Book review
https://doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2024.65.146
Toxicity of benzodiazepines in the treatment of insomnia disorders in older adults: a systematic literature review
Annemarie Kim Kozole Smid
; PhD student at the University of Maribor, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Maribor, Slovenia
*
Ajda Mlakar
; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Vita Štukovnik
; University of Maribor, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Maribor, Slovenia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Aim To review the literature data on the prevalence of
benzodiazepines abuse and poisoning in older adults; the
prevalence of polypharmacy with benzodiazepines in this
demographic; and determine whether benzodiazepine
anxiolytics or hypnotics were more frequently implicated
in the cases of abuse and poisoning.
Methods We searched PubMed and Scopus for relevant
studies published from January 1, 2013, to May 1, 2023.
Twelve studies were included in the final selection.
Results The review highlights the diverse prevalence rates
of benzodiazepine abuse and poisoning in the older adult
population. Benzodiazepine anxiolytics were more frequently associated with negative outcomes than benzodiazepine hypnotics. Concurrent use of benzodiazepines,
benzodiazepine-related medications, and opioids was
reported, although these medications were not the only
ones commonly used by the elderly.
Conclusion It is essential to increase awareness about adhering to prescribed pharmacological therapies to mitigate issues related to drug abuse and poisoning among
older adults
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
331946
URI
Publication date:
30.4.2024.
Visits: 275 *