Sedative Prescriptions Are Common at Opioid Initiation: An Observational Study in the Veterans Health Administration.

摘要: Background Concurrent use of sedatives, especially anxiolytics, and opioids is associated with increased risk medication-related harms. To the extent that multiple prescribers are involved, approaches to influence patterns coprescribing will differ from those prescribing within a single drug class. Objectives Describe proportion new opioid recipients concurrent sedative medications at initiation determine whether these were prescribed by same prescriber. Methods We used national Department Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient pharmacy administration data identify veterans who received prescription between October 20, 2010, September 1, 2011 (FY 2011), preceded 365-day opioid-free period. was defined as skeletal muscle relaxant, benzodiazepine, atypical antipsychotic, or hypnotic filled on start date before after gap less than twice day supply prior fill. Results 21.4% (112,408/526,499) in FY 2011. The least one provider other prescriber 61.4% (69,002/112,408). varied across Benzodiazepines 41.1% (15,520/37,750) users. Conclusion One five patients newly also had prescription. Less half benzodiazepine prescriptions provider. Efforts reduce require addressing care coordination.