Benzodiazepine prescriptions dropped sharply in the US over the past decade, research finds
A study from Rutgers Health reveals that benzodiazepine prescriptions in the U.S. dropped by 26.7% between 2013 and 2024. Researchers suggest this decline reflects increased caution among doctors regarding the risks of long-term use and potential drug interactions.
Why it matters
The reduction in prescriptions indicates a shift in medical practice toward safer pain and anxiety management, potentially mitigating risks of addiction and overdose.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Credit: MART PRODUCTION from Pexels The number of prescriptions dispensed for benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium declined in the United States over the past 10 years, potentially suggesting that doctors have become more cautious about prescribing these sedatives, according to Rutgers Health researchers.
The medications, which also include Ativan and Klonopin, slow activity in the central nervous system and are commonly used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia and some seizure disorders.
In the study , published in the American Journal of Psychiatry , Rutgers Health researchers analyzed more than 1.1 billion benzodiazepine prescriptions filled between 2013 and 2024 and found a 26.7% decline over that period.
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