C Ineke Neutel Author

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Patterns in Analgesic and Hypnotic Use During the Last Year of Life

Author(s):

C Ineke Neutel and Helen L Johansen

Abstract
Introduction: Pain and discomfort tend to increase as disease is overtaking the body, and death is imminent. To alleviate such symptoms, increasing amounts of analgesics, hypnotics or sedatives are prescribed. The pattern of use of such medications prior to death is not well known. Consequently, this study examines patterns of usage of opioids, and benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics (BZD-Z) during the last year of life.
Methods: The study population, aged 41-80 in 2010, is from the Norwegian Pharmaceutical Database. Between January and October 2010, 8,862 deaths occurred in the study population. Controls consiste... view more»

DOI: 10.4172/2325-9639.1000159

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