Long-term benzodiazepine use is less likely when shorter courses, a single medication or short-acting agents are prescribed, per cohort study of more than 1.8 million Canadian adults which could inform prescribing practices

A research team has identified a key protein suspected to be involved in benzodiazepine-related inflammation, which could inform strategies to improve benzodiazepine drug design and treat inflammation-related conditions. The findings may lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

A decade-long study found that benzodiazepine prescribing declined steadily before 2020 but leveled off after the pandemic began. Adults aged 75+ and those receiving medications through long-term care pharmacies saw an increase in prescriptions, highlighting the need for medication safety efforts.

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that shorter courses of androgen deprivation therapy can effectively control prostate cancer without increasing risks. The ideal duration of ADT depends on cancer risk, allowing for more personalized treatment plans.

A study found that older adults are discontinuing benzodiazepines soon after hospital discharge, but many continue use for months, posing health risks. Researchers recommend targeting high-risk patients with deprescribing strategies to prevent chronic use.

A new study found a 15% increase in benzodiazepine prescriptions among postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers suggest that the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of postpartum depression and anxiety were exacerbated by the pandemic-induced healthcare crisis.

A new study by Concordia researchers finds that chronic benzodiazepine consumption impacts sleep quality in older adults, leading to poorer sleep architecture and brain oscillation activities. The study suggests that these drugs may worsen cognitive functions already affected by aging.