CDC Publications

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An Examination of Concurrent Opioid and Benzodiazepine Prescribing in Nine States, 2015external icon

This report analyzes concurrent prescribing of opioid and benzodiazepine in nine states using the 2015 Prescription Behavior Surveillance System. More than half of patients with concurrent opioids and benzodiazepines received prescriptions from two or more different providers. Despite the known risks of taking these medications in combination, concurrent prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines is common. These findings highlight the need for public health action, such as evidence-based guidelines and prescription drug monitoring programs to reduce concurrent prescribing.