Page "Benzodiazepine" Paragraph 50

The benefits of benzodiazepines are least and the risks are greatest in the elderly.

The elderly are at an increased risk of dependence and are more sensitive to the adverse effects such as memory problems, daytime sedation, impaired motor coordination, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and falls.

The long-term effects of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine dependence in the elderly can resemble dementia, depression, or anxiety syndromes, and progressively worsens over time.

Adverse effects on cognition can be mistaken for the effects of old age.

The benefits of withdrawal include improved cognition, alertness, mobility, reduced risk incontinence, and a reduced risk of falls and fractures.

The success of gradual-tapering benzodiazepines is as great in the elderly as in younger people.

Benzodiazepines should be prescribed to the elderly only with caution and only for a short period at low doses.

Short to intermediate-acting benzodiazepines are preferred in the elderly such as oxazepam and temazepam.

The high potency benzodiazepines alprazolam and triazolam and long-acting benzodiazepines are not recommended in the elderly due to increased adverse effects.

Nonbenzodiazepines such as zaleplon and zolpidem and low doses of sedating antidepressants are sometimes used as alternatives to benzodiazepines.