[An analysis of massive prescription of tranquilizers and hypnotics]

Investigation of the prescriptions for tranquilizers and hypnotics issued in a provincial Danish town with approximately 30,000 inhabitants, revealed that 12% of all users over 40 years had received massive quantities of tranquilizers and hypnotics within one month, viz more than 100 defined daily doses/user. Only four recipients of massive prescriptions were found in the age group 16-39 years. In the group of recipients of massive prescriptions over the age of 60 years, it was found that persons entitled to medicine free-of-charge comprised every third or forth user. Recipients of massive prescriptions over the age of 40 years did not differ as regards age and sex from recipients of ordinary quantities, viz less than or equal to 100 defined daily doses/user/month. Differences in the frequencies of prescription of massive quantities could be demonstrated between the various general practices. These differences could not be correlated with differences in the ages of the general practitioners, types of practice or sizes of practice. A series of prescribing habits on the part of the practitioner appear to be of particular significance for prescription of massive quantities of tranquillizers and hypnotics. These include; the decision to prescribe hypnotics, choice of hypnotic and prescription of several tranquillizers and/or hypnotics simultaneously.