Impact of the combined use of benzodiazepines and opioids on workers' compensation claim cost.

Abstract

Study the use patterns and claim cost impact of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines in workers' compensation. A cohort of 11,394 lost time claims filed with the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation from 1999 to 2002 was observed for 7 years post injuries. We found that benzodiazepines are almost always prescribed in combination with opioids. The odds ratios of benzodiazepines used alone, with short-acting opioids and with long-acting opioids for claims ≥$100,000, were 2.74, 4.69, and 14.24, respectively (after controlling for gender, low back pain, marital status, attorney involvement, and each other). Average benzodiazepine daily dose increased to year 3 postinjury and plateaued thereafter, whereas the average opioid dose escalated each year postinjury. The addition of benzodiazepines to an opioid treatment regimen significantly increases workers' compensation costs.