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Benzodiazepine use in general practice--is it a problem?
- Source :
-
The New Zealand medical journal [N Z Med J] 1992 Jul 22; Vol. 105 (938), pp. 287-9. - Publication Year :
- 1992
-
Abstract
- Aims: The aim of this study was to describe benzodiazepine use in a general practice.<br />Methods: A prevalence study in an Auckland general practice was undertaken to describe the benzodiazepines prescribed, patterns of use and compliance. An associated case control study compared benzodiazepine users and nonusers.<br />Results: The age standardised prevalence rate of benzodiazepine use in this Auckland general practice was 3.4% for patients over 20 years of age. The benzodiazepine users described were predominantly elderly (70% over 60 years of age) and female (62.5%). They had significantly more medical and psychiatric complaints than matched controls. Triazolam and diazepam accounted for 60.9% of the benzodiazepines prescribed. Over one-third of the patients using benzodiazepines were concurrently prescribed other psychotropic medications, primarily tricyclic antidepressants.<br />Conclusion: This rate suggests an overall decline in benzodiazepine use since previous studies. Benzodiazepines continue to be prescribed predominantly in the elderly, a group at considerable risk from side effects. Doctors should continue to inform their patients about the side effects of benzodiazepines, the risks of dependence and difficulties of withdrawal.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Benzodiazepines classification
Case-Control Studies
Drug Utilization statistics & numerical data
Female
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders classification
Mental Disorders epidemiology
Middle Aged
New Zealand epidemiology
Patient Compliance
Practice Patterns, Physicians' trends
Prevalence
Psychotropic Drugs administration & dosage
Psychotropic Drugs therapeutic use
Benzodiazepines therapeutic use
Family Practice statistics & numerical data
Mental Disorders drug therapy
Practice Patterns, Physicians' statistics & numerical data
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0028-8446
- Volume :
- 105
- Issue :
- 938
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The New Zealand medical journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 1495662