Older Adults

73 year old woman presents as a new patient in a primary care setting, registered to NP. She has been taking lorazepam for anxiety/poor sleep since husband’s death 10 years ago. Normally on 1mg hs, but increased poor sleep x 2-3 months, self-increased dose to 2mg. sometimes takes during the day for anxiety with glass of scotch. Other drugs – candesartan and paroxetine (depression).

She reveals a recent ED visit after a motor vehicle accident – crashed car into tree driving home.  Fall at home 3 weeks ago which she tripped on scatter mat taking out garbage – sprained wrist, taking ibuprofen, wants Tylenol with codene (T3).  NP attempts to open discussion of benzo use and falls/accidents.  She is surprised and says “this has never been an issue, no one discussed this before”.

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Learning Outcomes

  • Best practices regarding use of benzodiazepines and fall risk in older adults
  • Approaches to counselling the older adult client regarding goal, risk/benefit, proper use and potential side effect.
  • Approaches to tapering and discontinuing benzodiazepines

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