title: Gradual withdrawal from benzodiazepines in residents of homes for the elderly: experience and suggestions for future research.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A randomised, controlled clinical trial was performed to study the long-term effect of gradual withdrawal from benzodiazepines on the daily functioning of residents of homes for the elderly. The planned sample size was not achieved due to recruitment and follow-up problems.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results in this small sample nevertheless suggest that gradual withdrawal from benzodiazepines is possible in residents of homes for the elderly, and that it can have a positive effect on their daily functioning. No major withdrawal symptoms were observed, although there was a decrease in sleep quality during withdrawal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings are promising for further research, but researchers should anticipate the problems inherent in executing a trial with institutionalised elderly subjects.
authors.affiliation: Projekt Farmaka, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Habraken
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Soenen
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Blondeel
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Elsen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bourda
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Coppens
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Willeput
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines