Citation

Hofmann W. Z. Gerontol. 2013; 46(8): 769-776.

Vernacular Title

Benzodiazepine in der Geriatrie.

Affiliation

FEK Friedrich-Ebert-Krankenhaus Neumünster/Bad Bramstedt, Friesenstr. 11, 24534, Neumünster, Deutschland, werner.hofmann@fek.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00391-013-0551-3

PMID

24271254

Abstract

About 10 % of community dwelling elderly people are chronically consuming benzodiazepines. This proportion rises to 30 % in nursing homes or hospitals. Particularly in older patients, this usage leads to a higher risk of adverse drug reactions. Exposure contributes to delirium and falls with subsequent femoral neck fractures. The WHO has classified the risk potential of the new z-drugs to be the same as that associated with benzodiazepines. It is recommended that benzodiazepines should be discontinued step by step under supervision of a doctor or the dosage should be reduced.

Language: de