Current prescribing patterns and use of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics in a retail environment
Year: 2009
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: \nNon-benzodiazepine drugs such as zopiclone and zolpidem are alternatives to treatment of \ninsomnia, but are recommended only for short-term treatment. The objectives of the study \nwere to evaluate the prescribing patterns and usage of these drugs. \nMethod: Data was collected from Clicks Rosebank Pharmacy. One hundred (100) patients \npresenting with prescriptions for either zolpidem or zopiclone were followed over a period of \nseven months and data was collected regarding: demographic characteristics of patients; drug \nand dose distribution; ICD10 codes; prescriber characteristics; period of use; and whether \nuse was continuous or as needed (uninterrupted or interrupted). All data was collected from \nthe Unisolv computer system. Over a period of one year, total prescriptions received for all \ndrugs were compared to the total number of zopiclone/zolpidem prescriptions received to \ngauge whether there was any seasonal variation in hypnotic use. \nResults: In each age group, excluding 20 years and below, the number of females was greater \nthan males. The mean age of all patients between the ages of 21 and 80 years was 53.1 years. \nOut of 100 patients, 85 (85%), used either zolpidem 10mg or zopiclone 7.5mg, which are the \nstandard doses. The most common ICD 10 code observed was G47.0, Disorders of initiating \nand maintaining sleep [insomnias], occurring in 52 (52%) of 100 prescriptions. Of the 100 \ninitial prescriptions, 68 (68%) were prescribed by General Practitioners, while 32 (32%) were \nprescribed by Specialists. Thirty of the 100 patients (30%) used one of the drugs for the full \nseven months; twenty two patients (22%) used one of the drugs for a period of one month or \nless; and the remaining 48 patients (48%) used a hypnotic for a total of two to six months. \nThe number of patients who used a hypnotic in an interrupted manner, with each period of \nuse of one month or less duration, was 34 (34%). The number of patients who used a \nhypnotic for at least one uninterrupted period of more than 1 month s duration was 66 (66%). \nOver a period of 12 months, prescriptions for either zolpidem or zopiclone represented 3.17% \nof total prescriptions. There was no significant seasonal fluctuation in hypnotic use. \nConclusion: The majority of patients used one of the two hypnotics in an uninterrupted \nmanner, and over a long term as well. Despite numerous cautions in the literature, these \nmedications are still being prescribed and used in a manner contrary to existing guidelines.
Author: Gauri Jain
Language: English
Topic: Sleep and related disorders
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2261044108