Use of hypnotics in the elderly.
Nearly 40 percent of Americans complain about insomnia. Such complaints are even more common among the elderly, possibly because sleep efficiency decreases with age. As a result, the use of hypnotics in this age group is high--sometimes too high. Hypnotics can be addictive, and many have a low therapeutic index. The benzodiazepine agents are safest for use in the elderly. Many elderly patients exhibit a marked increase in sensitivity to these hypnotics.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001682:Biological Availability; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000187:drug effects; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D012737:Sex Factors; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D001569:Benzodiazepines