Benzodiazepine Prescriptions Dropped Through 2024
A national study found a significant reduction in dispensed benzodiazepine prescriptions between 2013 and 2024.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Between 2013 and 2023, the annual prevalence of dispensed benzodiazepine prescriptions in the United States fell from 7.5% to 5.5%. This marks a 26.7% net reduction in the use of these medications across the country.
Why it matters
The reduction in prescribing habits reflects a significant shift in medical practice regarding the management of these controlled substances. The study provides critical insight into long-term trends across various medical specialties and patient demographics.
Researchers analyzed 1,100,233,787 prescription fills to track these trends. The study found that while most specialists reduced prescriptions, advanced practice providers increased their issuance of these medications by 101.5%.
The players
American Journal of Psychiatry
This is a peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes research on mental health and psychiatric practice.
IQVIA
This is a global provider of data, technology, and research services to the life sciences and healthcare industries.
The details
The study utilized the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription dataset to conduct its analysis of prescribing behavior. While pain medicine specialists and primary care physicians notably reduced their dispensing rates, the research also observed a nationwide decrease in the mean total dose per prescription.
Timeline
The study period for prescription trends began in 2013.
Prevalence measurements concluded in 2023.
The data collection period for the study ended in 2024.
Findings were published in the American Journal of Psychiatry on September 30, 2026.
Health Landscape
This study aligns with broader efforts by institutions like the American Journal of Psychiatry to track how evolving clinical guidelines influence long-term national health metrics. It highlights a clear departure from prescribing patterns established in the early 2010s.
Patients may notice changes in how their providers manage anxiety or insomnia treatments compared to previous years. These shifts often involve lower initial dosages or the consideration of alternative non-benzodiazepine therapeutic options.
The takeaway
The sharp decline in benzodiazepine usage suggests that medical professionals are increasingly prioritizing conservative prescribing practices. Patients should discuss any concerns regarding their current treatment plans with their primary healthcare provider.
Further reading
For more information on national trends in medication use, visit the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MPR.
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