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Association of benzodiazepine injection with the prescription of temazepam capsules
Author(s) -
DOBBIN MALCOLM,
MARTYRES RAYMOND F.,
CLODE DANIELLE,
CRESPIGNY FLEUR E. CHAMPION
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
drug and alcohol review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.018
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1465-3362
pISSN - 0959-5236
DOI - 10.1080/09595230100100589
Subject(s) - temazepam , benzodiazepine , medicine , medical prescription , pharmacology , anesthesia , receptor
Temazepam capsules have become a popular choice for benzodiazepine injection by injecting drug users, and serious vascular and tissue damage leading to ulcers and gangrene can result. We compared the self‐reported benzodiazepine injecting behaviour of 91 heroin users with their Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS) records for the preceding 5 years. We found that individuals prescribed PBS temazepam capsules were more likely to report injecting benzodiazepines than individuals who had either not been prescribed PBS temazepam capsules or had been prescribed PBS temazepam tablets. These results provide empirical support for the argument to limit the prescription and supply of temazepam capsules in Australia.