Добавил:
kiopkiopkiop18@yandex.ru t.me/Prokururor I Вовсе не секретарь, но почту проверяю Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз: Предмет: Файл:

Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_5538_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

.pdf
Скачиваний:
0
Добавлен:
31.08.2026
Размер:
22 Мб
Скачать
216 Substance Use in Older Adults
North America, Europe, and Australia (mean age 40 years) showed that88% of men and 79% of women using sedative-hypnotics also con-
sumed alcohol (Ilomäki et al. 2013). Those who misuse benzodiazepines are mo scription stimulants than those who do not misuse benzodiazepines (Ma abuse of and dependence on alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and stimulants (Maust et al. 2019a).
number of adverse outcomes,
2015). Older adults already being prescribed a benzodiazepine received a new opioid prescription at 2.9% of ambulatory care visits versus 1.7% for those not on a benzodiazepine (Ladapo et al. 2018). Among benzo­diazepine users seen by nonpsychiatrist physicians, 10.0% were also prescribed an opioid (Maust et al. 2016). A study of U.S. veterans (72% of whom were 65 or older) found that those enrolled with both Veterans Affairs and Medicare Part D were more likely to be coprescribed benzo­diazepines and opioids than those enrolled in one program (Carico et al. 2018). All of this highlights the critical role that clinicians and health care systems have in addressing problematic coprescription of benzodi­azepines and opioids.
pre Psychiatric Association 1994) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic abuse or dependence in the United States is 0.2%, with a much lower prevalence among older adults, 0.04% (Blanco et al. 2018). Of those adults age >50 who misuse benzodiazepines, 3.1% meet criteria for past-year abuse, and 6.6% meet criteria for past-year dependence (Maust et al. 2019a). Given the very low prevalence of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder in older adults, we focus next on problems arising from the use and misuse of sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics.
re likely to use alcohol, cannabis, prescription opioids, and pre-
ust et al. 2019a). Misuse of benzodiazepines is also associated with
Coprescription of benzodiazepines and opioids is associated with a
including lethal overdose (Park et al.
Despite the high use of sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics, the
valence of use disorder is low. The prevalence of DSM-IV (American
USE AND MISUSE OF SEDATIVES, HYPNOTICS, AND ANXIOLYTICS
Indications in Older Adults
Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics are appropriate for short-term use in specific disorders in older adults. For example, a systematic review of the effectiveness and tolerability of benzodiazepine use in older adults found that 21 of 25 studies showed improvement of sleep out-
Sedative, Hypnotic, and Anxiolytic Use 217
comes (Gerlach et al. 2018b). Benzodiazepines may be appropriate for older adults with seizure disorders, REM sleep behavior disorder, alco­hol withdrawal, and benzodiazepine withdrawal (American Geriatrics Society Beers the treatment of choice for catatonia.
Of ambulatory visits by older adults that resulted in a new prescrip-
tion of a benzodiazepine, 21.3% were for anxiety disorders (Maust et al.
2016). Benzodiazepines iety disorder in older adults (American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel 2023). However, the previously mentioned sys­tematic review identified only one study (from 1982) demonstrating ef­ficacy of benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders in older adults (Gerlach et al. 2018b). Only one of five studies found benzodiazepines to be ef­fective for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (Ger­lach
et al. 2018b). We caution against the use of benzodiazepines in people with dementia or for the treatment of behavioral and psycholog­ical symptoms of dementia.
Grief can be a common major stressor in this population. Some clini­cians have reported having little hesitancy about prescribing benzodiaz­epines for acute bereave perspectives on benzodiazepine prescribing practices, 20% of patients went on to have long-term use after initially being prescribed benzodiaz­epines for bereavement (Cook et al. 2007). Although these drugs may be effective in reducing grief symptoms, consideration must be made for side effects (discussed later in “Complications in Older Adults”) and first­line recommended treatments. Psychotherapy is the first-line treatment for prolonged grief disorder, whereas no improvement in outcome has been found for using benzodiazepines for grief-related symptoms (Simon 2013; Simon et al. 2008; Warner et al. 2001). If pharmacotherapy is being considered for treatment of complicated grief, SSRIs are recommended, due to lower side effect profile and improvement of adherence and out­comes when added to prolonged grief therapy (Simon 2013).
Appropriate use of benzodiazepines also depends on the time course. Acute use refers to 7 days of use; intermittent use is about two to three times a week for <90 days; continuous use is nearly-daily use for a minimum of 4 months (Llorente et al. 2000 port the continuous use of sedative-hypnotics for management of any
hiatric disorder in older adults. Nevertheless, diagnoses associated
psyc with prolonged use include pain disorders, depressive disorders, and trauma-related disorders (Choi et al. 2017; Kessler et al. 2012). Nearly one-third of older adults prescribed a benzodiazepine by a nonpsychi­atrist physician went on to long-term use, defined as a “medication pos-
Criteria Update Expert Panel 2023). Benzodiazepines are
may be appropriate for severe generalized anx-
ment. In a small qualitative study of physician
). There is no evidence to sup-
218 Substance Use in Older Adults
session ratio” >30% in the year after initial prescription (Gerlach et al. 2018a). Interestingly, only 1% of ambulatory visits that resulted in a ben­zodiazepine prescription to an older adult also included a referral to psychotherapy (Maust et al. 2016).
Thorough evaluation and diagnostic workup should be completed before prescribing a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic. If one is indicated, it should be used briefly. Duration of continued prescribing should be consistently communicated to the patient to prepare them for eventual taper and discontinuation (Gerlach et al. 2018b). Ideally, hypnotic med­ications should not be used for more than 7–10 days to correct the sleep­wake cycle in be used. Inform patients that an increase in symptomology is more likely due to withdrawal symptoms than a worsening of the underlying disorder (Moore et al. 2015).
Medications should be prescribed in conjunction with first-line ther­apies such as an antidepressant and psychotherapy, especially cogni­tive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders and insomnia. Monitoring and r is another condition not being addressed.
the treatment of insomnia. The lowest dose should always
eassessment are necessary to determine whether there
Complications in Older Adults
Older adults are at risk for a number of complications from the use of these medications. Complications can arise from the changes with me­tabolism that occur as people age or from drug–drug interactions due to polyph tional Center for Health Statistics 2019). Older adults have less lean musc of benzodiazepines, which are fat-soluble (Kuerbis et al. 2014). Because of the sedative properties of the medication, patients may experience complications including falls, fractures, cognitive decline, and death (Markota et al. 2016; Tom et al. 2016). Older adults may also experience paradoxical reactions to benzodiazepines (Soyka 2017).
ate Medication Use in Older Adults lists benzodiazepines as medications to av fractures, and motor vehicle accidents (American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel 2023). Other sedative-hypnotics to avoid, according to the Beers Criteria, include first-generation antihis­tamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, doxylamine, hydroxyzine), barbitu­rates (because of the high rate of physical dependence and risk of overdose even at low doses), and z-drugs (noting minimal improve-
armacy (Colliver et al. 2006; Davies and O’Mahony 2015; Na-
le mass and more body fat, resulting in longer duration of action
The American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropri-
oid because of the risk of cognitive impairment, delirium, falls,
Sedative, Hypnotic, and Anxiolytic Use 219
ment in sleep latency and duration) (American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel 2023). Z-drugs can also result in serious injury and death resulting from sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking and sleep driving, which led to the FDA adding a black box warning to these medications (U.S. Food and Drug Administration 2019a).
Using a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic can affect cognition. A sys­tematic review of 68 placebo-controlled trials in older adults without underlying central nerv in non-amnestic cognitive deficits, whereas benzodiazepines and z­drugs result in both non-amnestic and amnestic cognitive deficits (Tan­nenbaum et al. 2012). Chronic intoxication may resemble a progressive neurocognitive relationship between current use and prospective risk of dementia is less clear. For example, one prospective cohort study found a slightly increased incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease over the course of 10 years with some exposure to benzodiazepines, but not with higher levels of use (Gray et al. 2016). Another prospective cohort study found a marked increase in dementia risk over 8 years in users of ben­zodiazepines with a long half-life (Shash et al. 2016). A systematic re­view and meta-analysis of 15 studies found that ever having used a benzodiazepine was associated with a significantly increased risk of de­mentia (Penninkilampi and Eslick 2018). We would advise older adults
se of benzodiazepines is likely contributing to current cognitive
that u impairment and may put them at risk of future cognitive impairment.
Benzodiazepine use is associated with an increased risk of suicide attempt and completed suicide (Dodds 2017). Even after controlling for medical and psychiatric comorbidities, older adults who died by sui­cide (by both overdose and other methods) were more likely than matched control subjects to have been taking benzodiazepines, espe­cially longer-acting benzodiazepines and benzodiazepines at doses consider have been associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, al­though it is possible that distress related to insomnia may be the driver of increased risk (Tubbs et al. 2021).
Therapeutic use of benzodiazepines or nonbenzodiazepine hypnot­ics may cause mild withdrawal symptoms due to rebound of underly­ing symptoms in between doses (Soyka 2017). We discuss withdrawal
oms in greater detail later in “Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic
sympt Use Disorder.”
In the United States, gabapentin has shown abuse patterns, as evi­denced by high utilization by a small proportion of users and higher daily doses (Peckha
disorder (American Psychiatric Association 2022). The
ed too high for older adults (Voaklander et al. 2008). Z-drugs
ous disorders found that antihistamines result
m et al. 2017). Older adults with normal cognition
220 Substance Use in Older Adults
who were initiated on gabapentin were found to have increased risk of falls and cognitive decline within 2 years of initiation (Oh et al. 2022).
Orexin antagonists are newer medications to treat insomnia. Day­time sedation is a common side effect, which is especially dangerous be­cause it increases risk of falls. However, no significant effects were found in healthy older adults for driving, cognitive, and psychomotor performances (Abad and Guilleminault 2018; Herring et al. 2017; Ver­meeren et al. 2016). There is a potential for abuse, and so suvorexant was determined to be a Schedule IV drug. Compared with placebo, su­vorexant’s abuse potential was similar to that of zolpidem (Born et al. 2017; Schoedel et al. 2016).
Misuse of Sedatives, Hypnotics, and Anxiolytics
While complications may arise from clinical use of these medications, it is important to note that older adults may also misuse them. Misuse has many definitions, but the ma directed (Smith et al. 2013). Misuse can be unintentional, for example, if cognitive impairment exists, if the patient has low health literacy, or if the patient misunderstood or misremembered instructions from the cli­nician. As noted earlier in “Epidemiology,” ~0.6% of older adults mis­use benzodiazepines (Maust et al. 2019a). Warning signs of misuse include re bruises or burns, and new or worsening cognitive impairment (Kuerbis et al. 2014; Maust et al. 2019a). Misuse may result from poor access to care, such as for psychotherapy of anxiety disorders and insomnia (Maust et al. 2019a). Of course, misuse may lead to or be evidence of a substance use disorder, the topic we cover next.
quests for early refills of medications, falls or unexplained
jority refer to using the medication not as
SEDATIVE, HYPNOTIC, OR ANXIOLYTIC USE DISORDER
Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder may be difficult to iden­tify in older adults (see Box 8–1 for DSM-5-TR criteria). Consider the
bility of use disorder in older adults who report that they “need”
possi benzodiazepines to carry out daily activities, who have difficulty stop­ping or reducing the dose, who seek early refills from you or from other clinicians (e.g., in the emergency department), who have had increased dosage over time, or who have increased breakthrough symptoms (e.g., anxiety) despite continuing to take benzodiazepines (Soyka 2017).
Sedative, Hypnotic, and Anxiolytic Use 221
Box 8–1. Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria
A. A problematic pattern of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use leading to
clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
1. Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics are often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period t
2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control sedative, hypn
3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the seda­tive, hypnotic, or anxiolytic; use the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic; or recover f
4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the sedative, hypnotic, or anxio
5. Recurrent sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use resulting in a failure to ful peated absences from work or poor work performance related to sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use; sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxio­lytic-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; ne­glect of children or household).
6. Continued sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use despite having per­sistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or ex­acerbated by the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics (e.g., arguments with a sp physical fights).
7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or
8. Recurrent sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use in situations in which it is physically hazardous machine when impaired by sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use).
9. Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use is continued despite knowledge of having that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic.
10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
a. A need for markedly increased amounts of the sedative, hyp-
b. A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same
Note: This criterion is not considered to be met for individuals tak­ing sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics under medical supervision.
rom its effects.
lytic.
fill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., re-
reduced because of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use.
a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem
notic, or anxiolytic to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
amount of the sed
otic, or anxiolytic use.
ouse about consequences of intoxication;
(e.g., driving an automobile or operating a
ative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic.
han was intended.
222 Substance Use in Older Adults
11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
a. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for sedatives, hypnot-
ics, or anxiolytics (refer to Criteria A and B of the criteria set for
ve, hypnotic, or anxiolytic withdrawal).
sedati
b. Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics (or a closely related substance,
such a
s alcohol) are taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Note: This criterion is not considered to be met for individuals tak­ing sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics under medical supervision.
Specify if:
In early remission: After full criteria for sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder were previously met, none of the criteria fo
r sedative, hyp­notic, or anxiolytic use disorder have been met for at least 3 months but for less than 12 months (with the exception that Criterion A4, “Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic,” may be met).
In sustained remission: After full criteria for sedative, hypnotic, or anx- iolytic use d
isorder were previously met, none of the criteria for seda­tive, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder have been met at any time during a period of 12 months or longer (with the exception that Criterion A4, “Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic,” may be met).
Specify if:
In a controlled environment: This additional specifier is used if the in- dividual is in an environment where access to sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics is restricted.
Specify current severity:
Mild: Presence of 2–3 symptoms.
Moderate: Presence of 4–5 symptoms. Severe: Presence of 6 or more symptoms.
Source. Reprinted from American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Man- ual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric
As
sociation, 2022. Copyright © 2022 American Psychiatric Association. Used with per-
mission.
Because many older adults are retired or socially isolated, they may not experience occupational or interpersonal dysfunction; instead, they may develop problems with instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., driving, cooking) or personal activities of daily living (e.g., taking med­ications correctly, grooming, hygiene). Family members or caregivers may expres
s concern about the older adult’s use of medications or about their functioning. Co-occurring use with alcohol can also exist and is important to recognize. Increased social isolation and/or a recent life stressor (e.g., death of a loved one) may also accompany sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.
Sedative, Hypnotic, and Anxiolytic Use 223
Clinicians should be vigilant for any sign of withdrawal from seda­tives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics. Symptoms can include anxiety, panic, restles
sness, agitation, mood swings, insomnia, nightmares, muscle ten­sion, weakness, muscle spasms, paresthesia, tremor, and flu-like symp­toms (Soyka 2017). Abrupt cessation of a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic can r
esult in seizures; other severe symptoms include para­noia, hallucinations, and delirium (Soyka 2017). Because of medical co­morbidities, older adults may suffer complications from tachycardia and hypertension. The possibility of withdrawal should be considered in any older adult taking sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics who de­velops delirium. Of course, use of these medications, especially those with
anticholinergic properties (e.g., diphenhydramine), could also re-
sult in delirium.
In Case Example 8–1, an astute clinician identifies warning signs of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder and appropriately up­dates the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Case Example 8–1: “That’s the only thing
that’s ever helped with my sleep”
Ms. Fitz is a 67-year-old widow with insomnia, generalized anxiety disor-
der, major depressive disorder in remission, and diabetes mellitus compli-
cated by neuropathy and hypertension, who presents to a geriatric
psychiatri
She had been well maintained on alprazolam 0.5 mg at bedtime, venlafax-
ine XR 37.5 mg at breakfast, and gabapentin 300 mg tid with her previous
psychiatrist for the past 15 years. Ms. Fitz was recently discharged from a
physical rehabilitation (rehab) facility after a ground-level fall. She broke
her right radius and required surgery and hospital admission before being
transferred to rehab. While in rehab, she was prescribed opioid pain med-
ication by her medical team until her next outpatient follow-up appoint-
ment (2 weeks). Today, she expresses increased anxiety about falls, as this
ma
hitting her head during her previous falls. The most recent fall was the
most serious and the first to result in a bone fracture. She currently has a
home health aide and regular outpatient physical therapy. The geriatrics
psychiatrist reviews the discharge medications with her during intake.
Upon reaching alprazolam on her medication list, Ms. Fitz states, “that’s
the only thing that’s ever helped with my sleep.”
clone, and trazodone. When asked about nonmedication strategies, she
looks puzzled and said she has not tried any. Further along during in-
take, the risks for decreased breathing are discussed because she was
still taking prescribed pain medication and gabapentin. She exclaims
c clinic for her first follow-up appointment 1 month after intake.
rks her third fall in the past 2 years. She denies losing consciousness or
Ms. Fitz told the psychiatrist that she tried a number of other medi-
224 Substance Use in Older Adults
that she was told about this but felt her anxiety was too high at the hos­pital and rehab facility. Further discussion touches on the risk of falls with her alprazolam as w ing of the risks and that she is scared to stop the alprazolam because she has been on cially with the pain from the recent fall. She denies any other substance use and denies any
When coordinating care, the new doctor learns that Ms. Fitz stopped seeing crease her alprazolam. There was no misuse reported in the records, but the taper attempt coincided with her first fall about 3 years ago. On fur­ther review, the new doctor finds a history of withdrawal symptoms durin and tremors, but no seizures or delirium tremens. Labs were completed to rule out any potential medical conditions contributing to her anxiety, and all were within normal limits.
During the next follow-up appointment, the psychiatrist discusses the records from Ms. Fitz’s previous clinic. When asked about the with­drawal symptoms, she did not recognize them as withdrawal and thought the tremors we cusses the diagnosis of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder and the risk of withdrawal. Ms. Fitz did not realize that alprazolam was meant for short-term use and that the risk of side effects increases with age and continued use. She was also unaware that it was a short-acting medication, and that the effects would not last long. She is open to an­other taper as long as it is slow.
The new psychiatrist switches alprazolam to clonazepam, a longer­acting benzod her that this medication will be decreased and eventually stopped. She is told that the venlafaxine dose is low and not adequately managing her anxiety symptoms. She also agrees to increase this medication after being informed that antidepressants are first-line treatment for anxiety. The new doctor coordinates care with the orthopedic doctor to ensure there is a taper schedule for the pain medication as well to reduce Ms. Fitz’s all-around risks.
it so long and she feels she cannot sleep without it, espe-
her previous psychiatrist because they were attempting to de-
g the previous tapering process, which included increased anxiety
iazepine, after discussing it with Ms. Fitz and informing
ell as gabapentin. She expresses understand-
withdrawal symptoms.
re part of her anxiety. The new psychiatrist dis-
Limited data are available regarding the clinical course of sedative,
hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder. The disorder typically starts in one’s teens or twenties following escalation from occasional use of these medications; alternately, the disorder may be preceded by prescription of these medications for anxiety or insomnia (American Psychiatric As­sociation 2022). Once the disorder develops, the course may fluctuate between periods fr
ee from substance and then active use (Allgulander et al. 1984). Almost 50% of individuals will return to use within 4 years of receiving treatment (Allgulander et al. 1987). As discussed earlier, people with sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder are at in­creased risk of accidental overdose and suicide.
Sedative, Hypnotic, and Anxiolytic Use 225
SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT
The screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) model emphasizes universal screening for substance use disorders in health care settings, followed by brief interventions for those with disorders or at risk of developing them. SBIRT has been adapted for older adults, including prescreening by asking, “In the last year, have you used prescription or other drugs more than you meant to?” (Schonfeld et al. 2015). Positive prescreens lead to administration of the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), resulting in stratification of low, moderate, moderate to high, or high risk of substance use disorder (Schonfeld et al. 2015). Most of the 9.6% of older adults who screened pos­itive for alcohol or drug use received immediate brief interventions (Sc
honfeld et al. 2015). As discussed in Chapter 2, other screening tools in-
clude ASSIST-Lite and NIDA Quick Screen V1.0 (National Institute on
ug Abuse 2011). We discuss SBIRT in greater detail in Chapter 3.
Dr
Red flags for a use disorder including long-term use, rebound anxi­ety and insomnia on withdrawal of the drug, strong desire to use ben­zodiazepi use of benzodiazepines despite falls, use of benzodiazepines in addi­tion to other hypnotics, and continuing to use benzodiazepines despite physician recommendations to discontinue (Markota et al. 2016).
index of s the next step is a thorough history of both medical and psychiatric con­ditions. Completing a physical examination and laboratory testing are essential to have a better understanding of overall health and any co­occurring conditions that may impact management. Specifically, clini­cians need to assess for any underlying depression (e.g., screening with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] or Geriatric Depression Scale), anxiety (10-item Geriatric Anxiety Scale [GAS] or 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7]), PTSD, and cognitive impairment (Mon­treal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] or St. Louis University Mental Status Sc
reening for elder abuse should also be completed (Hall et al. 2016).
notic, sedative, and anxiolytic use disorders in older adults. It is recom­mended to use it as a tool in a collaborative discussion about use rather than a measur viewing a state’s drug monitoring program for other potential con­trolled substances, or any other sedative-hypnotic prescriptions, should
nes, driving while under the influence of benzodiazepines,
For older adults who screen positive and for whom there is a high
uspicion for sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder,
[SLUMS]). This is discussed in greater detail in Chapter 2.
There is no clear evidence for a role in urine drug screening for hyp-
e to chastise the patient (Brett and Murnion 2015). Re-