A new report by a west of Ireland-based drugs taskforce says there is excessive prescribing of minor tranquilisers and sedatives by doctors in the region.
The report says it believes this has become routine and that national prescribing guidelines are not being followed.
The report from the Western Region Drugs Task Force points out that nationally spending on tranquilisers and sedatives prescribed by doctors has doubled over the past eight years.
The total bill now runs to almost €169m. A total of €90m is spent on drugs and €79m on professional fees.
In the west, 90,000 people received prescription drugs between 2000 and 2007.
The report's authors say they are concerned at the high level of prescribing by some doctors.
Health authorities and professional regulatory agencies were also criticised for not being more proactive in addressing inappropriate prescribing and dispensing.
They say that, although there is compelling evidence of serious health risks from incorrect usage, minor tranquilisers and sedatives continue to be prescribed, used and misused regularly.
