Incidence and predictors of new persistent benzodiazepine and Z-drug use after critical illness A nationwide cohort study | Synapse
March 26, 2026
Incidence and predictors of new persistent benzodiazepine and Z-drug use after critical illness A nationwide cohort study
Key Points
This research aims to identify the incidence and predictors of new persistent benzodiazepine and Z-drug use following critical illness.
Nationwide cohort study of ICU survivors
Analysis of pre-ICU medication exposure
Evaluation of psychiatric comorbidities
Approximately 16% of ICU survivors developed new persistent benzodiazepine use
Female sex and psychiatric comorbidities are significant risk factors
Pre-ICU exposure to SSRIs and opioids increases risk for persistent use
Abstract
Nearly one in six ICU survivors developed new persistent BZRA use. Along with psychiatric comorbidities and female sex, pre-ICU exposure to SSRIs and opioids identified patients at particularly high risk.