A meta-analysis of 49 randomized controlled trials with 39,336 patients indicates that pharmacist-led education, patient education, and medication reviews can significantly promote the discontinuation of benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotic drugs (BSH) compared to usual care. For instance, pharmacist-led interventions resulted in 491 additional discontinuations per 1,000 patients, while patient education led to 144. Although interventions showed potential in improving discontinuation rates, their effects on physical and mental health remain uncertain. Further quality studies are needed.

Source: thebmj