Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse in Older Adults

Use
 

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are widely prescribed for individuals over the age of 65  years, with average estimates of use at 25 percent, although exact data are scarce.   BZDs are most commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia,

Misuse

BZDs are the most commonly misused and abused medication by elders.  Long-term use of BZDs (i.e, over 30 days) is significantly higher in older than younger adults throughout North America, Australia, and Europe.

 

Long-term use or misuse of BZDs associated with:
 

     - polypharmacy

     - chronic restless sleep
     - being female

     - being divorced
     - greater contact with medical services
     - being institutionalized or residing in a nursing home
     - comorbid medical and psychiatric (esp. nervous) conditions

 

Factors Associated with Misuse

Inappropriate prescribing (overprescribing of long-acting BZDs, long-term use, over-dosing, prescribing in combination with other psychotropics)

 

Taking meds contrary to physician orders (skipping or taking extra doses)

     - As many as 15 percent of elders skip doses to make medications last longer
     - 17 percent buy only part of a prescription to save money

 

Signs of misuse/abuse often confused with a medical condition or old age itself.

 

http://www.umaine.edu/mainecenteronaging/documents/FactSheetBZDsUseMisuse_001.pdf

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