Analysis of changes in trends in the consumption rates of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-related drugs

Abstract

BackgroundTo analyse trends in the rates of consumption of benzodiazepine (BZD) anxiolytics, BZD hypnotics and non-BZD hypnotics and the association with contextual factors.MethodsDescriptive time series study. Units of analysis were monthly dose per inhabitant per day (DID) and dose per medical card per day(DCD) of benzodiazepine(BZD anxiolytics(BZD-A), BZD hypnotics(BZD-H) and non-BZD hypnotics(Non-BZD-H) between January 2006-December 2015. We analysed 6 primary healthcare districts(PHD) and used defined daily doses (DDDs) to calculate the monthly DIDs(overall and by ATC group). Trends and monthly percentage change (MPC) were analysed through joinpoint regression.ResultsThe annual DID increased by 26% overall, the trend was different across ATC groups. Consumption in BZD-A and BZD-H increased (27.1%,61.9%), consumption in Non-BZD-H decreased by 35%. There was high variability in DCD across the PHD, with an overall increase of 10.2%(5.7%-22.9%). By ATC, DCD increased by 10.4% in BZD-A(4.2%-22.2%) and by 44.2% in BZD-H(33.2%-76.5%). The overall DCD in the Non-BZD-H decreased by 42.1%(19.7%-50.8%). We found an initial upward trend in consumption of BZD-A until April/2008(monthly percentage change –MPC- +0.5%), followed by a slightly slower increase (+0.1%). No changes in trend were detected in BZD-H. In Non-BZD-H, we observed an upward trend until February/2013(+0.1%), followed by a sharp decrease until August/2013(−6.3%), and finally a slight decrease(−0.3%).ConclusionsBZD consumption has increased in the last decade, with variability across areas. The changes in trends do not coincide with the financial crisis, introduction of prescriptions by active ingredient, electronic prescriptions or copayment. The only decrease in the Non-BZD-H may be linked to an intervention.

Call for Action: Benzodiazepine Prescription Prevalence Analysis Shows Off-Label Prescription in One in Eleven Citizens

“…Our sample is in this window. However, an isolated study in southern Spain showed an increase in benzodiazepine prescriptions (26%) between 2006 and 2015, but this study had high variability between areas [30]. A different study in Asturias (northern Spain) found an increasing rate of use between the period from point A (2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008) to point B (2009-Do not disseminate or use without explicit permission from the authors 15 2013) of 32% for anxiolytic drugs and 74% for hypnotic drugs for all of Spain, 7.9% and 5.9%, respectively [31].…”

Attitude, perception, willingness, motivation and barriers to practice-based research: A cross-sectional survey of hospital pharmacists in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

“…Lahore is the 32 nd most populated city in the world and second most populated city in Pakistan, with the population of 15,245,000 [ 14 ]. This city has a total of 48 private, 17 public, and 1 military hospital for catering the needs of the growing population [ 15 ]. The study was conducted among those 41 hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan where hospital pharmacists were employed.…”

Association of benzodiazepines, opioids and tricyclic antidepressants use and falls in trauma patients: Conditional effect of age

“…The abusive consumption of substances such as alcohol, cannabis or cocaine poses a substantial morbidity and mortality burden [1]. However, the consumption of benzodiazepines, opioids and tricyclic antidepressants garnering attention because the consumption of these medications, with or without a prescription, has increased considerably in recent years [2][3][4]. And although there is a worrying increase in consumption in adolescents [5], the consumption of these substances is still higher in women and older adults [2,3,6].…”

“…And although there is a worrying increase in consumption in adolescents [5], the consumption of these substances is still higher in women and older adults [2,3,6]. The increase in average life expectancy, social changes such as increased stress, the increased number of unemployed people, changes in family roles or an over diagnosis and excessive treatment could be a few reasons for this increase [3,4,[7][8][9].…”