[Benzodiazepine use in a sample of patients on a treatment program with opiate derivatives (PTDO)].
OBJECTIVE
Benzodiazepines (BZ) are widely prescribed drugs, but their use is controversial in patients who present a disorder caused by substance use/abuse, due to the risk of tolerance and abuse/dependence. The purpose of this work is to determine the levels of BZ use in patients treated with methadone and to compare them with findings from the current literature.


METHODS
a sample of 43 patients was selected; inclusion criterion was being on the PTDO (treatment program with opiate derivatives) at the UAD (Drug-dependence unit) in Monforte de Lemos (Lugo-Spain). Demographic and use variables were analyzed. Data collection and subsequent analysis were carried out using the statistical program SPSS 12.0.


RESULTS
46.5% of the patients take BZ, and of these, 60% are over age 45. The most widely used of these is alprazolam (p<0.001), and 70% take just one active ingredient. The main prescriber is the general practitioner, and the most frequent indication is insomnia.


CONCLUSIONS
BZ-use data and their relationship to time spent on methadone are similar to those of other published studies. Despite the recommendation to use long half-life BZ in patients with substance abuse disorders, it is striking that in the case studied here the most widely prescribed type is alprazolam.
Fernández Sobrino
Ana Ma
AM
Psiquiatra, Unidad Asistencial de Drogodependencias de Monforte de Lemos, Lugo. uadanamonforte@yahoo.es
Fernández Rodríguez
Verónica
V
López Castro
José
J
D000328:Adult; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*
D009294:Narcotics; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D008691:Methadone