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Takeshima M, Sakurai H, Inada K, Aoki Y, Ie K, Kise M, Yoshida E, Matsui K, Utsumi T, Shimura A, Okajima I, Kotorii N, Yamashita H, Suzuki M, Kuriyama K, Shimizu E, Mishima K, Watanabe K, Takaesu Y. Treatment strategies for insomnia in Japanese primary care physicians' practice: A Web-based questionnaire survey. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:219. [PMID: 38890610 PMCID: PMC11184713 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02449-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear how primary care physicians manage insomnia after the introduction of novel hypnotics such as orexin receptor antagonists and melatonin receptor agonists. This Web-based questionnaire survey aimed to examine treatment strategies for insomnia in Japanese primary care practice. METHODS One-hundred-and-seventeen primary care physicians were surveyed on the familiarity of each management option for insomnia on a binary response scale (0 = "unfamiliar"; 1 = "familiar") and how they managed insomnia using a nine-point Likert scale (1 = "I never prescribe/perform it"; 9 = "I often prescribe/perform it"). Physicians who were unfamiliar with a management option were deemed to have never prescribed or performed it. RESULTS Regarding medication, most physicians were familiar with novel hypnotics. Suvorexant was the most used hypnotic, followed by lemborexant and ramelteon. These novel hypnotics averaged 4.8-5.4 points and 4.0-4.7 points for sleep onset and sleep maintenance insomnia, respectively. By contrast, most benzodiazepines were seldom used below two points. Regarding psychotherapy, only approximately 40% of the physicians were familiar with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and they rarely implemented it, at an average of 1.5-1.6 points. More physicians were familiar with single-component psychotherapies (i.e., relaxation, sleep restriction therapy, and stimulus control) compared to CBT-I, and 48-74% of them implemented it slightly more often, with scores ranging from 2.6 to 3.4 points. CONCLUSION This study suggests that Japanese primary care physicians seldom use CBT-I to treat insomnia. In addition, they use novel sleep medications more frequently than benzodiazepines in terms of pharmacotherapy. The use and availability of CBT-I in Japanese primary care might be facilitated by: educating primary care physicians, implementing brief or digital CBT-I, and/or developing collaborations between primary care physicians and CBT-I specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Takeshima
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita City, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sakurai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Inada
- Department of Psychiatry, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara City, Japan
| | - Yumi Aoki
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenya Ie
- Department of General Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki City, Japan
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Municipal Tama Hospital, Kawasaki City, Japan
| | - Morito Kise
- Centre for Family Medicine Development, Japanese Health and Welfare Co-Operative Federation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eriko Yoshida
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Kyodo Hospital, Kawasaki Health Cooperative Association, Kawasaki City, Japan
| | - Kentaro Matsui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Utsumi
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Shimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Isa Okajima
- Department of Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Humanities, Tokyo Kasei University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Masahiro Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Kuriyama
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiji Shimizu
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, Chiba City, Japan
- Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Kazuo Mishima
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita City, Japan
| | - Koichiro Watanabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Takaesu
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara-cho, Japan.
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Munkholm K, Ussing A, Brink M, Edemann-Callesen H, Canbolat SS, Christensen R, Dahl KS, Ebdrup BH, Jensen MEJ, Kierulf-Lassen C, Madsen GK, Nielsen SM, Paulsen CP, Rohde JF, Tarp S, Baandrup L. Minor tranquillizers for short-term treatment of newly onset symptoms of anxiety and distress: a systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomized trials. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:475-486. [PMID: 37624378 PMCID: PMC10995039 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01680-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Unspecific symptoms of anxiety and distress are frequently encountered in patients in both general practice and acute psychiatric services. Minor tranquillizers may be a treatment option when non-pharmacological interventions are insufficient or unavailable. We conducted a systematic review with network meta-analysis of the evidence for short-term (1-4 weeks) pharmacological treatment of newly onset symptoms of anxiety and distress. We searched the PsycInfo, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases and extracted data following a predefined hierarchy of outcomes. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework (GRADE). We included 34 randomized trials comprising a total of 7044 patients with adjustment disorders or anxiety spectrum disorders. The network meta-analysis showed that regarding the critical outcome symptoms of anxiety within 1-4 weeks benzodiazepines (SMD - 0.58, 95% CI - 0.77 to - 0.40), quetiapine (SMD - 0.51, 95% CI - 0.90 to - 0.13) and pregabalin (SMD - 0.58, 95% CI - 0.87 to - 0.28) all performed better than placebo with no statistically significant difference between the drugs. Data on other important outcomes were inconsistently reported. Adverse effects varied, but overall, it was uncertain whether adverse effects differed between interventions. The evidence regarding the risk of dependence was uncertain, but dependence may be a concern in susceptible individuals even with short-term treatment. Overall, the certainty of the evidence according to GRADE was rated as low to very low across outcomes. Despite the limitations in the evidence, the results of this review can inform treatment guidelines, supporting clinicians in the choice of minor tranquillizer in this prevalent and help-seeking, clinically heterogeneous population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Munkholm
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Hovedvejen 17, 1st Floor, 2000, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Anja Ussing
- Danish Health Authority, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Brink
- Department of Psychiatry Odense, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | - Robin Christensen
- Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kristine Søgaard Dahl
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Mental Health Centre Sct. Hans, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjørn H Ebdrup
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR), Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Sabrina Mai Nielsen
- Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Jeanett Friis Rohde
- Danish Health Authority, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Simon Tarp
- Danish Health Authority, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Baandrup
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Xu C, Leung JCN, Shi J, Lum DH, Lai FTT. Sedative-hypnotics and osteoporotic fractures: A systematic review of observational studies with over six million individuals. Sleep Med Rev 2024; 73:101866. [PMID: 37926010 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
We reviewed and meta-analyzed 20 observational studies to examine the relationship between sedative-hypnotic use and osteoporotic fractures. We searched PubMed, Embase, APA PsycINFO, and Web of Science™ for studies that used cohort, case-control, case-crossover, and self-controlled case series designs. We further assessed the quality of each study and performed meta-analyses of association estimates, e.g., odds ratios (ORs). The analysis included 6,084,083 participants and found a slight association between the use of sedative-hypnotics and osteoporotic fractures, with differing strength of associations between different classes of drugs and greater sedative-hypnotics exposure. The pooled estimates ORs for case-control studies were 1.33 (95% CI 0.98-1.80) with benzodiazepines (BZD) and any fractures, 1.32 (95% CI 1.05-1.66) with BZDs and hip fractures, and case-crossover studies were 1.15 (95% CI 0.95-1.41) with BZDs and any fractures, 1.41 (95% CI 1.08-1.85) with Z-drugs and any fractures. The study suggests that more research is needed to aid medical professionals in balancing this potential risk of osteoporotic fractures associated with sedative-hypnotic use against other reported adverse events and anticipated therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Xu
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Janice Ching Nam Leung
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiaying Shi
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dawn Hei Lum
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Francisco Tsz Tsun Lai
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Grimmsmann T, Himmel W. [Private Prescriptions In East And West Germany - A Secondary Data Analysis]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2023; 85:1213-1219. [PMID: 38081175 PMCID: PMC10713339 DOI: 10.1055/a-2160-2679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs are prescribed to a considerable extent as private prescription also for persons insured by a statutory health insurance (SHI), with formerly large differences between East and West Germany. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether these differences still exist today. METHOD This secondary data analysis used anonymized prescription data from general practitioners (GPs), community neurologists, and psychiatrists. SHI-insured patients with at least one prescription for a benzodiazepine or Z-substance between 2014 and 2020 were included. Differences between East and West Germany in the proportion of private prescriptions were the central outcome. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test whether the factors region (eastern vs. western Germany) and specialist group (GPs vs. neurologists/psychiatrists) were statistically significant predictors of the proportion of private prescriptions - taking into account the age and gender composition of patients in a practice. RESULTS From 867 practices, 2,200,446 prescriptions for Z-substances, benzodiazepine anxiolytics, and benzodiazepine hypnotics/sedatives were evaluated. More than 38% of these prescriptions were issued as private prescriptions: 53.6% in eastern Germany and 34.8% in western Germany. For Z-substances, the proportion of private prescriptions was particularly high (70.7% in eastern and 43.0% in western Germany). GPs issued private prescriptions far more frequently than neurologists and psychiatrists. The proportion of private prescriptions increased during the study period, comparatively strongly in the western states (from 33% to 39%) and slightly in the eastern states (from 53% to 54%). In the multivariate model, practice area (east/west) and specialist group were similarly strong predictors of the extent of private prescriptions, especially for Z-substances. CONCLUSION Contrary to a general alignment in life expectancy, morbidity risks, and health behaviour in East and West Germany, there is, despite convergence, still a significant difference in the proportion of private prescriptions for benzodiazepines and especially for Z-substances between the two regions. The groups of physicians who mainly prescribe these substances, namely neurologists and psychiatrists, on the one hand, and GPs, on the other, also differ considerably in the proportion of their private prescriptions for these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grimmsmann
- Referat Arzneimittel und Methoden, Medizinischer Dienst
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schwerin, Deutschland
| | - Wolfgang Himmel
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsmedizin
Göttingen, Gottingen, Deutschland
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Grigg J, Peacock A, Lenton S, Salom C, Agramunt S, Thomas N, Lyons T, Sutherland R. Real or fake? Sourcing and marketing of non-prescribed benzodiazepines amongst two samples of people who regularly use illicit drugs in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:1559-1565. [PMID: 37490407 PMCID: PMC10947514 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is concern around non-prescribed benzodiazepine use, particularly with increasing detections of counterfeit products containing high-risk novel compounds. The aims of this study were to investigate how and which non-prescribed benzodiazepines are being sourced; forms, appearance and packaging; and awareness of risks associated with non-prescribed benzodiazepines. METHODS Data were collected from a sample of Australians who inject drugs or use ecstasy and/or other illicit stimulants on a monthly or more frequent basis, and who reported past 6-month use of non-prescribed benzodiazepines (n = 235 and n = 250, respectively). Data were collected on source, diversion from a known/trusted prescription, product name and aesthetic characteristics for the last non-prescribed benzodiazepine obtained. RESULTS Amongst participants who injected drugs, 71% reported that their last non-prescribed benzodiazepines were diverted from a known/trusted prescription, compared to 59% of participants who used ecstasy/other stimulants. Sourcing via cryptomarkets was rare. Across both samples, the majority reported last obtaining substances sold/marketed as diazepam or alprazolam. Participants sourcing via non-diverted means were twice as likely to obtain alprazolam. Known sourcing of novel compounds was rare. Amongst participants who used ecstasy/other stimulants, 36% reported confidence in the content/dose of non-prescribed benzodiazepines even when the source is unknown. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Most participants obtained substances sold as classic/registered benzodiazepines, mostly via diverted prescriptions, with a substantial minority potentially unaware of counterfeits circulating. While diverted use undeniably presents risks, tightening of prescriptions in Australia could inadvertently lead to greater supply of novel benzodiazepines as seen internationally, reinforcing prioritisation of demand and harm reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Grigg
- National Drug Research Institute and enAble InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
- School of PsychologyUniversity of TasmaniaHobartAustralia
| | - Simon Lenton
- National Drug Research Institute and enAble InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia
| | - Caroline Salom
- Institute for Social Science ResearchUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Seraina Agramunt
- National Drug Research Institute and enAble InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia
| | - Natalie Thomas
- Institute for Social Science ResearchUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Tom Lyons
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Division, Department of HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
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Price O, Sutherland R, Man N, Bruno R, Dietze P, Salom C, Akhurst J, Peacock A. Trends and psychosocial correlates of same day polysubstance use among people who inject drugs in Australia, 2012-2022. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023:104150. [PMID: 37541925 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polysubstance use is associated with negative health and social outcomes among people who inject drugs. We aimed to describe trends in polysubstance use and identify psychosocial correlates and associated drug use risk behaviours. We defined polysubstance use as intentional same day use of more than one of three drug classes: opioids, other non-opioid depressants (hereafter 'depressants'), and stimulants. METHODS We used 10 years (2012-2022, excluding 2020) of data from annual surveys in Australian capital cities with people who inject drugs (N=5657) to construct five mutually exclusive polysubstance use profiles: opioid-depressant, opioid-stimulant, stimulant-depressant, opioid-stimulant-depressant, and single drug class use. We examined time trends using the Mann Kendall test and identified correlates using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Same day polysubstance use was relatively common among this sample (43.6%). Opioid-depressant use was the most frequent polysubstance use profile, but this decreased over the study period (32.6% to 13.3%, p<0.001). This aligned with observed decreases in use of pharmaceutical opioids (p<0.001), opioid agonist treatment (p=0.007), and benzodiazepines (p=0.001). There was no evidence for any trend in the other polysubstance use profiles, although single drug class use increased (51.9% to 64.7%, p=0.031). The different polysubstance use profiles were variously associated with psychosocial factors, including unstable housing and very high psychological distress, and other drug use risk behaviours, including non-fatal overdose, receptive and/or distributive needle sharing, and reusing one's own needles. CONCLUSION Same day polysubstance use has remained relatively common among this sample over time, although the typology has changed. Collectively, our findings point to diverse drug use patterns among people who inject drugs and reiterate the need for a range of harm reduction, treatment, and support options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicola Man
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne Australia
| | - Caroline Salom
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jane Akhurst
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Okuda S, Qureshi ZP, Yanagida Y, Ito C, Homma Y, Tokita S. Hypnotic prescription trends and patterns for the treatment of insomnia in Japan: analysis of a nationwide Japanese claims database. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:278. [PMID: 37081408 PMCID: PMC10120113 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited consensus regarding the optimal treatment of insomnia. The recent introduction of orexin receptor antagonists (ORA) has increased the available treatment options. However, the prescribing patterns of hypnotics in Japan have not been comprehensively assessed. We performed analyses of a claims database to investigate the real-world use of hypnotics for treating insomnia in Japan. METHODS Data were retrieved for outpatients (aged ≥ 20 to < 75 years old) prescribed ≥ 1 hypnotic for a diagnosis of insomnia between April 1st, 2009 and March 31st, 2020, with ≥ 12 months of continuous enrolment in the JMDC Claims Database. Patients were classified as new or long-term users of hypnotics. Long-term use was defined as prescription of the same mechanism of action (MOA) for ≥ 180 days. We analyzed the trends (2010-2019) and patterns (2018-2019) in hypnotics prescriptions. RESULTS We analyzed data for 130,177 new and 91,215 long-term users (2010-2019). Most new users were prescribed one MOA per year (97.1%-97.9%). In 2010, GABAA-receptor agonists (benzodiazepines [BZD] or z-drugs) were prescribed to 94.0% of new users. Prescriptions for BZD declined from 54.8% of patients in 2010 to 30.5% in 2019, whereas z-drug prescriptions remained stable (~ 40%). Prescriptions for melatonin receptor agonist increased slightly (3.2% to 6.3%). Prescriptions for ORA increased over this time from 0% to 20.2%. Prescriptions for BZD alone among long-term users decreased steadily from 68.3% in 2010 to 49.7% in 2019. Prescriptions for ORA were lower among long-term users (0% in 2010, 4.3% in 2019) relative to new users. Using data from 2018-2019, multiple (≥ 2) MOAs were prescribed to a higher proportion of long-term (18.2%) than new (2.8%) users. The distribution of MOAs according to psychiatric comorbidities, segmented by age or sex, revealed higher proportions of BZD prescriptions in elderly (new and long-term users) and male (new users) patients in all comorbidity segments. CONCLUSION Prescriptions for hypnotics among new and long-term users in Japan showed distinct patterns and trends. Further understanding of the treatment options for insomnia with accumulating evidence for the risk-benefit balance might be beneficial for physicians prescribing hypnotics in real-world settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zaina P Qureshi
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
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Gonzalez-Chica D, Begum M, Bernardo C, Hoon E, Sweetman A, Stocks N. Trends and patterns of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs prescriptions in Australian general practice: A national study (2011-2018). Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:427-438. [PMID: 36217261 PMCID: PMC10092554 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to explore trends and sociodemographic patterns in benzodiazepine (BZD) (by half-life) and Z-drugs prescribing in Australian general practice. METHODS This open cohort study used de-identified electronic health records of 1.4 million patients (50,812,413 consultations) from 402 Australian practices (MedicineInsight 2011-2018). Annual prescribing frequency and changes over time were estimated according to sex, age, socioeconomic position and rurality. RESULTS Between 2011 and 2018, the prescribing of very short-acting BZD increased from 0.10 to 0.29 per 1000 consultations (average annual change +17.2% [95% CI 9.6; 25.3]), while it declined for short-intermediate (from 38.5 to 26.6 per 1000 consultations; annual change -5.1% [95% CI -5.6; -4.5]), long-acting BZD (from 24.1 to 21.6 per 1000 consultation; annual change -1.5% [95% CI -2.2; -0.8]) and Z-drugs (from 4.6 to 4.0 per 1000 consultations; annual change -1.9% [95% CI -3.0; -0.7]). Short-intermediate-acting BZD prescribing was three times more frequent among women aged 65+ years than younger women, and long-acting BZD three-to-four times more likely among younger than older men. Z-drugs prescribing was higher among women aged 45-64 years than younger or older females. Short-intermediate- and long-acting BZD were more likely prescribed for patients from more disadvantaged areas, and Z-drugs in more advantaged areas. There were no disparities by rurality. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Although most BZD and Z-drugs prescriptions declined over time, short-intermediate BZD prescriptions remained higher among older women and long-acting BZD more frequent among younger men, especially for those living in more disadvantaged areas. Targeted interventions could reduce the prescribing of BZD and Z-drugs in these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gonzalez-Chica
- Discipline of General Practice, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Sleep Health, Flinders University, Australia
| | - Mumtaz Begum
- Discipline of General Practice, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Carla Bernardo
- Discipline of General Practice, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Hoon
- Discipline of General Practice, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alexander Sweetman
- Adelaide Rural Clinical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nigel Stocks
- Discipline of General Practice, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia
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Takeshima M, Yoshizawa K, Enomoto M, Ogasawara M, Kudo M, Itoh Y, Ayabe N, Takaesu Y, Mishima K. Effects of Japanese policies and novel hypnotics on long-term prescriptions of hypnotics. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 77:264-272. [PMID: 36579672 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The current study aimed to examine the effect of Japanese policies for appropriate hypnotics use and novel hypnotics (e.g. melatonin receptor agonist and orexin receptor antagonist [ORA]) on long-term prescriptions of hypnotics. METHODS This retrospective study was conducted using a large-scale health insurance claims database. Among subscribers prescribed hypnotics at least once between April 2005 and March 2021, those prescribed hypnotics for the first time after being included in the database in three periods (period 1: April 2012-March 2013; period 2: April 2016-March 2017; and period 3: April 2018-March 2019) were eligible. These were set considering the timing of the 2014 and 2018 medical fee revisions (2014 for polypharmacy of three or more hypnotics, 2018 for long-term prescription of benzodiazepine receptor agonists for >12 months). The duration of consecutive prescriptions of hypnotics over 12 months was evaluated. Factors associated with short-term prescriptions of hypnotics were also investigated. RESULTS In total, 186 535 participants were newly prescribed hypnotics. The mean duration of prescriptions was 2.9 months, and 9.3% of participants were prescribed hypnotics for 12 months. Prescription periods were not associated with short-term prescriptions of hypnotics. ORA use was associated with short-term prescriptions of hypnotics (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.077 [95% confidence interval, 1.035-1.120]; P < 0.001), but melatonin receptor agonist use was not. CONCLUSION Japanese policies had no statistically significant effect on long-term prescriptions of hypnotics. Although this study suggests initiating ORA for insomniacs as a candidate strategy to prevent long-term prescriptions of hypnotics, further research is necessary to draw conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Takeshima
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Yoshizawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Minori Enomoto
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Health Sciences, Tokyo University of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Ogasawara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Mizuki Kudo
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yu Itoh
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Naoko Ayabe
- Department of Regional Studies and Humanities, Faculty of Education and Human Studies, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Takaesu
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Kazuo Mishima
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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10
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Othman AA, Simpson BS, Jaunay EL, White JM, Bade R, Gerber C. A method for improved detection of 8-isoprostaglandin F 2α/β and benzodiazepines in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158061. [PMID: 35985578 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology is a tool incorporating biomarker analysis that can be used to monitor the health status of a population. Indicators of health include endogenous oxidative stress biomarkers and hormones, or exogenous such as alcohol and nicotine. 8-Iso-prostaglandin F2α/β is a biomarker of endogenous metabolism that can be used to measure oxidative stress in a community. Benzodiazepines are a harmful subclass of anxiolytics either prescribed or sourced illegally. The analysis of oxidative stress markers and uptake of benzodiazepines in wastewater may provide information about distress in the community. A method has been applied to detect 8-isoPGF2α/β and the illicit benzodiazepines clonazolam, flubromazolam and flualprazolam in addition to other prescribed benzodiazepines in wastewater. These substances have been sold as counterfeit pharmaceutical products, such as Xanax, which was formulated to include alprazolam. Deconjugation was initially performed on wastewater samples, followed by liquid-liquid extraction for isoprostanes and solid phase extraction for benzodiazepines to determine the total levels of these analytes. Limits of quantification were in the range of 0.5-2 ng/L for all the analytes except 8-isoPGF2α/β which was 50 ng/L. Stability, recovery and matrix effect studies were also conducted. Finally, this method was applied to influent wastewater from South Australia which showed the prevalence of 8-isoPGF2α/β and benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Adel Othman
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences (CHS), Health and Biomedical Innovation, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Bradley S Simpson
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences (CHS), Health and Biomedical Innovation, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Emma L Jaunay
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences (CHS), Health and Biomedical Innovation, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Jason M White
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences (CHS), Health and Biomedical Innovation, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Richard Bade
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Cobus Gerber
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences (CHS), Health and Biomedical Innovation, South Australia 5000, Australia.
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11
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Use of Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 117:2046-2054. [PMID: 36288107 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We estimated the incidence and prevalence of benzodiazepine and Z-drug (separately and jointly as BZD) use in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) population compared with matched controls without IBD and examined the association of mood/anxiety disorders (M/ADs) with the use of BZD from 1997 to 2017. METHODS Using administrative data from Manitoba, Canada, we identified 5,741 persons with incident IBD who were matched in a 1:5 ratio to controls on sex, birth year, and region. Validated case definitions were used to identify M/AD. Dispensations of BZD were identified. Multivariable generalized linear models were used to assess the association between IBD, M/AD, and BZD use. RESULTS In 2016, the incident age/sex-standardized benzodiazepine use rates per 1,000 were 28.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] 26.41-29.81) in the IBD cohort and 16.83 (95% CI 16.28-17.39) in controls (adjusted rate ratio = 1.69 [95% CI 1.56-1.79]). Benzodiazepine incidence rates were higher for women with IBD than men, but the RR between cases and controls were similar for men and women. The incident age/sex-standardized Z-drug use rate per 1,000 was 21.07 (95% CI 19.69-22.41) in the IBD cohort. This was 1.87-fold higher than in controls (95% CI 1.73-2.01). In 2017, approximately 20% of persons with IBD used benzodiazepines and 20% used Z-drugs. There was a subadditive effect of both benzodiazepine and Z-drug uses between IBD and M/AD after adjusting for covariates. DISCUSSION The use of BZD is more common in people with IBD than in population controls. Strategies to reduce the use of BZDs in persons with IBD and to offer alternative management strategies for M/ADs, sleep disorders, and other symptomatic concerns are needed.
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Starcevic V. Representation of Benzodiazepines in Treatment Guidelines: The Paradox of Undesirable Objectivity. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2022; 91:295-299. [PMID: 35551128 DOI: 10.1159/000524772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vladan Starcevic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, Nepean Clinical School, Specialty of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Nepean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Chathanchirayil SJ, Elias A. Long term use of benzodiazepines by patients cared for by primary care physicians in consultation with psychiatrists. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2022; 146:165-167. [PMID: 35538732 PMCID: PMC9543273 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saji Joseph Chathanchirayil
- Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton Hospital, Department of Rural Health, Faculty of MedicineThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Alby Elias
- Department of PsychiatryThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia,Mid‐West Mental HealthThe Royal Melbourne HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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