Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use Common Among Older Adults

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD

Over a quarter of older adults prescribed a benzodiazepine by nonpsychiatrists may wind up using it long term, according to a research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Researchers contacted nearly 600 low-income older adults in Pennsylvania who were newly prescribed a benzodiazepine in the past year. Roughly 26% of users qualified as long-term users, receiving on average 8 months' worth of pills. White race, more pills in the index prescription, and poor sleep were all predictors of long-term use.

The authors conclude: "For new benzodiazepine users, prescribers should 'begin with the end in mind' and immediately engage patients in discussion regarding the expected (brief) length of treatment, particularly when prescribed for insomnia. In light of the continued growth of psychotropic prescribing to older adults by nonpsychiatric clinicians, it is critical to improve access to and education regarding nonpharmacologic treatment so clinicians feel they have treatment alternatives to offer."