Our findings suggest that benzodiazepine-opioid cotreatment and use of benzodiazepines without opioids are associated with long-term all-cause mortality in comparison with individuals who used low-risk antidepressants. We also found that benzodiazepine use (with or without opioids) was associated with increased mortality risk only among those 65 years or younger. Amid very few opioid prescribing guidelines targeting patients receiving sedative-hypnotics, benzodiazepine-opioid cotreatment poses a therapeutic dilemma for physicians. Concerted efforts by physicians, scientists, and policymakers are warranted to decrease overprescribing of these medications, identify patients at elevated risk, and ultimately implement targeted interventions.
