Savigne L Eveque

Researchers are studying the impact of a brief motivational intervention (BMI) conducted by pharmacists to help reduce the use of benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZD/Z) in adults who have been using these medications long-term. The study addresses the growing use and prolonged prescriptions of these drugs in France, where long-term use often exceeds recommended limits and can lead to adverse effects. The goal is to see if this short-term, pharmacy-based approach can support patients in safely reducing their medication dose without worsening anxiety or sleep disorder symptoms. Participants will be divided into groups receiving either the brief motivational intervention or usual pharmacy dispensing practices. The intervention involves pharmacists identifying patients on long-term BZD/Z treatment and applying motivational techniques to encourage dose reduction. The study focuses on adults with continuous BZD/Z use for at least six months. The researchers will evaluate changes in daily drug dose and monitor any clinical worsening over a six-month period. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed for medication use and symptom changes related to anxiety and sleep disorders. Researchers will collect data on the daily dose of BZD/Z and track any clinical worsening at six months. The study includes informed consent, patient understanding assessments, and affiliation with the French social security system. The outcomes will help determine the feasibility and impact of pharmacist-led interventions for deprescribing BZD/Z in adults.