Declining Use of Benzodiazepines Among Older Adults Post-Hospitalization Offers Hope but Risks Persist
Recent studies reveal a decline in benzodiazepine use among older adults post-hospitalization, yet many continue long-term use with associated health risks such as falls and dependence. Preventative strategies are essential to improve safety.
Recent research indicates that many older adults are increasingly discontinuing benzodiazepine medications shortly after hospital discharge. Despite this positive trend, a significant portion of seniors continue to use these drugs months after leaving the hospital, which raises concerns about potential health risks. Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety, sleep disturbances, and agitation, are effective in acute settings but pose dangers when used long-term.
The study, titled "Pattern and Associated Factors of Benzodiazepine Discontinuation Among Older Adults Following Hospitalization," analyzed prescription data for over 33,000 patients aged 65 and older from January 2004 to February 2025. It found that between 15.9% and 31.5% of these patients received benzodiazepines such as lorazepam or clonazepam during this period. While the trend shows improvement, approximately 15% of seniors continued using benzodiazepines two months after hospitalization.
Long-term use of benzodiazepines has been linked to increased risks of falls, memory issues, cognitive decline, dependence, and even motor vehicle accidents—risks that can significantly threaten an older adult's independence and health. Experts, including members of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, emphasize the importance of tapering patients off these medications post-hospitalization, especially among high-risk groups like those with insomnia, frailty, or those starting new antidepressant or antipsychotic treatments.
Kevin T. Pritchard, a researcher involved in the study, highlighted that while early discontinuation is promising, attention must remain on preventing ongoing dependency. Strategies such as medication reviews, patient education, alternative therapies, and substitution with nonpharmacological treatments are recommended to mitigate chronic use.
This research underscores the need for targeted deprescribing interventions tailored to high-risk populations, aiming to reduce the adverse outcomes associated with prolonged benzodiazepine use among older adults.
[Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-decline-term-benzodiazepine-older-adults.html]
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Supporting Older Adults Through Healthcare Visits: The Impact of Companions
A new survey reveals that companions significantly enhance healthcare experiences for older adults, improving communication, emotional support, and care quality. Learn how encouraging companion involvement can benefit seniors' health management.
Advances in Targeted Therapies Offer Hope for Pediatric Glioma Treatment
New research reveals that nearly 9% of pediatric gliomas have FGFR gene alterations, opening the door for targeted therapies that could improve outcomes for young patients with brain tumors.
Long-Term Weight Loss Continues After Tummy Tuck Surgery
New research shows that patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery may continue to lose weight for up to five years post-operation, highlighting the long-term benefits of the procedure for weight management.
Revolutionary Insights: Changes in Internal Fat Biology as a Key Driver of Heart Failure
New research reveals that changes in the biology of internal fat tissue may be the key cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), opening new avenues for targeted treatments.