Why are benzodiazepines not recommended for the elderly?
Why are benzodiazepines not recommended for the elderly?
The increased sensitivity of older people to benzodiazepines is due to age-related alterations in the central nervous system receptors. It is likely that benzodiazepine receptors in the brain become more sensitive, causing increased sedation, unsteadiness, memory loss, and disinhibition.
Are benzodiazepines safe in elderly?
Long-term use of benzodiazepines should be discouraged because of the risk of dependence, which is a serious problem in the elderly. Unrecognised and untreated benzodiazepine dependence can lead to serious medical complications.
Which benzodiazepine is preferred for elderly patients?
On the basis of their shorter half-lives and lack of (or rapid disappearance of) active metabolites produced by their mode of metabolism, oxazepam and lorazepam (and perhaps alprazolam) are the benzodiazepines of choice for elderly patients.
How does Diazepam affect the elderly?
However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects (eg, severe drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, clumsiness, or unsteadiness) and age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving diazepam.
What is the best anti anxiety medication for elderly?
Buspirone is an anti-anxiety drug that has been shown to be effective for older adults. Benzodiazepines, another anti-anxiety drug, are effective but should be prescribed carefully to older adults because of risk of memory impairment, unsteadiness, and falls.
What are the risks of benzodiazepines?
In addition to abuse and dependence, other major risks associated with benzodiazepine use include the following:
- Cognitive impairment. Benzodiazepines cause acute adverse effects: drowsiness, increased reaction time, ataxia, motor incoordination, and anterograde amnesia.
- Motor vehicle crashes.
- Hip fracture.
What is the best anti-anxiety medication for elderly?
Is Xanax safe for the elderly?
However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects (eg, severe drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, clumsiness, or unsteadiness) and kidney, liver, or lung problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving this medicine.
Is Xanax bad for seniors?
What is the most serious risk associated with the use of benzodiazepine?
A boxed warning is the most serious warning the FDA requires. Using benzodiazepines, even as prescribed, can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal if you stop taking the drug suddenly. Withdrawal can be life threatening. Using benzodiazepines can also lead to misuse and addiction.
How do benzodiazepines affect the elderly?
Benzodiazepines have been shown to impair driving abilities, increase falls, and interfere with cognitive functions in the elderly population, as stated by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). As a result, they should be used with caution in this population.
What are the long term effects of benzodiazepines?
Cognitive decline
Benzodiazepines are used for a range of health issues,including anxiety,sleep disorders,and alcohol withdrawal.
Are older adults taking benzodiazepines safely?
According to the most recent Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults, an authoritative set of guidelines from the American Geriatrics Society, benzodiazepines are among the medications to be avoided if possible, although they may be appropriate in some cases.
