The national average of over 65s on benzodiazepine medicine is 78.4 per 1,000 people, which is high in comparison to other countries.
Data on the chronic usage of benzodiazepine medicines in people aged 65 years and older shows that in 2017, 49.1 per 1,000 patients were using the drug in Dublin South.
The latest data shows that in South Tipperary, 98.8 of 1,000 patients aged over 65 had prescriptions dispensed for benzodiazepines, while 95.3 per 1,000 patients were using the medicine in Louth.
Other high rates of usage, and under the same categorisation, were shown in Longford/Westmeath (88.2), Cavan Monaghan (82.7) and the South Lee area of Cork (89.2). (Full data breakdown per county can be seen below).
Benzodiazepine medicine use in women over 65 years is 40% higher than in men, finds the report.
Source: Christina Finn, The Journal, 8th July 2019
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