title: [Benzodiazepines in geriatrics].
abstract: About 10 % of community dwelling elderly people are chronically consuming benzodiazepines. This proportion rises to 30 % in nursing homes or hospitals. Particularly in older patients, this usage leads to a higher risk of adverse drug reactions. Exposure contributes to delirium and falls with subsequent femoral neck fractures. The WHO has classified the risk potential of the new z-drugs to be the same as that associated with benzodiazepines. It is recommended that benzodiazepines should be discontinued step by step under supervision of a doctor or the dosage should be reduced.
authors.affiliation: FEK Friedrich-Ebert-Krankenhaus Neumünster/Bad Bramstedt, Friesenstr. 11, 24534, Neumünster, Deutschland, werner.hofmann@fek.de.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hofmann
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003693:Delirium / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines