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[Long-term use of benzodiazepines]
W J Gorgels1, R C Oude Voshaar, A J Mol
1Universitair Medisch Centrum St Radboud, afd. Psychiatrie, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen. w.gorgels@czzopsy.azn.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|August 4, 2001
Summary
Long-term benzodiazepine prescriptions are common in the Netherlands despite guidelines advising against them. Patient and GP factors contribute to this widespread, potentially harmful, long-term medication use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- General Practice Medicine
Background:
- Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed in the Netherlands, with limited indications for long-term use.
- Long-term benzodiazepine use poses risks including dependency, cognitive impairment, and increased accident rates.
- National and international guidelines recommend conservative prescribing, yet these are not consistently followed in practice.
Discussion:
- General practices in the Netherlands typically have around 75 long-term benzodiazepine users.
- Deviations from guideline-recommended benzodiazepine prescribing practices are evident.
- Factors related to both patients and general practitioners (GPs) appear to sustain long-term benzodiazepine use.
Key Insights:
- Widespread long-term benzodiazepine prescribing contradicts established medical guidelines.
- Patient-specific and GP-related factors significantly influence the continuation of long-term benzodiazepine therapy.
- The prevalence of long-term benzodiazepine users in Dutch general practices highlights a critical public health issue.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to identify and address specific patient and GP factors contributing to long-term benzodiazepine use.
- Developing targeted interventions and educational programs for GPs and patients is crucial for guideline adherence.
- Strategies to reduce long-term benzodiazepine dependency and associated risks require implementation and evaluation.