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
Tag: Xanax
Too Many Pills for Seniors?
Although older Americans get mental-health medications at more than twice the rate of younger adults, they are much less likely to see a psychiatrist, according to new research. That raises questions about whether they could be at risk of problems caused by a collision of multiple medications – and about whether primary care doctors may… Continue reading Too Many Pills for Seniors?
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