Benzodiazepine prescriptions in the U.S. declined by 27% since 2013

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry reveals that benzodiazepine prescriptions in the United States declined by approximately 27% between 2013 and 2024. Researchers from Rutgers Health analyzed over 1.1 billion prescription fills during this period.

Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin, are used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and seizure disorders by slowing central nervous system activity. The decline in prescriptions was observed across all patient populations, with the most significant decrease occurring among young adults aged 18 to 29.

While the exact reasons for the decline are not definitively established, researchers suggest it may reflect more cautious or selective prescribing practices. This shift follows warnings from the Food and Drug Administration regarding the risks of combining benzodiazepines with other substances, such as opioids and alcohol, which can lead to increased overdose deaths. The study also noted shifts in prescribing patterns, with fewer prescriptions being written by primary care physicians and psychiatrists, while prescriptions from advanced practice providers showed different trends.