Trends in Stimulant and Sedative/Hypnotic Dispensing: An Exploratory Study.

This article investigates patterns and trends in the co-prescription of stimulants and sedative-hypnotics over six years at a tertiary care center. The study found significant increases in both the number of stimulant prescriptions and patients receiving stimulants from 2015 to 2021, alongside a rise in patients dispensed both stimulants and sedative-hypnotics—specifically benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepine receptor agonists known as Z-drugs. Notably, these increases were more pronounced among Non-White patients compared to White patients. The findings highlight growing polypharmacy involving stimulants and sedatives, raising concerns given their opposing pharmacological effects and potential risks, and suggest the need for further research into prescribing practices and patient outcomes.