Hypnotic and minor tranquilizer use among inpatients and after discharge

A major concern in prescribing hypnotics and minor tranquilizers in the hospital is that long-term habituation might develop. Former psychiatric inpatients were surveyed to assess hypnotic and minor tranquilizer use following discharge. Patients who used flurazepam and chloral hydrate as inpatients were no more likely to use these hypnotics as outpatients than patients who received no hypnotics as inpatients. There was a significant association between inpatient and outpatient use of minor tranquilizers. Outpatient use of minor tranquilizers was also significantly associated with outpatient hypnotic use.