Benzodiazepine Discontinuation and Mortality Among Patients Receiving Long-Term Benzodiazepine Therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

There is interest in reducing long-term benzodiazepine prescribing given harms associated with use, but the cumulative risks or benefits of discontinuation are unknown.

Objective

To identify the association of benzodiazepine discontinuation with mortality and other adverse events among patients prescribed stable long-term benzodiazepine therapy, stratified by baseline opioid exposure.

Design, setting, and participants

This comparative effectiveness study with a trial emulation approach included data from a US commercial insurance database between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. Eligible participants were adults with stable long-term benzodiazepine prescription treatment. Data were analyzed between December 2022 and November 2023.

Exposure

Ben

SUBMITTER: Maust DT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10733804 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature