Admin Table of Contents
Are benzodiazepines safe in elderly?
Long-term use of benzodiazepines should be discouraged because of the risk of dependence, which is a serious problem in the elderly. Unrecognised and untreated benzodiazepine dependence can lead to serious medical complications.
Why are benzodiazepines not a good choice for an elderly patient?
Benzodiazepines can impair cognition, mobility, and driving skills in older people, as well as increase the risk of falls. A recent study also found an association between benzodiazepine use in older people and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Which benzodiazepine are recommended in elderly?
Short-half-life benzodiazepines, such as oxazepam, alprazolam, and triazolam, are usually recommended for older adults, because these agents do not accumulate in the blood, are rapidly cleared from circulation, and offer greater dosage flexibility.
When should benzodiazepines not be used?
Benzodiazepines should not be used for patients with PTSD due to their proven lack of efficacy. 10. Extreme caution should be used prescribing benzodiazepines for the elderly, due to the increased risk of adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia and falls.
What is the best anti anxiety medication for elderly?
Buspirone is an anti-anxiety drug that has been shown to be effective for older adults. Benzodiazepines, another anti-anxiety drug, are effective but should be prescribed carefully to older adults because of risk of memory impairment, unsteadiness, and falls.
Which side effects of benzodiazepines are observed in older adults?
Disorientation, balance problems, daytime drowsiness and increased risk of injuries – like falls – are also benzodiazepine side effects. The very problems older adults hope to avoid, such as mental confusion or hip fractures, become more likely.
What are the risks of benzodiazepines?
In addition to abuse and dependence, other major risks associated with benzodiazepine use include the following:
- Cognitive impairment. Benzodiazepines cause acute adverse effects: drowsiness, increased reaction time, ataxia, motor incoordination, and anterograde amnesia.
- Motor vehicle crashes.
- Hip fracture.
Which benzodiazepine should be avoided?
– Ultra-short acting BZ such as Triazolam (Halcion) should be avoided because of side effects of memory impairment, withdrawal psychosis, and confusion. effects that may cause drowsiness, risks of fall, and cognitive impairment especially in elderly patients. Alprazolam (Xanax) has high abuse risk.
What are the nursing considerations for benzodiazepines?
Maintain patients who receive parenteral benzodiazepines in bed for at least 3 hours to ensure patient safety. Monitor patient response to drugs through vital signs, weight, serum electrolytes and hydration to evaluate effectiveness of drug therapy.
Is Klonopin safe for elderly?
Persons over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk for adverse effects from benzodiazepine drugs like Ativan (lorazepam) or Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), Librium (chlordiazepoxide) and Tranxene (clorazepate dipotassium).
Should an elderly person take Xanax?
However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects (eg, severe drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, clumsiness, or unsteadiness) and kidney, liver, or lung problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving this medicine.