The Safety of Benzodiazepines and Opioids in the Geriatric Population: An Analysis of Patient Safety Events Reported by Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgical Facilities

Benzodiazepines may increase the risk of cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, fractures, and motor vehicle crashes in patients 65 years older. The concomitant use benzodiazepines opioids also be inappropriate for older adults due to increased overdose. We searched Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) reports patient safety events related order gain a better understanding potential risks using these medications combination. identified 80 which have experienced an adverse drug reaction (ADR) combined benzodiazepine opioid pain medication. Reports were reviewed determine ADR(s) by patient. Changes mental status most common, occurring more than two-thirds (68.8%; 55 80), followed respiratory reactions (51.3%; 41 80) cardiovascular (25.0%; 20 80). In over (70.0%; 56 received reversal agent, either flumazenil (10.7%; 6 56) or naloxone (35.7%; 56), both (53.6%; 30 56). combination among is growing problem, awareness first step providers begin addressing it.