benzodiazepines should be referred to drug treatment services and receive the necessary support.
