Benzo Prescriptions Plummet by Over 25% Nationwide

Prescriptions for benzodiazepine sedatives, including medications like Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin, have fallen by 26.7% nationwide between 2013 and 2024. This substantial decrease reflects growing concerns about the drugs' involvement in overdose deaths, particularly when combined with opioids. The study tracked over 1.1 billion benzodiazepine prescription fills, revealing that the most significant drops occurred among younger adults aged 18 to 29. Simultaneously, the average dose prescribed per patient decreased by 18.3% over the same decade. While primary care doctors and psychiatrists saw a reduction in their benzodiazepine prescribing, the numbers rose for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This evolving landscape suggests a move toward more cautious and selective prescribing practices, though continued monitoring is deemed essential for patient safety.