Deprescribing of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs amongst the psychiatric patients of a tertiary care Hospital.

BACKGROUND

In current clinical practice, regardless of the clinical guidelines, BZDs and Z drugs are used beyond the period of indication, resulting in undesirable effects. This study aimed to assess feasibility of deprescribing amongst patients utilizing BZDs and Z drugs inappropriately for longer duration than the prescribed period. The study also analysed the Quality of Sleep (QoS) and Cost Savings incurred amongst deprescribed patients.

METHODS

It was a prospective interventional study conducted in IP and OP settings of Psychiatry Department, Bangalore, India. Based on inclusion criteria, 109 patients were recruited for the study for a period of 7 months. Deprescribing was advised to inappropriate BZD and Z-drug users by clinical pharmacist after discussing with the prescribing psychiatrist. The patients were followed-up twice in a month after deprescribing. QoS was assessed by using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale. The total medications cost incurred per patient/month before and after the intervention among both the groups was measured.

RESULTS

Post-intervention, 40(30.69%) BZD users were deprescribed i.e, either dose tapered 6(5.5%), completely ceased 27(24.8%) or on si opus sit (SOS) BZDs prescription 7(6.4%). A majority of 44(40.36%) patients continued BZDs according to the algorithm. Clonazepam 35(87.5%) was the most deprescribed BZD. Deprescribing of BZDs showed an association with QoS of patients, p-value (<0.05). A statistically significant cost reduction was observed after deprescribing BZDs, (Z = 5.465, p=<0.001).

DISCUSSION

Deprescribing BZDs was associated with decline in its usage; implementing deprescribing practice amongst the inappropriate BZD users is feasible, provides an improved QoS and an economic benefit.