What are the Manjor Impact of Benzodiazepine Addiction on The Elderly?

Posted by Hope Harbor Wellness on July 5th, 2022

Benzodiazepines (BZD) use is quite common among adults, particularly the elderly, as its sedative, hypnotic, anti-anxiety, and anti-convulsive effects have become more widely recognised since its discovery in the 1950s. In elders around the world, the prevalence of BZD use ranges from 10% to 42%. Two-ring heterocyclic molecules with a benzene ring fused to a diazepine ring make up benzodiazepines (BZD). For instance, BZD and similar medications are the third most misused prescription drug in the United States, with 1-3 percent of the global population abusing them. However, incorrect BZD prescriptions can encourage BZD abuse, make it easier for benzodiazepine addiction to develop, and have a major impact on the users' general quality of life. Consequently, it is essential that patients, clinicians, and pharmacists are aware of the most recent studies in this area. It's possible that using benzodiazepines will cause subtle issues. As a result, they may be difficult for doctors, patients, and family members to identify or they may be mistaken for psychopathology changes rather than drug-induced side effects.

Having said that, below is discussed how benzos may affect the elderly in quite the negative manner in relation to benzodiazepine addiction treatment in the elderly, including pharmacology, abuse prevalence, harmful effects, and the respective assessment. 

Due to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes brought on by ageing, benzodiazepine side effects are more common in the elderly population. Benzodiazepines have been used in therapeutic practise for four decades, and research into these drugs is ongoing. Although they are among the safest psychotropic medications in several respects—overdoses are not fatal—concern about a variety of side effects has grown. The elderly were identified as a group of people who were especially susceptible to the dangers of using benzodiazepines. The older population is vulnerable to negative outcomes with the use of benzodiazepine because of the propensity for dependence to develop, especially with prescription benzodiazepines, as well as the danger of falls and cognitive impairment related to benzo addiction. 

One to three percent of people in the Western world have received continuous benzodiazepine therapy for longer than a year. The majority of research consistently demonstrates that rates of benzodiazepine use are greater among older than among younger respondents and are significantly higher among females than among male subjects. Particularly for older patients, excessively high doses of benzodiazepines are frequently provided with medical oversight. Recent systematic evaluations have discovered a substantial link between BZD usage and an increased risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairments (MCI). Global mortality and cost burdens have increased significantly as a result of dementia and MCI. A loss in cognitive function, as measured by exams like the Mini-Mental State Examination, is these neurological illnesses' most obvious indication (MMSE). 

There is enough data to conclude that the cumulative dose, length of treatment, and long-acting effects of BZD molecules all affect dementia risk. However, prior research did not offer a causal explanation for the association between BZD usage and the risk of dementia. It is essential to research the specific areas of cognitive processes in order to comprehend the mechanism underlying the negative effects of BZD. Internationally, there is ambivalence toward triazolobenzodiazepines; Great Britain has removed one (triazolam) off the market due to safety concerns, whilst the United States has approved another (alprazolam) for the treatment of panic disorder at doses up to 10 mg/day.

The hypnotic-sedative drug class includes benzodiazepines. Because of how they affect the gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors in the central nervous system, they have sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and amnesic characteristics. Following the accidental discovery of the chemical chlordiazepoxide in 1955, benzodiazepines soon gained popularity as medications. This occurred because they were a safer alternative to the other sedatives being used at the time and less toxic than barbiturates. However, as concern over benzodiazepine addiction mounted in the 1980s, policies and even legislation were developed to control the prescribing of these drugs.

The older population uses benzodiazepines pretty frequently. They are widely used as hypnotic and anxiolytic substances. Usage among older persons typically starts with a prescription, which can then result in inappropriate usage. Complications resulting from the use of benzodiazepines by the elderly are also influenced by polypharmacy and the existence of concomitant medical problems among the geriatric population. As a result, it is no longer advised for the senior population to utilise them.

Cognitive and motor impairment are included in the benzodiazepine adverse effect profile in older individuals. The tapering of benzodiazepines and/or the use of adjuvant medication are used to treat withdrawal symptoms brought on by stopping the usage of benzodiazepines. The management of withdrawal benefits greatly from nonpharmacological approaches. The anxiety and insomnia that benzodiazepine users experience over time must be treated with long-term pharmaceutical and nonpharmacological therapies. That said, clinicians should use caution when writing prescriptions for older patients and closely monitor benzodiazepine use to look for side effects and drug abuse.

And if you or your loved one might be experiencing any typical symptoms or side effects of benzodiazepine, you may reach out at Hope Harbor Wellness Hiram Ga wherein the team would guide you through treatment and plan of action in order to revive your well-being via a series of therapy sessions at outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalisation programs provided here.