Hospitalization linked to antiepileptics, sedative-hypnotics and anti-Parkinsonian drug poisoning, adverse effects, and underdosing in Australia: An ecological study

Poisoning from medications such as antiepileptics, sedative-hypnotics and anti-Parkinsonian drugs remains a major public health concern. These medications contribute significantly to death and illness from intentional or accidental overdose. In Australia, these medications are associated with high rates of hospital admissions. Our study aimed to analyze trends in hospital admissions related to poisoning from antiepileptics, sedative-hypnotics and anti-Parkinsonian drugs in Australia for 24 years, starting from 1998. We collected hospital admission data for poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic and anti-Parkinsonian drugs from the National Hospital Disease Database. Population data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. We analyzed based on total trends, type of admission, age, gender, and medication category. A total of 202,705 hospital admission episodes due to poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic and anti-Parkinsonian drugs were recorded in Australia during the study time, with a decreased hospital admissions number and hospital rate of 41.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Overnight-stay admissions accounted for 69.4% of the total admissions. The primary cause of hospital admissions was poisoning by benzodiazepines. Admissions were highest among the age groups 20 to 59 and females. The study demonstrated a substantial decline in hospital admissions for poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic and anti-Parkinsonian drugs in Australia. Still, hospital admission rates increased for certain drug classes. Some population groups were at higher risk of hospital admission. These findings suggest the need for continued monitoring, targeted interventions, and increased awareness among the population to reduce drug poisoning and related hospital admissions.