Association between benzodiazepine coprescription and mortality in people on opioid replacement therapy: a population-based cohort study
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Opioid replacement therapy (ORT) combined with benzodiazepine (BZD) coprescription showed a slight increase in all-cause mortality risk. However, this combination also improved treatment retention, highlighting a complex balance of risks and benefits.
Area Of Science
- Addiction Medicine
- Pharmacovigilance
- Public Health
Background
- Opioid replacement therapy (ORT) is a cornerstone in managing opioid use disorder.
- Benzodiazepine (BZD) coprescription alongside ORT is common but carries potential risks.
- Understanding the mortality risks associated with combined ORT and BZD treatment is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the association between ORT and BZD coprescription and all-cause mortality.
- To compare mortality rates in patients receiving ORT with BZD coprescription versus ORT alone.
- To evaluate the impact of ORT and BZD coprescription on drug-related and non-drug-related deaths.
Main Methods
- A population-based cohort study was conducted in Scotland, UK.
- Data included individuals prescribed ORT between January 2010 and December 2020.
- Cox regression with time-varying covariates was used to analyze all-cause mortality, drug-related deaths, and non-drug-related deaths.
Main Results
- The study analyzed 46,899 participants, with 5,776 deaths during follow-up.
- Mortality rates were 3.11 per 100 person-years during BZD coprescription and 2.34 on ORT alone.
- Adjusted hazard ratios indicated increased risk for all-cause mortality (1.17), drug-related death (1.14), and non-drug-related death (1.19) with BZD coprescription.
Conclusions
- Coprescription of BZDs with ORT is associated with a small but significant increase in all-cause mortality risk.
- Despite increased mortality risk, BZD coprescription was linked to longer treatment retention.
- Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to clarify clinical guidance on BZD coprescription in ORT.
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