“They may start as well-intentioned efforts to calm anxiety, improve sleep or ease depression. But prescriptions for sedatives known as benzodiazepines may lead to long-term use among one in four older adults who receive them, according to new research.
That’s despite warnings against long-term use of these drugs, especially among older people, because they can increase the risk of car crashes, falls and broken hips, as well as causing other side effects.
The new study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine by a team from the University of Michigan, VA and University of Pennsylvania, looked at benzodiazepine use by low-income older adults in a Pennsylvania program that helps with drug costs.
The researchers say their findings point to a strong need for better education of healthcare providers, and the public, about the risks associated with these drugs.”
Read more at: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-09-older-adults-benzodiazepine-risky-long-term.html
Source: MedicalExpress.com – September 10, 2018
