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. 2020 Jul 1;180(7):1006-1008.
doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.0989.

Trends in Utilization of Prescribed Controlled Substances in US Commercially Insured Adults, 2004-2019

Katsiaryna Bykov  1 , Mengdong He  1 , Joshua J Gagne  1
Affiliations

Trends in Utilization of Prescribed Controlled Substances in US Commercially Insured Adults, 2004-2019

Katsiaryna Bykov et al. JAMA Intern Med. .

Abstract

This study examines the most commonly dispensed categories and individual substances of all prescribed controlled substances, including stimulants, benzodiazepines, and depressants, among US commercially insured adults.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr Bykov reports a training grant from National Institute of Child Health and Human Development during the conduct of the study and personal fees from Alosa Health Foundation outside the submitted work. Dr Gagne reports grants from Eli Lilly and Company and Novartis Pharmaceuticals and personal fees from Optum and Aetion outside the submitted work. No other disclosures were reported.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Dispensing Trends for Most Commonly Dispensed Categories of Controlled Substances in the US Commercially Insured Adults, January 2004 to June 2019
Six most commonly dispensed categories (as of January 2019-June 2019) are presented. Depressants (schedule IV) contained benzodiazepines and sleep medications zaleplon, zolpidem, and zopiclone. Depressants (schedule V) contained brivaracetam, ezogabine, lacosamide, and pregabalin. Narcotic drugs (schedule III) contained codeine ≤90 mg per dosage, morphine ≤50 mg/100 mL or 100 g, both in a combination with another nonnarcotic ingredient, and buprenorphine. Stimulants (schedule II) contained amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and dextroamphetamine.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Dispensing Trends for Most Commonly Dispensed Controlled Substances in the US Commercially Insured Adults, January 2004 to June 2019
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. US Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. Controlled substance schedules Accessed August 31, 2019. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/

Publication types

Substances