The effects of restricting publicly subsidised temazepam capsules on benzodiazepine use among injecting drug users in Australia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a restriction on publicly subsidised temazepam 10 mg capsules upon the injection of benzodiazepines by injecting drug users (IDUs). DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional study of regular IDUs targeting periods before and after the policy change. Analysis of prescription data, including time-series analysis. SETTING: Drug services in the capital cities of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and the Northern Territory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in prescriptions and patterns of benzodiazepine use; harms associated with benzodiazepine use. RESULTS: There was a decrease in temazepam 10 mg capsule prescriptions and a corresponding increase in ..