Benzodiazepine use in an ambulatory elderly population: a 14-year overview

A survey on use of benzodiazepines was conducted among participants in the Florida Geriatric Research Program. In 1978-79, benzodiazepine use was reported by 14.4% of 1448 women and 9.7% of 855 men; in 1984-85, by 12.0% of 1429 women and 5.9% of 784 men; and in 1991-92, by 13.4% of 1124 women and 6.6% of 497 men. The changes were not significant. During this period the mean ages of the women increased from 74.6 to 78.1 years and the men from 75.0 to 80.2 years. Chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and flurazepam accounted for 98.1% of all benzodiazepines used in 1978-79 and for 35.5% in 1991-92, when alprazolam, lorazepam, and temazepam accounted for 47.1% of benzodiazepines used.