Heavy users of prescription drugs--mortality and stability in use patterns.

Longitudinal analyses of heavy users of prescription drugs were carried out in a geographically defined population in mideastern Sweden. During the period 1976-1983 the individual stability in heavy use of prescription drugs was analysed in heavy users identified in 1975. Mortality of heavy and nonheavy users during the same period was also studied. The 10% with the heaviest use accounted for more than 40% of total drugs prescribed. A substantial proportion of heavy users continued heavy use for eight or more years. These continuing heavy users accounted for more than 7% of total drugs prescribed during 1983. Individual stability in heavy use of prescription drugs over time varied with age. Continued heavy use was not common in the youngest heavy users, whereas a substantial proportion of older heavy users continued with such use over time. There were no differences between men and women in continued heavy use. Heavy users with use of hormonal drugs, including anti-diabetics, or use of psychotropics had a greater tendency towards continued heavy use, compared with heavy users without such use. Heavy users with use of antibiotics, systemic drugs for allergies or drugs for ear, nose, and throat conditions had a lower tendency towards continued heavy use over time, compared with other heavy users. Heavy users of prescription drugs had a higher mortality, compared with nonheavy users.