Highlights
- •An updated review is presented of the link between the use of benzodiazepines and falls in the elderly.
- •Benzodiazepines increase the risk of falling when used either as monotherapy or in combined therapies.
- •A high proportion of falls in older adults are related to the use of benzodiazepines.
Abstract
Falls in the elderly represent a major health problem. The etiology of falls is usually
multifactorial. Special attention should be paid on benzodiazepines (BZDs) since they
are widely used by older adults.
A literature search of the PUBMED and EMBASE databases from January 2007 to February
2017 was conducted using the MeSH terms “benzodiazepines”, “elderly” and “falls” or
“accidental falls”. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA criteria.
Of the 27 references selected for full reading from 235 found, 15 were eliminated
and 12 papers were selected for systematic review.
Exposure to BZDs was associated with a higher risk of falls in older adults, which
is consistent with the results reported in the literature and previous reviews and
meta-analyses. BZDs increase the risk of falling when used either as monotherapy or
in combined therapies. It is preferable to use short-acting BZDs, to avoid cumulative
effects over time predisposing to falls.
A high proportion of falls in older adults are related to the use of BZDs. They should
be prescribed to older patients in accordance with current clinical guidelines and
reviewed over time. BZDs should be prescribed as a short-term therapy and progressively
withdrawn. Short-acting BZDs should be the treatment of choice.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 05, 2017
Accepted:
April 3,
2017
Received in revised form:
March 27,
2017
Received:
March 23,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
