Pattern and probability of dispensing of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines among the new users in Australia: a retrospective cohort study.

Since harms from long-term use of these medicines may outweigh the benefits, and since the probability of further dispensing was high for those who were dispensed for more than a month, clinicians should endeavour to keep the dispensing duration and quantity as small as possible while initiating a prescription for the new users.