Purchases of hypnotics, sedatives and minor tranquillizers among 2,566 individuals in the county of Jämtland, Sweden. A 6-year follow-up.

Data from a continuous recording of drug prescriptions to 16,600 individuals in the county of Jämtland, Sweden, revealed that 2,566 patients (15.5%) obtained prescriptions for hypnotics, sedatives and minor tranquillizers in 1970. Occasional use (one purchase only, Group A) was seen in 7.4% of the population, intermediate use (two to six purchases, Group B) in 6.9% whereas 1.2% were regular users (seven purchases or more, Group C). For each group as a whole there was 5 years later a highly significant intraindividual reduction in the purchases of these drugs as well as of other psychotropic drugs. In all groups 10-23% had increased their purchases, most of them insignificantly. Fifteen of 30 patients with a marked increase in consumption developed a regular purchase pattern, but signs of overuse or abuse were seen in only four persons. During the studied period the benzodiazepines increased their share of the total from 45 to 60%. Antihistamines also increased in all groups while the proportion of barbiturates and combined preparations decreased markedly.