BENZODIAZEPÍNICOS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE: Uma epidemia silenciosa

Abstract

Introduction: Benzodiazepines are the most widely used psychotropic drugs in Brazil and the most widely consumed in the world. Their use is problematic due to their frequency and indiscriminate use without adequate monitoring. It is increasingly common for users to seek medical care with the sole purpose of obtaining a medication to help them sleep or to alleviate their social, economic, and family problems. Objective: To evaluate the use of benzodiazepines in Primary Health Care in the city of Olinda Nova do Maranhão. Method: A quantitative, descriptive, retrospective, and documentary study with 61 benzodiazepine users was conducted using an adapted script using data from the medical records of three Basic Health Units in the city of Olinda Nova do Maranhão. Data collection was carried out from December 2023 to January 2024. Sociodemographic data and information on the benzodiazepines surveyed were made available in tables. Results: of the 5,717 detailed physical records, we identified 61 benzodiazepine users, of which 72.1% were female, 52.5% over 60 years old, 78.7% using Clonazepam and 31.1% of these users had been using the medication for 1 year or more. The main diagnosis found was insomnia for 27.9%, followed by anxiety, 13.1%. Regarding side effects, 13% reported headache. A percentage of 42.6 of the prescriptions were performed in Basic Health Units by General Practitioners. Final considerations: it was possible to identify the extended use of benzodiazepines, especially Clonazepam and Diazepam, for a long period of time, mostly by women over 60 years old and for insomnia. Fragmented care, the disarticulation of Primary Care with the Health Network, the difficulty of general practitioners in managing mental disorders and the lack of skill with this group of medications, lead to these routine prescriptions. It is necessary to train health professionals for an intervention that involves reducing side effects and dependence, in addition to more active Pharmaceutical Assistance with clinical and educational activities.