Prescriptions of Chinese Herbal Medicines for Insomnia in Taiwan during 2002

• DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nep018
• Publication Date: 2009-04-02T01:09:34Z
• Authors: Fang-Pey Chen; Maw-Shiou Jong; Yu-Chun Chen; Yen-Ying Kung; Tzeng-Ji Chen; Fun-Jou Chen; Shinn-Jang Hwang
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Original Article; 3. Good health

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been commonly used for treating insomnia in Asian countries centuries. The aim of this study was to conduct a large-scale pharmaco-epidemiologic and evaluate the frequency patterns CHM use insomnia. We obtained traditional (TCM) outpatient claims from National Health Insurance Taiwan year 2002. Patients with were identified diagnostic code International Classification Disease among claimed visiting files. Corresponding prescription files analyzed, an association rule applied co-prescription CHM. Results showed that there 16 134 subjects who visited TCM clinics during 2002 received total 29 801 prescriptions. Subjects between 40 49 years age comprised largest number those treated (25.3%). In addition, female CHMs more frequently than male (female : = 1.94 1). There average 4.8 items prescribed form either individual herb or formula single Shou-wu-teng (Polygonum multiflorum) most herb, while Suan-zao-ren-tang formula. According rule, drug combination plus Long-dan-xie-gan-tang, triple Suan-zao-ren-tang, Albizia julibrissin, P. multiflorum. Nevertheless, further clinical trials are needed efficacy safety these