THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY UNIT Professor J. W. Thompson Dr. C. H. Ashton THE MEDICAL SCHOOL FRAMLINGTON PLACE NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE2 4HH TEL: (0191) 232 8511 Ext 7017 CHA.VW 28th November, 1988 [censor's receipt stamp: 29 Nov 88 ay] Mr P. Koupparis, V47873, Pentonville Prison Caledonian Road London N7 8TT Dear Mr. Koupparis, Thank you for your letter. Unfortunately I am no expert in legal matters, although I have a lot of experience in the effects of benzodiazepines and their withdrawal. From the information you gave me, it does sound likely that you suffered a psychosis as a consequence of withdrawal of high doses of benzodiazepines. If I were asked by a solicitor acting for you, and had access to records from doctors, I might be prepared to write a medical report on your case (although I would not be able to attend court). [confidential] I am taking the liberty of forwarding a / copy of your letter to the Benzodiazepine Solicitors Group, who are concerned with legal actions concerning benzodi[a]zepines. The solicitors who are running this are Pannone Napier, 18 Hand Court, London WC1V 6JF. I do not know whether they would take on your case themselves, but they may be able to offer helpful advice and suggest a sympathetic solicitor. I will let you know as soon as I receive a reply. Meanwhile, I return a copy of your letter, as requested, and assure you of my sympathy. Yours sincerely, C H Ashton C.H.Ashton DM.FRCP. Reader in Clinical Psychopharmacology and Consultant Clinical Pharmacologist Please note that I am not a psychiatrist and would not be able to give an opinion on your present medical state. CHA