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Trends in Stimulant and Sedative/Hypnotic Dispensing: An Exploratory Study.
Harris Liou1, Melanie T Gentry2, Jonathan G Leung2
1Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
Journal of Attention Disorders
|July 27, 2023
Summary
Stimulant and sedative co-prescriptions increased significantly over six years, with higher rates observed in non-White patients. This indicates a rise in polypharmacy involving these drug classes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Prescribing trends for central nervous system stimulants and sedative-hypnotics are evolving.
- Understanding co-prescription patterns is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in co-prescribing stimulants and sedative-hypnotics over a six-year period.
- To identify demographic differences in these co-prescription patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of institutional pharmacy prescription data from 2015 to 2021.
- Inclusion criteria: patients aged 18+ with at least one stimulant prescription.
- Data collection focused on co-prescribed benzodiazepines or Z-drugs.
Main Results:
- Significant yearly increases in both stimulant dispenses (IRR 1.115) and patients receiving stimulants (IRR 1.090).
- Significant increases in co-prescriptions of stimulants with benzodiazepines (IRR 1.077) and Z-drugs (IRR 1.092).
- Higher increases in co-prescriptions were observed in Non-White patients compared to White patients.
Conclusions:
- Confirms rising stimulant dispensing trends over the past six years.
- Highlights an increase in polypharmacy involving stimulants and sedative-hypnotics.
- Suggests potential disparities in stimulant and sedative co-prescription patterns based on race.
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