Regina doctor suspended after lying to obtain Ambien

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A Regina physician is facing accusations of unprofessional conduct after prescribing sleeping pills to patients under false pretenses, and using them himself.

Dr. James Coruzzi admitted to six charges including improper prescribing, dishonesty and breaches of undertaking.

The charges alleged Coruzzi prescribed Zolpidem (better known as Ambien) to patients but then kept the medication for his own use.

According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS), four of the charges related to the methods by which Coruzzi acquired the medication, either through prescribing to patients himself or asking other physicians to prescribe the drugs under false pretenses.

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Coruzzi had a pre-existing agreement with the College not to prescribe Ambien except to patients in a hospital setting and not to obtain Ambien from any prescriber other than a psychiatrist or family physician, so two of the charges were consequences of breaking that agreement.

The charges Coruzzi admitted to are not criminal.

During its March 27 meeting, the CPSS Council accepted an undertaking from Coruzzi and imposed an in-person reprimand, a suspension for six months retroactive to Nov. 7, 2025, a successful completion of an ethics course, and a fine totalling $12,711.35 to be paid before May 27, 2027.

Coruzzi’s medical license will remain suspended if the costs are not paid in full.