Analyzing the Prescription of Benzodiazepines with and without Opioids in Emergency Departments
In an era where the opioid crisis is a significant public health concern, understanding the co-prescription of benzodiazepines and opioids is crucial. This study looks into the patterns of benzodiazepine prescriptions at discharge from emergency departments, both with and without accompanying opioid prescriptions.
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HCN Medical Memo
For healthcare professionals, this study underscores the importance of careful prescription practices, particularly when dealing with medications like benzodiazepines and opioids. It serves as a reminder to consider the potential risks associated with co-prescription and to monitor patients accordingly to provide better care.
Key Points
- The study focuses on emergency department visits where benzodiazepines were prescribed at discharge.
- It highlights the fact that 30% of prescription opioid overdose deaths involve benzodiazepines.
- The research provides a comparative analysis of benzodiazepine prescriptions with and without opioids.
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Research shows that people who use opioids and benzodiazepines concurrently are at higher risk of visiting the emergency department, being admitted to a hospital for a drug-related emergency, and dying of drug overdose.
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