Benzodiazepine prescribing in children under 15 years of age receiving free medical care on the General Medical Services scheme in Ireland

Abstract

While BZD prescribing trends have decreased in recent years, this study shows that a significant proportion of the GMS children population are being prescribed BZD in the long term. This study highlights the need for guidelines for BZD prescribing in children in terms of clinical indication and responsibility, coprescribing, dosage and duration of treatment.