Risk of suicide attempt and suicide associated with benzodiazepine: A nationwide case crossover study

Background Previous studies that found an association between benzodiazepines and suicidal behaviours were confounded by indication bias. Aims To limit this bias, a case crossover study (CCO) was conducted to estimate the risk of suicide attempt and suicide associated with benzodiazepines. Method Patients ≥16 years, with hospitalised suicide attempt or suicide between 2013 and 2016, and […]

Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey

Background: Over 92 million prescriptions for benzodiazepines are dispensed in the United States annually, yet little is known about the experiences of those taking and discontinuing them. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the experiences of those taking, tapering, or having discontinued benzodiazepines. Methods: An online survey (n = 1207) elicited information about benzodiazepine use, […]

Concomitant opioid and benzodiazepine use and risk of suicide attempt and intentional self-harm: Pharmacoepidemiologic study

Background: Overdose due to concomitant use of opioids and benzodiazepines has been raised as a major public health concern, although little research has examined whether this risk extends to intentional overdose or other self-harm. This study examined whether prescription opioids and benzodiazepines interact to increase the rate of suicide attempt and intentional self-harm. Methods: The study analyzed […]

Evaluation of factors related to overdose in patients with impaired consciousness who are transported by emergency medical services: An age-specific research

Background: Drug overdose accounts for most of the admissions to the emergency department. Prescription drugs, most of which are psychotropic medications, are often misused for drug overdose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between overdose in patients transported with disorders of consciousness and psychotropic medications administered prior to transport, so as to […]

Epidemiologic assessment of benzodiazepine exposure among suicide deaths in Colorado, 2015-2017

Background Suicide rates have been climbing in the U.S., particularly in Rocky Mountain states such as Colorado. Benzodiazepines have been linked with suicidal ideation, but there have been few population level assessments of this link. We conducted a public health assessment to determine the epidemiology and prevalence of recent benzodiazepine exposure, among suicide deaths in […]