Use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine‐related drugs in the Nordic countries between 2000 and 2020

• DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13811
• Publication Date: 2022-10-31T09:49:42Z
• Authors: Mikkel Højlund; Larus S. Gudmundsson; Jacob H. Andersen; Leena K. Saastamo...; Helga Zoega; Svetlana O. Skurt...; Jonas W. Wastesson; Jesper Hallas; Anton Pottegård
• Keywords: Clonazepam; Defined daily dose

Use of benzodiazepines (BZ) and related drugs is subject to considerable debate due problems with dependency adverse events. We aimed describe compare their use across the Nordic countries. Data on clonazepam, BZ-sedatives, BZ-hypnotics, benzodiazepine-related (BZRD) in adults (≥20 years) were obtained from nationwide registers Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, 2000-2020. Main measures therapeutic intensity (TI:DDD/1000 inhabitants [inhab.]/day) annual prevalence (users/1000 inhab./year). Overall, TI BZ decreased all countries 2004 2020. However, there differences between TI. In 2020, ranged 17 DDD/1000 inhab./day Denmark 93 Iceland. BZRD accounted for 55-78% followed by sedatives at 20-44%, BZ-hypnotics <1-5%, clonazepam <1-2%. Annual increased age countries, highest was observed among people ≥80 years. has however, The oldest groups-despite warnings against this population.