Long-term use of benzodiazepineshas decreased in Finland

Background

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are one of the most commonly used drugs in Finland. The aim of this retrospective register-based study was to analyse the prevalence of long-term BZD use by active substance, age group and gender in the entire Finnish adult population.

Methods

We assessed all the reimbursed purchases of BZDs in the Finnish Prescription Register during 2006–2014. Long-term BZD use was defined as cumulative drug purchases of at least 180 defined daily dosages and at least two drug purchases during a calendar year. Long-term use of the most common active BZD substances was assessed in the following age groups: 18–34, 35–49, 50–64, 65–74 and at least 75 years.

Results

Long-term use of BZDs decreased statistically significantly in all age groups during 2006–2014. Although long-term use decreased most in the age group of at least 75 years old, still, 9.7% of this group were long-term users in 2014. Long-term use of hypnotics was most common among persons at least 75 years old and long-term use of anxiolytic BZDs among those 50–64 years old. Zopiclone was the most commonly used active substance and its long-term use was most common. Long-term use of zolpidem increased in all age groups and long-term use of clonazepam in all age groups except that of persons at least 75 years old.

Conclusions

Despite the overall decrease in long-term BZD use, special attention should be paid to patients who still use BZDs long-term.