Prescriptions for sedatives known as benzodiazepines may start as well-intentioned efforts to calm anxiety, improve sleep or ease depression. But those prescriptions may lead to long-term use among one in four older adults who receive them, according to research done in 2018 by a team from the University of Michigan, VA and University of Pennsylvania.… Continue reading One in Four Older Adults Prescribed a Benzodiazepine Goes on to Risky Long-Term Use
Tag: benzodiazepines
Progress, but Far from Perfection, on Avoiding Risky Sedatives in Older Adults
Although it’s widely known that the medications known as benzodiazepines present particular risks for people over 65, a sizable percentage of adults in that group still have a prescription for one, according to new research from three countries that have made a special effort to reduce their use. These medicines help many people sleep, or… Continue reading Progress, but Far from Perfection, on Avoiding Risky Sedatives in Older Adults
Mixing “Benzos” with Opiates Will Cause a Drug Pandemic in America
Leading Addiction Medicine expert Dr. Indra Cidambi, Medical Director at Center for Network Therapy, has highlighted a steep climb in the number of people taking highly addictive opiates (Morphine, Oxycodone, Heroin) while simultaneously using benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin). The concurrent drug abuse resulted in a 570% increase in the number of people admitted for co-abuse… Continue reading Mixing “Benzos” with Opiates Will Cause a Drug Pandemic in America
Sleeping Pills Raise Risk of Hip Fractures
Older people who have been newly prescribed certain kinds of sleeping pills have more than double the risk of hip fracture in the first two weeks of use, when compared to non-users, according to new research. The analysis, which looked at the use of pills such as benzodiazepines and ‘Z-drugs,’ was conducted by investigators at… Continue reading Sleeping Pills Raise Risk of Hip Fractures
Anxiety Drug Use Highest in Older Women
Prescription use of benzodiazepines–a widely used class of sedative and anti-anxiety medications–increases steadily with age, despite the known risks for older people, according to a comprehensive analysis of benzodiazepine prescribing in the United States. Popular brand are Valium and Xanax. Given existing guidelines cautioning health providers about benzodiazepine use among older adults, findings from the… Continue reading Anxiety Drug Use Highest in Older Women