Special problems relating to the use of hypnotics in the elderly.
The problems experienced by elderly patients taking hypnotic drugs are reviewed. They include those associated with accumulation, tolerance, drug dependence and the intensity and duration of response. Biological mechanisms associated with ageing enhance some of these effects in the elderly. Care should be taken to define the precise indications for hypnotic use and to choose the correct drug and dose for the patient's condition and age.
D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002719:Chlormethiazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D002719:Chlormethiazole; D001569:Benzodiazepines