Elderly patients may be more susceptible to benzo abuse, study finds
A recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) raised concern for drug overuse in the elderly.
The authors cited studies that over the past few years pointed out the problem with the use of “benzos” (benzodiazepines)that depress your central nervous system (CNS).
These drugs are commonly prescribed for restlessness and insomnia in older patients, but overuse by prescribers seems to lead to problems in the elderly.
According to the CDC, there were 63 benzodiazepine-related deaths among patients 65 years and older in 1999, but in 2015 that number increased to 431.
Increased usage in the elderly have led to an increase in falls and fractures, which are already a major issue for this patient population, and even more so on their memory and cognitive decline.
In a study published in JAMA researchers noted that women were overusing these type of medication compared to men.
Dr. Donovan Maust, a psychiatrist at the Veterans Administration Ann Arbor Health Care System, recommends that anyone on these drugs should slowly taper down over a 6 to 12 month period, and seek medical help or support from a friend, if needed.
This article will serve as a warning for benzodiazepine use in elderly.
For additional info please explore the study in JAMA and the editorial in NEJM.
Questions: How often do you get a chance to speak with your elderly patients/relatives about their medication use?
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