Long-term use of benzodiazepines and Z drugs: a qualitative study of patients' and healthcare professionals' perceptions and possible levers for change.

Background: Although long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z drugs is associated with various side effects, they remain popular among the older population. Possible reasons for this phenomenon could be ineffective ways of transmitting information on the health risks associated with long-term use, and communication gaps between patients and healthcare professionals.

Aim: The aim was to investigate the views of patients, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists regarding long-term BZD and Z drug use.

[Reasons for Long-Term Use of Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs in Older Patients].

Background: Long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZD) and Z-drugs is associated with the risk of developing dependency. Many older patients use these drugs for long durations, which is often associated with low-dose dependency without an increase in dose.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the reasons, symptoms, and side effects, as well as the prescription conditions among older patients who were prescribed BZD or Z-drugs within the last 12 months.

Patient-centered care interventions to reduce the inappropriate prescription and use of benzodiazepines and z-drugs: a systematic review.

Background: Benzodiazepines (BZDs) and z-drugs are effective drugs, but they are prescribed excessively worldwide. International guidelines recommend a maximum treatment duration of 4 weeks. Although these drugs are effective in the short-term, long-term BZD therapy is associated with considerable adverse effects, the development of tolerance and, finally, addiction.

Potentially inappropriate use of benzodiazepines and z-drugs in the older population-analysis of associations between long-term use and patient-related factors.

Introduction: The long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZD) and z-drugs in older populations is associated with a variety of sociodemographic and health-related factors. Recent studies reported that long-term BZD and z-drugs use is associated with increased age, female sex, and severe negative psychological (e.g.