ArticleThe Lancet regional health. Western Pacific2025
A decade of Benzodiazepine and Z-drug use in Hong Kong: a longitudinal study.
Article in The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- From molecular mechanisms to digital surveillance: the 2010-2025 evolution of benzodiazepine and Z-drug misuse research.Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology · 2026Review
- Longer Duration of Drug Elimination and Withdrawal Symptoms in Overweight Patients Undergoing Detoxification for Benzodiazepine Dependence.Alpha psychiatry · 2026Article
- Trajectories Associated With the Use and Deprescription of Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs in a Network of Geriatric Outpatient Clinics.Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background: Concerns are growing about the long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) and non-benzodiazepines (Z-drugs) due to adverse effects such as drug tolerance, dependence, cognitive dysfunction, and falls, particularly in the elderly. This study aims to understand thorough prescribing patterns of BZDs and Z-drugs across age groups in clinical settings of Hong Kong, especially the long-term prescriptions. Methods: Using territory-wide electronic health record data from Hong Kong (2014-2023), we analysed the prevalence, incidence, and duration of BZD and Z-drug prescriptions in adults. Long-term use was defined as prescriptions exceeding 90 days. Joinpoint regression models assessed trend changes, focusing on four age groups: 18-25, 26-49, 50-64, and ≥65. Psychiatric diagnoses within 180 days before and after treatment initiation were also evaluated. Findings: Patients with BZD and Z-drug prescribing increased from 2014 to 2023, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 3.44 [95% CI: 3.26-3.61] in prevalence and 1.51 [0.64-2.45] in incidence. Trends varied by age: the sharpest increases were observed in young adults aged 18-25 (prevalence AAPC: 9.43 [8.36-10.51]; incidence AAPC: 7.56 [6.19-8.89]), whereas the incidence in those aged ≥65 declined after 2019, although it remained the highest. Prevalence of patients with long-term prescribing rose consistently, particularly in young adults (BZD AAPC: 13.43 [11.98-14.62]; Z-drug AAPC: 12.88 [7.85-18.24]). Depression and dementia were the most common psychiatric diagnoses within 180 days before and after treatment initiation. Interpretation: These findings highlight the need to review long-term prescribing practices and establish clear guidelines for safe BZD and Z-drug use, especially among young adults. Funding: No funding has been provided for this research.
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