Benzodiazepine
Project Overview and Indicators

Benzodiazepines have their role in clinical medicine, but that role has been substantially diminished by new medications. The problematic side-effect profile of benzodiazepines warrants closer attention and suggests that they should play a smaller role in anxiety treatment. Despite the negative therapeutic profile of benzodiazepines and the emergence of new and more effective medications, benzodiazepine use is still widespread in Arkansas. AFMC recently analyzed the Medicaid database to ascertain the extent of benzodiazepine prescribing in Arkansas. AFMC has developed educational tools to assist physicians and patients to avoid the initiation of benzodiazepines and to promote alternative strategies to treat insomnia and anxiety.

Quality indicators for the benzodiazepine project are:

• Review alternatives to benzodiazepines for treatment of anxiety disorders and insomnia (medication/cognitive behavior therapy)
• Consider SSRIs/SSNRIs as first-line therapy in the treatment of anxiety
• Use benzodiazepines for short-term therapy only