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Night sedation and arthritic pain.
1Rheumatology Rehabilitation Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of Leeds.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Many rheumatology patients use benzodiazepines (BDP) long-term, primarily women for insomnia and night pain. Short-term, selective prescribing of BDP is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Benzodiazepine (BDP) use is common for sedation.
- Long-term BDP use presents potential risks.
- Understanding BDP patterns in rheumatology patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of benzodiazepine (BDP) use.
- To identify reasons for BDP prescription in a rheumatology clinic.
- To inform guidelines on BDP prescribing for rheumatology patients.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study design.
- Consecutive sampling of 127 rheumatology clinic patients.
- Data collection on BDP usage duration, demographics, and indications.
Main Results:
- 29% of patients used BDPs, averaging 4.1 years.
- 92% of BDP users were women.
- 78% used BDPs for insomnia related to night pain.
Conclusions:
- Long-term benzodiazepine (BDP) use is prevalent in rheumatology patients.
- Insomnia and night pain are primary indications for BDPs in this cohort.
- Judicious, short-term BDP prescribing is advised for selected rheumatology patients.