Benzodiazepine use among the elderly in the community

摘要: Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed psychotropic drug in elderly. with a long duration of action can produce marked sedation and psychomotor impairment older people, associated an increased risk hip fracture motor vehicle crash. One thousand seven hundred one individuals 65 years over, identified from General Practitioner lists, were interviewed using Geriatric Mental State-AGECAT package current use was recorded. classified as having short or elimination half-life. Two ninety-five (17.3%) taking benzodiazepine, females being twice that males. Of 295, 152 (51.5%) acting benzodiazepine anxiolytic type benzodiazepines particularly common. Fifty-two (17.6%) users more other drugs. A used by eight 18 (44.4%) subjects anxiety disorder, 62 180 (34.4%) depression, 71 (9.9%) people dementia. Four-fifths on highlighting importance this class elderly population. The choice action, which have been shown to be serious adverse events over half users, is concern. potential for effects further accentuated polypharmacy practices. person has important consequences should addressed greater detail primary care. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.