Death by medicine

This article may seem a little alarmist, but the problem of
polypharmacy in the elderly is a real one.

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/08/17/1186857771586.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2

see also:

To cite this article: Alice Windle, Elizabeth Elliot, Katherine
Duszynski, Vivienne Moore (2007)

Benzodiazepine prescribing in elderly Australian general practice
patients

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 31 (4), 379-381.

Correspondence to:
Ms Alice Windle, PO Box 292, Murray Bridge, South Australia 5253. Fax:
(08) 8531 1427; e-mail: alice.windle@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Abstract

Objective: The use of benzodiazepines by elderly people is of limited
therapeutic benefit and increases the risk of adverse events. This
study aimed to examine the extent to which benzodiazepines are
prescribed for elderly Australians.

Methods: Data for 3,970 individuals aged 65 years or more were
extracted from a general practice database. Benzodiazepine
prescriptions for 2002 were reviewed.

Results: Overall, 16% (95% CI 11-21%) of elderly patients had at least
one benzodiazepine prescription. Females were almost twice as likely
as males to be prescribed a benzodiazepine and prescription prevalence
increased with age.

Conclusions: Despite risks, benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for
the elderly. Limited availability and cost of alternative therapies
and pressures on the primary care system in Australia may contribute
to their continued overuse.

Implications: The prescribing of benzodiazepines for elderly
Australians needs to be reduced by better managing sleep and anxiety
problems.

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