Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
[citation needed] For example, the equivalent dose of diazepam in an elderly individual on lorazepam may be half of what would be expected in a younger individual. [7] [8] Equivalent doses of benzodiazepines differ as much as 20 fold. [9] [10] [11]
A clinically relevant lorazepam dose will normally be effective for six to 12 hours, making it unsuitable for regular once-daily administration, so it is usually prescribed as two to four daily doses when taken regularly, but this may be extended to five or six, especially in the case of elderly people who could not handle large doses at once.
In 1989, in a 4- to 6-year follow-up study of 30 inpatient people who used benzodiazepines non-medically, Neuropsychological function was found to be permanently affected in some people with long-term high dose non-medical use of benzodiazepines. Brain damage similar to alcoholic brain damage was observed.
A goal of less than six months has been suggested, [12] but due to factors such as dosage and type of benzodiazepine, reasons for prescription, lifestyle, personality, environmental stresses, and amount of available support, a year or more may be needed to withdraw. [15] [24]: 183–184
Failure to treat benzodiazepine dependence in the elderly can cause serious medical complications. [14] The elderly have less cognitive reserve and are more sensitive to the short (e.g., in between dose withdrawal) and protracted withdrawal effects of benzodiazepines, as well as the side-effects both from short-term and long-term use. This can ...
The consensus is to reduce dosage gradually over several weeks, e.g. 4 or more weeks for diazepam doses over 30 mg/day, [1] with the rate determined by the person's ability to tolerate symptoms. [120] The recommended reduction rates range from 50% of the initial dose every week or so, [121] to 10–25% of the daily dose every 2 weeks. [120]
In the elderly a lower dose is recommended due to more pronounced effects and a significant impairment of standing up to 11 hours after dosing of 1 mg of loprazolam. The half-life is much more prolonged in the elderly than in younger patients. A half-life of 19.8 hours has been reported in elderly patients. [4]
The smallest possible effective dose is typically used for this group of patients. [60] Under 6 months of age, safety and effectiveness have not been established; diazepam is not given to those in this age group. [39] [60] Elderly and very ill patients can experience apnea or cardiac arrest.