Toxicity of benzodiazepines in the treatment of insomnia disorders in older adults: a systematic literature review.

Croat Med J

Annemarie Kim Kozole Smid, Faculty of Arts, Koroška street 160, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia,

Published: April 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • * A comprehensive literature search over a decade yielded twelve studies, revealing varying rates of benzodiazepine-related problems in this demographic.
  • * The findings suggest that anxiolytics pose a higher risk for negative outcomes than hypnotics, and highlights the need for better awareness and adherence to safe medication practices among the elderly.

Article Abstract

Aim: To review the literature data on the prevalence of benzodiazepines abuse and poisoning in older adults; the prevalence of polypharmacy with benzodiazepines in this demographic; and determine whether benzodiazepine anxiolytics or hypnotics were more frequently implicated in the cases of abuse and poisoning.

Methods: We searched PubMed and Scopus for relevant studies published from January 1, 2013, to May 1, 2023. Twelve studies were included in the final selection.

Results: The review highlights the diverse prevalence rates of benzodiazepine abuse and poisoning in the older adult population. Benzodiazepine anxiolytics were more frequently associated with negative outcomes than benzodiazepine hypnotics. Concurrent use of benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine-related medications, and opioids was reported, although these medications were not the only ones commonly used by the elderly.

Conclusion: It is essential to increase awareness about adhering to prescribed pharmacological therapies to mitigate issues related to drug abuse and poisoning among older adults.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11074939PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2024.65.146DOI Listing

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