In elderly patients, benzodiazepines are associated with an increased risk of which outcome?

In elderly patients, benzodiazepines are associated with an increased risk of which outcome?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Weight gain
• C. Decreased appetite
• D. Falls

Answer: (D)

Older adults are especially sensitive to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. These drugs can cause dizziness, slowed reaction time, and impaired coordination. When balance and gait are already compromised by age, this combination increases the risk of trips and falls, which can lead to serious injuries like hip fractures. The danger is greater with longer-acting formulations or higher doses because the drug lingers in the system, prolonging sedation and instability. That makes falls the most significant and likely adverse outcome in this population. Hypertension, weight gain, and decreased appetite are not typical primary risks associated with benzodiazepines in elderly patients.

Older adults are especially sensitive to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. These drugs can cause dizziness, slowed reaction time, and impaired coordination. When balance and gait are already compromised by age, this combination increases the risk of trips and falls, which can lead to serious injuries like hip fractures. The danger is greater with longer-acting formulations or higher doses because the drug lingers in the system, prolonging sedation and instability. That makes falls the most significant and likely adverse outcome in this population. Hypertension, weight gain, and decreased appetite are not typical primary risks associated with benzodiazepines in elderly patients.