Prevalence of Benzodiazepine and Benzodiazepine‐Receptor Agonist Use in a Geriatric Emergency Department Population

The American Geriatric Society (AGS) has placed both benzodiazepines (BZDs) and non‐BZD γ‐aminobutyric (GABA)A receptor agonists, also referred to as Z‐drugs (zolpidem, eszopiclone, zopiclone, and zaleplon) on the AGS Beers Criteria® list of medications to avoid in patients aged 65 years and older. Several studies report an increased risk of confusion, falls, fractures, and overall hospitalization and mortality with BZD and Z‐drug use in older adults.1, 2 Although traditionally used for ambulatory care settings, emergency departments (EDs) are starting to use the AGS Beers Criteria® as a guide for ED prescribing. Despite existing recommendations, these medications are still administered and prescribed in this vulnerable age group. Most studies on BZD use for these two indications were conducted on younger patients, and long‐term follow‐up data are lacking.