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DHSS Press Release

Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Pager 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Date: March 23, 2018
DHSS-03-2018

DSAMH PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS OF KENT COUNTY DOCTOR WHOSE MEDICAL LICENSE, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE REGISTRATION IS SUSPENDED

DOVER (MARCH 23, 2018) - On March 19, 2018, the medical license and controlled substance registration of Gregory Villabona, MD, were temporarily suspended for 60 days as a result of allegations of unprofessional conduct related to the prescription and distribution of benzodiazepine/stimulant combinations.

Patients being treated over long periods of time with certain medications are in need of providers with expertise in treating similar types of patients with benzodiazepines and stimulants along with other non-controlled medications. To help those patients of Dr. Villabona, a Dover psychiatrist, in need of accessing ongoing care, the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health is providing suggested resources as well as information about the medicines they may have been prescribed.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be serious and potentially life threatening. Benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam). While most patients will not experience withdrawal symptoms, those who do will need to seek immediate medical attention. Signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal may include:

Sweating
Tremor
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Nausea and vomiting
Hallucinations
Seizures

Patients unable to secure an alternate treatment provider and who are experiencing any of the above symptoms should seek immediate treatment at the nearest emergency room.

Stimulant medications are prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and include medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine sulfate), Concerta and Vyvanse. While stopping these medications abruptly may lead to a return of ADHD symptoms and possible fatigue, irritability and depression, there are no immediate life threatening complications associated with their discontinuation.

Patients of Dr. Villabona who are seeking referrals to other doctors may contact Dr. Villabona's office or the local hospitals. Referrals may be limited in the availability of specialists that are accepting new patients. Please be aware that each prescriber is different and may not continue your medications in the exact dose or on the same schedule as your previous prescriber.

While benzodiazepines and stimulants serve a very real purpose, they are also in a family of prescription drugs which can be easily subject to dependence. Twice as many Americans regularly abused prescription drugs than the number who regularly used cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined. Accidental poisonings have surpassed motor vehicle crashes as the number one cause of fatalities in Delaware.

Patients can also be directed to contact DSAMH's Mobile Crisis Line for Kent and Sussex Counties at 800-345-6785. Patients looking to access additional supportive services including detoxification, recovery support, and recovery living, can visit Help Is Here at www.helpisherede.com/Resource-Guide/Here-for-me.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DSAMH PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS OF KENT COUNTY DOCTOR WHOSE MEDICAL LICENSE, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE REGISTRATION IS SUSPENDED

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