Benzodiazepine use in general practice--is it a problem?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe benzodiazepine use in a general practice.


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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
North
D A
DA
Department of General Practice, Practice, Auckland School of Medicine.
McAvoy
B R
BR
Powell
A M
AM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D015995:Prevalence; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D001569:Benzodiazepines