Benzodiazepine exposures among women of reproductive age in the US, 2004–2018

Abstract

Benzodiazepines, often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions, are prescribed more frequently to women than men, and emergency department visits and overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines have increased significantly among women in recent years. This study describes characteristics and trends associated with benzodiazepine exposures among women of reproductive age (15–49 years old) that were reported to United States poison control centers from 2004 through 2018. The National Poison Data System recorded 258,370 first-ranked benzodiazepine exposures among women 15–49 years old during the study period. More than one-half (56.9%) of exposures involved a single-substance and one-third (34.0%) occurred among women 20–29 years old. The majority were categorized as “intentional, suspected suicide” (73.2%) or “intentional” (12.9%). Exposures frequently resulted in admission to a psychiatric facility (20.6%), critical care unit (18.1%), or non-critical care unit (9.3%). Twenty percent of cases resulted in a serious medical outcome, including 205 deaths. The substantial percentage of benzodiazepine exposures among women of reproductive age that were intentional and associated with suicide attempts or suicide deaths indicate that increased prevention efforts are needed to address this issue.

The trend of top five types of poisonings in hospitalized patients based on ICD‐10 in the northeast of Iran during 2012–2018: A cross‐sectional study

“…Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions, and are more commonly prescribed to women than men. Emergency department visits and overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines have increased significantly among women in recent years 31 . This finding can be attributed to the accessibility of pharmaceuticals products in Iran.…”

“…Emergency department visits and overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines have increased significantly among women in recent years. 31 This finding can be attributed to the accessibility of pharmaceuticals products in Iran. Over-the-counter (OTC) access to benzodiazepines appears to play a major role in drug intoxication in the study population.…”

A Strategy for Rescuing a Child From Clonazepam Poisoning: A Case Study

“…3 In severe cases, benzodiazepine overdose and poisoning can be life-threatening. 4 Ingestion for more than 4 hours may lead to periodic coma due to drug absorption, making timely rescue measures crucial. 5 Gastric lavage can remove part of the drug; however, a significant amount may still be absorbed into the small intestine.…”