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Abstract: 

There is a growing consensus that prescribing “sedative-hypnotic” drugs to senior citizens is risky. This category of drugs includes the benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium™, Ativan™, Xanax™, and Klonopin™). Ambien™ and Lunesta™ are related drugs known as “z-drugs.” All these drugs have been implicated in increasing the risk of falls, broken bones, and automobile accidents. Now they have been associated with increased rates of Alzheimer’s disease—with the risk growing the longer the senior citizen continues to use these drugs. This article examines the over-use of sedative-hypnotics in nursing home settings.

Keywords: Sedatives and elders; overuse of benzodiazepines

Affiliations:  1: Associate Editor.