Evaluation of benzodiazepine consumption in users of CAPS AD III in Palmas/TO

Abstract

Benzodiazepines are the most widely used class of drugs in Brazil, but they can cause adverse effects, as well as lead to tolerance, withdrawal, and dependence. The objective of this study was to describe the sociodemographic profile of users from the Karajá territory assisted by the CAPS AD III in Palmas and to verify if the prescriptions for benzodiazepines are in accordance with the treatment time recommended in the literature. Among the 52 study participants, there was a predominance of males (92.3%), between 41 and 50 years (30.8%), with a significant percentage of elementary school education (34.6%). Most of them were alcohol users (63.5%) and were being monitored for drug abuse for over a year (44.2%). Regarding benzodiazepines, 59.6% of the participants had used them, and diazepam was the most prescribed drug (54.9%), with a duration of use for up to 60 days (74.3%). Although specialized care is considered a reference among the different levels of health care, there is a need to rationalize the prescription and dispensing of benzodiazepines to these users, because prolonged use can further intensify memory and attention deficits, making recovery more difficult and delaying the process of social reintegration.