Increased sensitivity of the elderly to the central depressant effects of diazepam.
The effects of diazepam on memory and psychomotor performance in healthy elderly (N = 12) and young (N = 12) individuals were examined. Diazepam was administered acutely in a single, oral 2.5 mg dose. Diazepam impaired memory, both immediate and delayed recall, and psychomotor performance in the elderly subjects. In addition, the drug caused an increase in self-reported sedation in elderly subjects but not in young subjects. These findings suggest an age-related increase in the sensitivity of elderly individuals to the central depressant effects of diazepam.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects*
D010919:Placebos; D003975:Diazepam