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]
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