Abstract

TINIZARAY, Nicole Mishelle Ruiz  and  CALLE, Diego Fernando Chalco. Recommendations and dangers of the use of benzodiazepines in older adults. Vive Rev. Salud [online]. 2023, vol.6, n.16, pp.264-274.  Epub Feb 14, 2023. ISSN 2664-3243.  https://doi.org/10.33996/revistavive.v6i16.224.

Benzodiazepines have been used in clinical practice since approximately the 1950s, their main recommendations with important efficacy are to produce anxiolysis, hypnosis, muscle relaxation or as anticonvulsant therapy, however, they can be associated with some highly potential risks that can directly influence in a detrimental way the quality of life of geriatric patients. Objective. To describe the recommendations and hazards of benzodiazepine use in older adults. Methodology. A systematic review was carried out by means of an electronic search in the following databases: "PubMed" and "ScienceDirect", including original articles, meta-analysis, clinical trials, among others, in English and Spanish. For the collection of information, we took into account the temporality of the last 6 years. Keywords such as: "Aged", "Elderly", "Benzodiazepines", "Benzodiazepines", "eHealth Strategies", "Safety Management" were used. According to DeCS/MESH terms. Conclusion. Several main uses for benzodiazepines were identified, which include treatment of insomnia, depression, panic disorder, anxiety, and alcohol withdrawal, with a prevalence rate reaching 83.5%. Benzodiazepine use was found to be more common in critically ill patients or in those with other comorbidities, such as dementia (33.5%) or Alzheimer's disease (5%). Among the main risk factors related to benzodiazepine use were falls, which had an incidence ranging from 13% to 17.5%. Likewise, dependence and urinary incontinence were identified, both with a prevalence rate of 15%.

Keywords : Aged; Benzodiazepines; Health Strategies.

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