Retrospective observational study shows patterns of benzodiazepine use in older adults, indicating many prescriptions may lack clear medical indications.
Background: To assess the prevalence and indications for the use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) in patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit and to evaluate changes in their prescriptions. Methods: BZD indications were investigated using computerized clinical records. Changes in BZD prescriptions were assessed at the time of discharge. Results: Among the 165 patients included (mean age: 86.7 years, 71.5% women), 60 (36.4%) were taking BZD on admission, 58.3% of which were considered inappropriate. At discharge, BZD discontinuation was observed in 11.7% and dose reduction was initiated in 18.3%. Conclusions: Most patients using BZD had no clear medical indication. Admission to a geriatric ward resulted in successful discontinuation or dose reduction in a third of patients.
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Torres et al. (2025) studied this question.
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