Purchases of hypnotics, sedatives and minor tranquillizers anong 2,566 individuals in the country of Jämtland, Sweden

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Abstract
Data from a continuous recording of drug prescriptions to 16,600 individuals in the county of Jamtland, Sweden, revealed that 2566 patients (15.5%) obtained prescriptions for hypnotics, sedatives and minor tranquilizers in 1970. Occasional use (1 purchase only, Group A) was seen in 7.4% of the population, intermediate use (2-6 purchases, Group B) in 6.9% whereas 1.2% were regular users (7 purchases or more, Group C). For each group as a whole there was 5 yr later a highly significant intraindividual reduction in the purchases of these drugs as well as of other psychotropic drugs. In all groups 10-23% had increased their purchases, most of them insignificantly. Of 30 patients with a marked increase in consumption, 15 developed a regular purchase pattern but signs of overuse or abuse were seen in only 4 persons. During the studied period the benzodiazepines increased their share of the total from 45 to 60%. Antihistamines also increased in all groups while the porportion of barbiturates and combined preparations decreased markedly.

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