Prescribing Pattern of Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists (BZRA) and Factors Associated With Duration of BZRA Use in a Malaysian Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.18.6.26
- Author:
Shire Li Yong
1
;
Huey Jing Renee Tan
2
;
Norliza Bt Chemi
2
;
Sharifah Suziah Bt Syed Mokhtar
2
;
Yee Wen Neo
1
;
Nor Maliza Bt Mohd Zamri
1
;
Elina Bt Sahidan
1
;
Sue Kee Tee
1
Author Information
1. Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Kajang, 4, Jalan Semenyih, Bandar Kajang, 43000, Kajang, Ministry of Health Malaysia
2. Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Kajang, 4, Jalan Semenyih, Bandar Kajang, 43000, Kajang, Ministry of Health Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Prescription pattern, Benzodiazepine, Predicting factors, BZRA, Sedative hypnotics
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2022;18(No.6):193-201
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) are among the most frequently used psychotropic medications worldwide. We aim to understand the pattern of prescription of BZRA in the government healthcare facilities
and identify factors affecting the likelihood of BZRA prescription and duration of use. Method: This is a retrospective
study. Data was obtained from record of outpatient clinical notes. Medications studied were midazolam, alprazolam,
lorazepam, bromazepam, clonazepam, diazepam and zolpidem. Mean duration per prescription, mean dosage per
prescription and duration per patient per year were calculated for each sedative hypnotic. The likelihood of factors
affecting duration of prescription were also analysed. Results: The prevalence of sedative hypnotic use in psychiatry
outpatient clinic was 12.16%. Clonazepam was found to have the longest duration per patient per year (306.5 days).
Insomnia and anxiety are the two most common reasons for sedative hypnotic prescription. Factors found to affect
duration of prescription were unemployment, borderline personality disorder, alcohol and substance use disorders.
Conclusion: Implementation of effective monitoring system on sedative hypnotic prescribing and increase use of
non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia and anxiety are necessary to curb prolonged use of sedative hypnotic.
- Full text:11.2022my1376.pdf
