Abstract

Benzodiazepines are the most common prescribed drugs in psychiatric practice with the main indications being anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, mood disorders and substance withdrawal. There is a deficiency of data on prescription patterns of these drugs and presence of high abuse potential. Aims and Objectives: This observational cross-sectional study was designed to study the prescription patterns of benzodiazepines in Indian adult population in psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary general hospital. Materials and Methods: In 1 year duration study, 400 patients on benzodiazepines enrolled in this study and they filled up a questionnaire designed for the study. The data was evaluated using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 225 (56.25%) patients were female and 175 (43.75%) were males. The mean age of the group was 41.34±12.61 years with a range of 19- 70 years. 75% patients were married and housewives (31.25%) were the patients prescribed with benzodiazepines. 52.50% patients were educated till primary school level. And The reasons for prescribing benzodiazepines were anxiety disorder in 96 (24%) patients followed by bipolar disorder in 63 (15.75%), followed by psychotic and mood disorders. Clonazepam and Lorazepam were the most commonly prescribed medications. Conclusions: There is a requirement for data, which can help implement better strategy for regulation of the prescription of benzodiazepines at all levels. More studies will help articulate guidelines for prescribing this group of drugs for various indications rationally

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