Am J Psychiatry. 1989 Apr;146(4):529-31.

Benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal in elderly patients.

Source

Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Abstract

Severity of withdrawal symptoms and clinical outcome were compared in 19 elderly and 22 younger benzodiazepine-dependent patients matched for benzodiazepine half-life, dosage, and duration of treatment. During gradual taper of benzodiazepine doses, the elderly patients showed significantly less severe withdrawal symptoms on several clinical measures and a comparably favorable outcome. Approximately half of each group remained benzodiazepine free for at least 4 weeks. Both groups of patients tolerated drug discontinuation without serious consequences such as seizures or psychosis. Tapered benzodiazepine withdrawal did not appear to be more risky for the elderly group than for the younger patients.

Comment in

Am J Psychiatry. 1989 Sep;146(9):1242-3.

PMID:: 2929756; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances, Grant Support

Publication Types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH Terms

Substances

Benzodiazepines

Grant Support

MH-08957/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States

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Cited by 3 PubMed Central articles

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