THE PROBLEM OF BENZODIAZEPINE USE IN ELDERLY PATIENTS: A REVIEW ON DEPENDENCE AND DEPRESCRIBING

Abstract

The use of benzodiazepines in elderly patients is a critical issue and requires clearer prescribing guidelines and rigorous monitoring. The objective of this study will be to evaluate the problems of benzodiazepine use, dependence, and deprescription in elderly patients. The methodology applied was an integrative literature review. The search was conducted in the PubMed database using the descriptors "Benzodiazepine AND Elderly OR Pharmaceutical Care." Free full text filters were applied and the period 2020 to 2024 was used. Developing clearer prescribing guidelines and monitoring use can help curb prescribing rates. Overuse may be driven by variations in prescribing practices. Future interventions could target prescribers in settings with higher prescribing rates