Benzodiazepines: A Major Component in Unintentional

Abstract

Despite efforts by medical experts, government regulators, and law enforcement, the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs in the United States is on the rise. Prescription opioid analgesics are the major cause of accidental overdose fatalities. When used alone, benzodiazepines are not very dangerous in terms of overdose. However, benzodiazepine-related fatalities increased from 1999 to 2009 by a factor of 5. Opioid analgesic related ER visits climbed by 111%, while benzodiazepine-related ER visits increased by 89%. Death rates increased by the greatest amounts from 2003 to 2009 for the prescription medicines oxycodone (264.6%) and alprazolam (233.8%). Therefore, benzodiazepines have an influence on accidental overdose deaths from prescription drugs second only to opioid analgesics. Benzodiazepines and opioid analgesics are often prescribed together. Interactions between benzodiazepines and opioid analgesics are complicated due to their pharmacokinetic nature. These drugs have different pharmacodynamic effects, but when used together they may cause profound respiratory depression. Patients often see many doctors to get the best treatment for their condition, and prescription drug monitoring tools may shed light on patients' benzodiazepine and opioid analgesic prescribing and consumption habits. As the number of people dying from accidental overdoses of prescription drugs rises, health care providers have a responsibility to educate patients and work collaboratively with regulatory bodies and governments to find solutions.