Prescribing Pattern of Hypnotic Medications in Patients Initiating Treatment at Japanese Hospitals: A Nationwide, Retrospective, Longitudinal, Observational Study Using a Claims Database

Benzodiazepine receptor agonists were the most common hypnotic drugs prescribed as the first drug to patients in Japan. Further education and awareness may be needed on the risk of complications and adverse events associated with these therapies. The duration of BZD receptor agonist use was shorter than for the MRA and ORA, in accordance with prescribing guidelines. Long-term use and co-prescribing of hypnotic drugs were also uncommon.