Benzodiazepine and zolpidem prescriptions during autologous stem cell transplantation. Issue 2 (6th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Banerjee, Rahul; Lazar, Ann A.; Dunn, Lisa; Knoche, Jennifer; Lo, Mimi; Arora, Shagun; Wong, Sandy W.; Wolf, Jeffrey L.; Martin, Thomas G.; Dhruva, Anand; Shah, Nina
• Is Part Of: EJHaem. Volume 2:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2021-02-06
• Subjects: Hematology -- Periodicals; 616.15
• DOI: 10.1002/jha2.148
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2688-6146

Abstract

Abstract: Multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) may receive benzodiazepine or zolpidem‐class (B/Z) medications despite their risks in older patients. Of 205 myeloma patients (36% aged 65+) who underwent ASCT at our institution between 2017 and 2018, we found that B/Z prescription rates for anxiety/insomnia rose significantly from 26% before ASCT to 38% at discharge and 39% at Day +100. B/Z initiation while hospitalized was a strong predictor of B/Z persistence at Day +100. Our findings highlight the role of these potentially inappropriate medications during hospitalizations for ASCT, a period where nonpharmacologic strategies for managing anxiety/insomnia may be feasible.