Benzodiazepine prescribing in a psychiatric hospital

Off-licence prescribing and regulation in psychiatry: current challenges require a new model of governance

The growing worldwide use of pharmaceuticals is managed in some countries by a regulatory system which sharply divides legal use into licensed and unlicensed categories. We examine how for the range of psychotropics this simultaneously restricts the possible benefits to patients, prescribers and producers in some domains, while failing to manage the risks in others. A more flexible system, which shares at an earlier stage experience and evidence on benefits and risks in patients, previously marginalized on the grounds of age, diagnosis or comorbidity, would aid the development of safer, more effective 'real-world prescribing'. Practical recommendations are made for a new model of research and prescribing governance, to enable more effective repurposing of these treatments.

Benzodiazepines--a necessary evil? A survey of prescribing at a specialist UK psychiatric hospital

Guidelines on the prescription of benzodiazepines recommend their use be limited to the short-term relief of severe anxiety or insomnia. However, clinical experience suggests that in psychiatry these drugs may be being prescribed more widely. The aim of this survey was to investigate benzodiazepine prescribing in a specialist UK psychiatric hospital using a structured interview with consultant psychiatrists. Prescribers were also asked their views on the UK CSM guidance on benzodiazepines (1988). Of 412 inpatients, 77 (18.7%) were receiving 90 benzodiazepine prescriptions for psychiatric indications. Most prescriptions were for anxiety (45/90; 50.0%), aggression (23/90; 25.6%) and agitation (13/90; 14.4%). Use was commonest for acquired brain injury, schizophrenia and personality disorders. Much usage was chronic (only 4/90 (4.4%) prescriptions had been initiated within the previous 4 weeks) and off-label (85/90; 94.4%). Prescribers were concerned about the addictive nature of benzodiazepines for these patients and to a lesser extent about their abuse potential. Most consultants believed the UK CSM guidance was too restrictive in relation to their clinical practice and needed modification to encompass new indications, for example rapid tranquillization, and specialist prescribing. In psychiatry benzodiazepines are quite frequently used in the management of a number of groups of difficult-to-treat patients. Although largely not evidence based, some psychiatrists report a favourable risk-benefit ratio for benzodiazepines in the treatment of certain patients.

Sedative-hypnotic treatment in an acute psychiatric setting: comparison with best practice guidance

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review treatment patterns of sedative-hypnotic agents within an acute adult inpatient psychiatric service, compare prescribing with best-practice recommendations for use and explore potential interventions.

SETTING

Two urban acute inpatient psychiatric units in the Waitemata community.

METHOD

A retrospective review of all consecutive admissions to these two adult psychiatric units was conducted during the period 1st January to 30th June 2002. Patient demographics, diagnosis and sedative-hypnotic treatment data were extracted from clinical files. Average benzodiazepine daily dose was calculated for each admission in diazepam equivalents (Diaz(e)).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sedative-hypnotic treatment administered, duration of treatment, average daily dose, and discharge treatment.

RESULTS

Data from 257 patients and 293 admissions were analysed. Almost all admissions (86.7%) involved treatment with a sedative-hypnotic. A benzodiazepine was prescribed for 82.6% of admissions, of which 64.9% was administered on an "as-needed (prn)" basis. Zopiclone was used in 56.7% of admissions, of which 83.7% was "as-needed (prn)" treatment. Most benzodiazepine treatment was with a single agent (61.6%) and lorazepam was the most frequently prescribed (54.8%). Over two-thirds of admissions used benzodiazepine treatment for 50% or less of the admission duration. The duration of treatment was shortest in those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. Almost two-thirds of admissions were discharged without any prescription for sedative-hypnotic treatment.

CONCLUSION

The use of sedative-hypnotic treatment in the acute adult inpatient psychiatric environment compared favourably with best practice recommendations regarding dose, duration of treatment and discharge treatment. The study identified key areas for intervention by clinical pharmacists to ensure appropriate use of sedative-hypnotics including in-service education, regular review of all sedative-hypnotic treatment and discharge medication planning.

The use and nursing management of benzodiazepines in acute, mental health inpatient care: a discussion

The use of medication in acute mental health is common practice however, there is a lack of research into all aspects of pharmacology within inpatient settings. This paper explores the specific use of benzodiazepines and areas of potential mismanagement. A number of priorities for investigation are raised and implications for nursing roles and responsibilities discussed.

Rapid tranquillisation: time for a reappraisal of options for parenteral therapy

BACKGROUND

When parenteral treatments are indicated for acutely disturbed behaviour, previous guidelines have recommended droperidol or haloperidol in combination with benzodiazepines. However, there has been recent concern over cardiotoxicity and sudden death associated with some antipsychotic medication and droperidol has now been withdrawn.

AIMS

To ascertain what alternatives can be recommended to replace intramuscular droperidol.

METHOD

Selective review of current guidelines and the literature pertaining to rapid parenteral tranquillisation.

RESULTS

Current guidelines recommend haloperidol as an alternative to droperidol. There is evidence of cardiotoxicity with haloperidol and it has a propensity to cause extrapyramidal side-effects that may exacerbate disturbed behaviour and reduce longer-term compliance. The rapid-acting intramuscular formulations of atypical antipsychotic agents show promise.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that the mainstay of pharmacological rapid tranquillisation should be parenteral benzodiazepines used with due care.