Gradual withdrawal from benzodiazepines in residents of homes for the elderly: experience and suggestions for future research.
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.
Habraken
H
H
Projekt Farmaka, Ghent, Belgium.
Soenen
K
K
Blondeel
L
L
Van Elsen
J
J
Bourda
J
J
Coppens
E
E
Willeput
M
M
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
D001569:Benzodiazepines