Author/Editor     Štrukelj, Katarina Barbara
Title     Benzodiazepini in starostniki - (ne)uporaba
Translated title     Benzodiazepines and the elderly - (not) to use
Type     članek
Source     In: Velikonja I, editor. Zdravstveni, pravni in socialni vidiki obravnave oseb z demenco. Zbornik predavanj 4. psihogeriatrično srečanje; 2005 mar 31-apr 1; Lipica. Ljubljana: Spominčica - Slovensko združenje za pomoč pri demenci,
Publication year     2005
Volume     str. 99-106
Language     slo
Abstract     Benzodiazepine anxiolytic medications belong among the most commonly used and abused medications in all age groups, especially in the elderly. Their real-life use overcomes both medical indications and recommended time-frames. Not only physicians, but patients and their relatives often determine the indications for their use. For many reasons the elderly are especially vulnerable to side effects of medications: the process of aging alters the functioning of different organs as well as the metabolism: the elderly often take different medications; sensitivity to side effects is greater and complications often more serious. Psychiatric indications for the use of benzodiazepines are limited to acute use, rarely exceeding few weeks. They are mainly intended for the control of agitation and short-term anxiolysis together with an antidepressant. Anxiolytic effect can be achieved with other medications as well. The use of benzodiazepines outside the commonly accepted recommendations in the elderly causes daytime sedation, reduces functioning and quality of life of the elderly and their families, causes sleep disorders, diminishes cognitive functions, increases the risk of falls and injuries and increases the risk of abuse and dependence. Prescribing benzodiazepines outside the recommendations in the elderly is both harmful and non-professional and might add additional medical sequels to the well-being of the elderly.
Descriptors     BENZODIAZEPINES
ANTI-ANXIETY AGENTS, BENZODIAZEPINE
AGING
AGED