French national health insurance database analysis and field study focusing on the impact of secure prescription pads on zolpidem consumption and sedative drug misuse: ZORRO study protocol

摘要

IntroductionIn recent years, data collected by the French Addictovigilance Network have shown the potential for abuse and addiction associated with zolpidem (the most sold hypnotic drug in France). Since 10 April 2017, new regulations have come into force that require zolpidem to be prescribed on special secure prescription pads, in order to reduce the risk of abuse or misuse. This measure has far-reaching repercussions that are not only limited to the consumption of zolpidem but also extend to the usage of sedative medication on a whole. The objective of the ZOlpidem and the Reinforcement of the Regulation of prescription Orders (ZORRO) study is to evaluate the overall impact of the new regulatory framework requiring zolpidem to be prescribed on special secure prescription pads. Three axes will be evaluated: the number of consumers, the type of consumption (chronic use versus occasional use, problematic consumption versus non-problematic use) and the consumption of other sedative molecules. The study has been registered in the Protocol Registration and Results System under the number at stage "Pre-results".