Risk and the public right to know: Case studies of psychoactive drug prescribing patterns in British Columbia

PharmaNet data shows marked variations in prescribing rates for psychoactive drugs across British Columbia and thus indicates potential risk to public health. Analysis of primary data obtained under Freedom of lnformation from the Ministry of Health's prescription database identified geographic and demographic prescribing extremes for antidepressants, stimulants and sedatives over 12 months ending July, 2003. From a medical perspective low rates indicate some patients who might benefit are untreated. High rates may indicate some patients are unnecessarily exposed to the potential risk of harm from side effects and adverse drug reactions. Under B.C.'s Freedom of Information law, information indicating significant risk to health and safety must be made public. Psychoactive drug prescription data should be posted in same way data as data on other health hazards such as toxic contamination sites. Disclosure would warn doctors and patients, encourage analysis by experts and media, and promote public discourse on psychoactive drugs.