Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Multidisciplinary Approach to Deprescribing Sedative-Hypnotic Medications in Geriatric Primary Care
Danielle R Fixen1, Samantha A Farro1, Prajakta Shanbhag1
1University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
Introduction/Objectives:
Due to the risks associated with sedative hypnotic medications in older adults, our study evaluated the impact of a multidisciplinary approach to deprescribing in geriatric primary care clinics.
Methods:
The study was a retrospective review of older adults at 2 academic, geriatric primary care clinics who were prescribed sedative-hypnotic medications. Patients were mailed an education packet of information that included working with the clinical pharmacy team, behavioral health team, or both in order to deprescribe their sedative-hypnotic medication. The study assessed the rate of discontinuation of sedative-hypnotic medications between the different intervention groups.
Results:
The study included 93 older adults with a mean age of 81.3 years and 39.8% discontinuation rate of their medication. The number of falls decreased in patients who discontinued use compared to when previously using a sedative hypnotic medication.
Conclusion:
Patients are more likely to discontinue their sedative hypnotic medication with a multidisciplinary approach, specifically with primary care provider support.
Related Concept Videos
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications

