gms | German Medical Science

Background: Medicines containing benzodiazepines or Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone, zaleplon) are used as tranquilizers, hypnotics or sedatives. Prolonged use for more than four to eight weeks can cause the development of a drug dependence in patients.

In recent years the above drugs have been prescribed on private prescriptions to patients with statutory health insurance [1], [2]. The dimension of this practice is poorly known. Extrapolations from purchasing statistics in German community pharmacies suggest that up to 50 % of all prescriptions of these drugs are on a private prescription [3].

This study aims to assess the actual use of private prescriptions and to contribute to the debate about the benefits and risks of these drugs [4]. The following results are taken from a pilot study.

Materials and Methods: The assessment of submitted prescriptions in community pharmacies is used. A systematic study in North Rhine-Westphalia is planned to examine the percentage of private prescriptions, taking into account which age groups are particularly affected and whether benzodiazepines or Z-drugs are prescribed more often on private prescriptions.

Results: The results of the pilot study will be presented at the GAA-meeting. Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs are in fact commonly prescribed on private prescriptions for patients with statutory health insurance, though the share does not reach 50%.

Conclusion: More data about the actual prescription of these drugs is necessary to find an accurate basis for discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of the therapeutic use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. If the main study confirms the results of the pilot study, further steps should be discussed with all stakeholders, especially physicians and pharmacists to manage the risks of these drugs.