title: Hypnosedative access and risk of harm.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review PHARMAC's decision, effective 1 September 2010, to remove the 1-month restriction on funded prescription of hypnotics and anxiolytics.
  
  
  METHODS
  We consider the evidence for an association between access to these medicines and risk of harm.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prescription volumes and reported harms have both increased over the last decade in New Zealand; available studies and clinical experience suggest a causal link. Preliminary data collected since PHARMAC's funding change suggest an exacerbation of the problem.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The decision to relax funding restrictions on hypnosedatives is expected to increase drug-related harms in a sub-population of users. Improved pharmacovigilance could inform policy regarding these agents.
authors.affiliation: Waikato Clinical School, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. david.menkes@waikatodhb.health.nz
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Menkes
authors.forename: Lucy M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Shieffelbien
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Huthwaite
mesh_terms: D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004346:Drug Information Services; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009520:New Zealand; D060735:Pharmacovigilance; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives