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Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on May 25, 2010
A new study suggests that despite warnings, some drugs used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders are still being used.
According to researchers from the University of British Columbia, the drugs are frequently prescribed for baby boomers, despite warnings against long-term use.
Published online in the journal Health Policy, the study by researchers at UBC’s Centre for Health Services and Policy Research (CHSPR) is the first of its kind to examine the use of benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Ativan for an entire population over time.
It’s also the first to pinpoint the socioeconomic characteristics associated with long-term users of such drugs.
Results show that seniors and low-income earners are more likely to be long-term users of benzodiazepines, with rates remaining steady over a 10-year period. Meanwhile, use among the middle-aged population has increased.
Harms associated with long-term use (more than 100 days in a year) can include dependence and tolerance, cognitive impairment, and increased risks of falls in the elderly.
Read in Full:Â http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/05/25/some-anxiety-meds-overprescribed/14050.html