Postural Instability and Consequent Falls and Hip Fractures Associated with Use of Hypnotics in the Elderly

Prescribing of inappropriate medication in nursing home residents in Germany according to a French consensus list: a cross-sectional cohort study

PURPOSE

The current use of inappropriate medication in elderly nursing home residents (NHRs) in Germany is unclear. We therefore set out to analyse the frequency and patterns of potentially inappropriate drug prescriptions in elderly NHRs in Germany.

METHODS

We utilised prescription data for NHRs 65 years or older from a large German health insurance company during a period of 3 months. Inappropriate drugs were identified from a recently reported French consensus list.

RESULTS

Data for 7271 (83.7%) females and 1414 (16.3%) males were available for analysis. The average age was 83.6 ± 7.3 years. Overall 48 inappropriate drugs were prescribed resulting in a total of 3825 inappropriate drug prescriptions which accounted for 4.3% of all documented prescriptions (n = 88,695). One thousand nine hundred and three (21.9%) residents received at least one inappropriate drug prescription. Using logistic regression we detected no significant influence of gender or level of care on frequency of inappropriate prescriptions. However, age had a significant influence; with increasing age the frequency of residents receiving inappropriate medications decreased steadily (r = -0.92, p = 0.003) and ranged from a maximum of 32.8% in the group between 65 and 69 years to a minimum of 15.2% in residents older than 94 years. This observation was paralleled by a significant and continuous decrease of drug prescription rates with increasing age (r = -0.88, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

The present analysis demonstrates that about one out of five elderly NHRs received at least one inappropriate drug prescription. Additional studies may aim to establish a list of frequently prescribed inappropriate drugs for Germany.

Gender and use of hypnotics or sedatives in old age: a nationwide register-based study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether gender is associated with use of hypnotics or sedatives and with different types of hypnotics or sedatives in older people after adjustment for age, socioeconomic status (i.e., education) and co-morbidity (i.e., number of other drugs).

SETTING

Sweden Method We conducted a register-based analysis of data on gender, age, dispensed drugs, and education from people aged 75-89 years registered in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register between July and October 2005 (n = 645,429).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The hypnotic or sedative drug classes were benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine related drugs (i.e., Z-drugs) and other types of hypnotics or sedatives. The individual hypnotics or sedatives were nitrazepam, flunitrazepam, triazolam, zopiclone, zolpidem, clomethiazole and propiomazine.

RESULTS

In the total study population, 27.1% of the women and 18.1% of the men were dispensed at least one hypnotic or sedative drug. The logistic regression analyses of those who used hypnotics or sedatives (n = 151,700) revealed that women were more likely than men to use benzodiazepines (adjusted OR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.07-1.14) and benzodiazepine related drugs (adjusted OR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.12-1.17), whereas men were more likely to use other types of hypnotics or sedatives (adjusted OR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.67-0.71). Among the individual hypnotics or sedatives, the strongest associations with gender was found for nitrazepam (adjusted OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.14-1.25 for women compared with men), zolpidem (adjusted OR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.16-1.21), clomethiazole (adjusted OR = 0.48; 95% CI 0.46-0.51) and propiomazine (adjusted OR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.75-0.79).

CONCLUSION

Use of hypnotics or sedatives in old age seems to be related to female gender. Also, among elderly users of hypnotics or sedatives, women appear to be more likely to use benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine related drugs than men. The explanation to these gender differences merits further investigation.

Differential effects of the dual orexin receptor antagonist almorexant and the GABA(A)-α1 receptor modulator zolpidem, alone or combined with ethanol, on motor performance in the rat

Current insomnia treatments such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor modulators are associated with sedative and muscle-relaxant effects, which increase when drug intake is combined with alcohol. This study compared the novel sleep-enabling compound almorexant (ACT-078573-hydrochloride), a dual orexin receptor antagonist, with the positive GABA(A)-α1 receptor modulator zolpidem. Both compounds were administered alone or in combination with ethanol, and their effects on forced motor performance were determined in Wistar rats upon waking after treatment. To detect substance-induced sedation and myorelaxation, time spent on an accelerating rotating rod (rotarod) and forepaw grip strength were measured. Zolpidem (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and ethanol (0.32, 1, and 1.5 g/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently decreased rotarod performance and grip strength, whereas almorexant (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) did not. Doses of ethanol (0.32 and 1 g/kg), which were ineffective when administered alone, showed interactions with zolpidem (10 and 30 mg/kg) leading to reduced rotarod performance and grip strength; in contrast, combination of ethanol (0.32 and 1 g/kg) with almorexant (100 and 300 mg/kg) did not reduce performance or grip strength below ethanol alone. We conclude that unlike zolpidem, almorexant does not interfere with forced motor performance or grip strength in the rat, nor does it further increase the sedative effects of ethanol. Our results suggest that the effect of almorexant can be immediately reversed to full alertness like under physiological sleep, and that almorexant is less likely to show strong sedation, excessive myorelaxation, or interaction with alcohol than commonly prescribed hypnotics such as zolpidem.

Tiptoeing around gait disorders: multiple presentations, many causes

Walking appears to be a simple innate ability, but it is an extraordinarily complex process involving three major afferent systems (visual, proprioception, and vestibular). Humans' unique gait is established around age seven. Velocity and step-length change with age, but the overall package we call "gait" remains stable. Age is the single most important factor in changing gait, with some normal changes expected. Gait disorders, beyond what are normal age-related changes, are common among elders. At 60 years of age, 15% of elders have gait problems, increasing to 82% for those 85 years of age and older. Abnormal gait movement can be broadly defined as hyperkinetic (too much movement) and hypokinetic (too little movement). Gait disorders are classified into lowest level (affecting one afferent system), middle level (more afferent system involvement), and highest level (characterized by planning deficits) disorders. Gait disturbances may be a manifestation of underlying conditions or may be drug-induced. To treat gait disorders appropriately, clinicians must review the patient's disease progression, medication status, and environmental conditions. Physical therapy, medication changes, and, rarely, surgery can help improve gait.

Impact of drug interactions, dosage, and duration of therapy on the risk of hip fracture associated with benzodiazepine use in older adults

PURPOSE

To determine how concomitant use of potentially interacting drugs, drug dosage, and duration of therapy modify the risk of hip fracture associated with use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-related drugs (BDZ) in older adults.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was conducted in Medicare patients 65 years or older, enrolled in the Pennsylvania drug assistance program (PACE) between 1994 and 2005. We included 17,198 patients with a hip fracture leading to hospitalization and 85,990 controls matched on hospitalization (index date). BDZ and interacting drug use within 2 weeks preceding the index date was determined using information on date of drug dispensing, days supplied, quantity dispensed, and strength. Date of the first BDZ prescription within the year preceding the index date was used as surrogate for duration of therapy.

RESULTS

While the adjusted relative risk (RR) for overall BDZ use and hip fracture was 1.2 (95% confidence interval 1.1, 1.2), the RRs for concomitant use of alprazolam, lorazepam, and zolpidem and their interacting drugs were 1.5 (1.3, 1.7), 1.9 (1.7, 2.2), and 1.7 (1.4, 2.0), and 2.1 (1.5, 2.8) for BDZ use initiated within 14 days preceding the index date. RR increased with increasing BDZ dose and was highest for defined daily BDZ doses >1 [RR: 1.3 (1.2, 1.5)].

CONCLUSIONS

BDZ associated hip fracture risk increases with concomitant use of interacting drugs, higher doses, and is highest at initiation. Clinicians should avoid concomitant use of BDZ and interacting drugs, because their impact on hip fracture risk is at least additive.

Review of insomnia pharmacotherapy options for the elderly: implications for managed care

The prevalence of insomnia in the elderly is significant. If left untreated or inappropriately treated, insomnia may contribute to increased health care resource use. Therefore, better identification and management of insomnia is required for this patient population. The etiology and magnitude of insomnia due to changes in circadian rhythms, comorbid conditions, and pharmaceutical agents are not well documented, and the utilization of over-the-counter and non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved agents to induce sleep (including antihistamines and ethyl alcohol) have not been studied in a natural setting. Evaluating the actual type of insomnia remains much more art than science for the majority of patients and providers. Another issue to consider in this population involves the relationship between patient and physician and the traditional passive patient role. Nonpharmacologic approaches (ie, cognitive behavioral therapy) for insomnia management are effective and usually are first-line therapy. However, the challenges to implementing these approaches may limit their use, thus necessitating pharmacologic therapy. There are currently 3 FDA-approved drug classes for the treatment of insomnia: benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine receptor agonists, and melatonin receptor agonists. Although all agents in these classes are efficacious, benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine receptor agonists are associated with adverse events that must be considered when treating insomnia in the elderly. Melatonin agonists have a mechanism of action that regulates normal sleep-wake cycles and readjusts circadian rhythms, which may confer a better safety profile than traditional sedative-hypnotics that target gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. Because the 3 currently approved drug classes for insomnia have similar efficacy, safety considerations should be of paramount importance for the elderly patient; however, additional data are needed to appropriately assess the risk-benefit ratios of each.

Medication use and increased risk of falls in hospitalized elderly patients: a retrospective, case-control study

BACKGROUND

Falls in the elderly are common and often serious. Several drugs have been associated with increased fall risk. Older adults often take numerous medications for multiple chronic conditions, so are at increased risk for drugs that potentially cause falls.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the association between drug use and falls in recently hospitalized older people in order to identify medications that may increase the risk of falls in this population.

METHODS

A retrospective case control study was performed in the geriatric department of Bertinot Juel Hospital, Chaumont en Vexin, Picardy, France. We assessed the incidence of patient falls during hospitalization in 2004 and 2005 in an acute geriatric ward. We compared medications taken by all patients who fell (134 cases) with those taken by patients who did not fall (126 controls). The 260 participants were all aged >or=65 years.

RESULTS

50% of falls occurred in the first week after admission. In 16% of cases, falls were classified as severe. The characteristics of the two groups (patients who fell and those who did not) were similar: no significant differences were observed in terms of age, sex, number of medicines or prevalence of hypertension or Parkinson's disease. The probability of falls increased when the patients used zolpidem (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.59; 95% CI 1.16, 5.81; p = 0.02), meprobamate (AOR 3.01; 95% CI 1.36, 6.64; p = 0.01) or calcium channel antagonists (AOR 2.45; 95% CI 1.16, 4.74; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Some drugs are associated with an increased risk of falls in the elderly and, when alternatives exist, should be avoided until cohort studies are conducted to confirm or refute these possible increased risks.

Clinical evaluation of zaleplon in the treatment of insomnia

Zaleplon is a pyrazolopyrimidine hypnotic used for the treatment of insomnia. Zaleplon binds preferentially at the α1β2γ2 subunit of gamma aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors in the central nervous system, and has a half-life of about one hour. Efficacy studies show that zaleplon is a suitable hypnotic for sleep initiation purposes. However, because of its short half-life, zaleplon is less effective in sleep maintenance when compared with other hypnotics. Nevertheless, zaleplon does increase total sleep time. No rebound effects are observed after treatment discontinuation. The use of zaleplon is relatively safe. Adverse effects are mild and of short duration. No important interactions have been reported, and there is no evidence of abuse potential. Relative to benzodiazepine hypnotics, the biggest advantage of zaleplon is that current evidence suggests it does not produce residual next-day effects. As early as four hours after intake of zaleplon, no effects on cognitive, memory, psychomotor performance, and the ability to drive a car have been reported. Future studies should confirm these findings, and comparisons with new nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics should determine the importance of zaleplon in the future treatment of insomnia.

[Medication and falls in old age]

Falls with and without injuries in elderly persons commonly have multiple causes. Exposure to drugs does contribute to these causes. Therefore, complete assessment and evaluation of prescription and over the counter drugs are essential parts of fall-prevention concepts. Frail elderly persons frequently treated with several medications are particularly predisposed to adverse drug effects which may increase the risk of falling. Risk increasing drug effects are dose dependent which have been best studied with psychotropic medication. Apart from psychotropic drugs, cardiovascular drugs contribute to FRIDs (Fall-Risk Increasing Drugs). Fall risk is particularly increased with drugs of the same therapeutic class combined or combinations of psychotropics and cardiovascular drugs. Intervention studies on withdrawal and dose reduction of fall-risk increasing drugs were successful in reducing the risk of falling. There is relatively few knowledge on whether and how drug treatment does decrease fall risk in elderly patients by improving safe mobility and walking ability relevant to activities of daily living.

Cognitive behavior therapy for generalized anxiety disorder among older adults in primary care: a randomized clinical trial

CONTEXT

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be effective for late-life generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but only pilot studies have been conducted in primary care, where older adults most often seek treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To examine effects of CBT relative to enhanced usual care (EUC) in older adults with GAD in primary care.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Randomized clinical trial recruiting 134 older adults (mean age, 66.9 years) from March 2004 to August 2006 in 2 primary care settings. Treatment was provided for 3 months; assessments were conducted at baseline, posttreatment (3 months), and over 12 months of follow-up, with assessments at 6, 9, 12, and 15 months.

INTERVENTION

Cognitive behavior therapy (n = 70) conducted in the primary care clinics. Treatment included education and awareness, motivational interviewing, relaxation training, cognitive therapy, exposure, problem-solving skills training, and behavioral sleep management. Patients assigned to receive EUC (n = 64) received biweekly telephone calls to ensure patient safety and provide minimal support.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes included worry severity (Penn State Worry Questionnaire) and GAD severity (GAD Severity Scale). Secondary outcomes included anxiety ratings (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory), coexistent depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory II), and physical/mental health quality of life (12-Item Short Form Health Survey).

RESULTS

Cognitive behavior therapy compared with EUC significantly improved worry severity (45.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 43.4-47.8] vs 54.4 [95% CI, 51.4-57.3], respectively; P < .001), depressive symptoms (10.2 [95% CI, 8.5-11.9] vs 12.8 [95% CI, 10.5-15.1], P = .02), and general mental health (49.6 [95% CI, 47.4-51.8] vs 45.3 [95% CI, 42.6-47.9], P = .008). There was no difference in GAD severity in patients receiving CBT vs those receiving EUC (8.6 [95% CI, 7.7-9.5] vs 9.9 [95% CI, 8.7-11.1], P = .19). In intention-to-treat analyses, response rates defined according to worry severity were higher following CBT compared with EUC at 3 months (40.0% [28/70] vs 21.9% [14/64], P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with EUC, CBT resulted in greater improvement in worry severity, depressive symptoms, and general mental health for older patients with GAD in primary care. However, a measure of GAD severity did not indicate greater improvement with CBT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00308724.

Meta-analysis comparing different behavioral treatments for late-life anxiety

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of different types of behavioral treatments for geriatric anxiety (cognitive behavior therapy [CBT] alone, CBT with relaxation training [RT], and RT alone).

METHOD

The authors compared effect sizes from 19 trials. Analyses were based on uncontrolled outcomes (comparing posttreatment and pretreatment scores) and effects relative to control conditions on both anxiety and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Treatments for older adults with anxiety symptoms were, on average, more effective than active control conditions. Effect sizes were comparable to those reported elsewhere for CBT for anxiety in the general population or for pharmacotherapy in anxious older adults. CBT (alone or augmented with RT) does not seem to add anything beyond RT alone, although a direct comparison is challenging given differences in control conditions. Effects on depressive symptoms were smaller, with no differences among treatment types.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that behavioral treatments are effective for older adults with anxiety disorders and symptoms. Results must be interpreted with caution given the limitations of the literature, including differing sample characteristics and control conditions across studies.

Treatment options for insomnia--pharmacodynamics of zolpidem extended-release to benefit next-day performance

BACKGROUND

Insomnia can manifest as difficulty in falling asleep, in maintaining sleep throughout the night, or waking up too early, with symptoms often unpredictably changing over time. Pharmacologic options for insomnia treatment include prescription hypnotics, such as gamma-amino butyric acid-receptor agonists, sedating antidepressants, over-the-counter antihistamines, melatonin-receptor agonists, and alternative therapies. A concern with insomnia medications is the risk of next-day residual effects, which can impair memory and ability to perform certain tasks, such as driving, and may increase the risk of accidents and falls, especially in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the impact of current insomnia treatments on next-day performance.

RESULTS

The longer-acting benzodiazepines are associated with next-day "hangover" effects and, as a result, have been largely replaced by agents in the nonbenzodiazepine class, which typically have shorter half-lives. The hypnotic, sedative activities of these classes of drugs depend on variations in binding characteristics to the alpha1 subunit of the gamma-amino butyric acidA-receptor, which inhibits neuronal activity in broad areas of the brain and is found in areas of the brain responsible for sleep/wakefulness and sedation. However, nonbenzodiazepines with a rapid onset of action and short half-life have shown limited efficacy for maintaining sleep throughout the night. These properties have contributed to the development of modified-release formulations. Zolpidem extended-release is a bilayer tablet that retains the fast onset of action of its parent compound zolpidem while extending the duration of hypnotic activity, owing to a slower-release portion of the tablet.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on clinical evidence, the risk of residual next-day effects of zolpidem extended-release is limited, mainly due to the similarly short half-life in its extended-release formulation.

Use of computerized dynamic posturography to assess balance in older adults after nighttime awakenings using zolpidem as a reference

Background

Computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) has been used to detect balance and stability impairments in adults of all ages. The goal of the current pilot study was to evaluate balance in healthy older adults after a middle-of-the-night awakening and to assess the ability of CDP to measure effects of bedtime zolpidem administration.

Methods

Two studies used CDP to evaluate balance in healthy older adults (≥ 65 years) during middle-of-the-night awakenings. The first study used a drug-free, single-period, within-subject, repeated measures study design. Subjects were evaluated during the day, pre-sleep, and 2 hours after bedtime for dynamic standing balance using the NeuroCom EquiTest Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Pairwise comparisons were made using one-way ANOVA. The second study was a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study evaluating the ability of the SOT to measure medication-induced dynamic standing balance impairments using the commonly prescribed sleep medication, zolpidem 10 mg, as a test medication. Assessments were performed at night before zolpidem administration and then again 2 hours after bedtime. Comparisons were made between the 2 groups using an ANCOVA model.

Results

Twelve older adults (mean age 68.4 years) were evaluated in the first study. There was no significant difference between pre-sleep and middle-of-the-night assessments for the SOT composite score (P = 0.439). Eleven older adults (mean age 68.9 years) were evaluated in the second study. Zolpidem administration significantly decreased the SOT composite score after a middle-of-the-night awakening compared with placebo (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In healthy older adults, getting up in the middle of the night did not have a significant effect on dynamic standing balance; however, bedtime administration of zolpidem 10 mg did lead to significant impairments. Thus, the SOT was able to measure medication-induced dynamic standing balance impairments and may be useful for future studies comparing balance effects of medications.

Self-reported efficacy and tolerability of ramelteon 8 mg in older adults experiencing severe sleep-onset difficulty

BACKGROUND

Ramelteon is a selective MT(1)/MT(2) melatonin receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep onset.

OBJECTIVE

The current analysis was conducted to determine the effectiveness of ramelteon 8 mg in reducing the time to fall asleep in older adults with severe baseline sleep-onset difficulties.

METHODS

Patients with severe sleep-onset difficulty (defined as subjective sleep latency [sSL] > or =60 minutes) who had received ramelteon 8 mg or placebo were selected from a previously published multicenter outpatient trial of 829 older adults (aged > or =65 years) with primary, chronic insomnia (according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fourth Edition, Text Revision] criteria). Patients received single-blind placebo for 7 days (baseline) before receiving double-blind ramelteon 8 mg or placebo nightly for 5 weeks (35 nights). A 7-day, single-blind, placebo washout period followed. The primary end point was mean sSL for nights 1 through 7 (week 1). The mean changes in sSL from baseline at weeks 3 and 5 were evaluated to assess sustained efficacy. Adverse events (AEs) were collected in this analysis for both the ramelteon 8-mg and placebo groups.

RESULTS

A total of 157 patients from the rameltcon 8-mg group (mean age, 72.7 years; 87 women, 70 men) and 170 patients from the placebo group (mean age, 72.3 years; 111 women, 59 men) met the entry criteria for this post hoc analysis. Ramelteon 8 mg significantly reduced sSL at week 1 compared with placebo (change from baseline, -23.2 vs -7.5 minutes; P = 0.002). This statistically significant improvement was sustained at week 3 (-33.7 vs -19.8 minutes; P = 0.005) and week 5 (-37.4 vs -17.1 minutes; P < 0.001). The incidence of AEs was low. The most commonly reported treatment-emergent AEs were dizziness (ramclteon, 8.9%; placebo, 7.1%), dysgeusia (ramelteon, 7.0%; placebo, 2.9%), myalgia (ramelteon, 6.4%; placebo, 3.5%), and headache (ramelteon, 5.1%; placebo, 5.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this subset analysis of older adults with severe baseline sleep-onset difficulties, ramelteon 8 mg significantly and persistently reduced subjective reports of time to sleep onset during 5 weeks of nightly treatment. Ramelteon appeared to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for these older adults with primary, chronic insomnia.

Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects of MK-0343, a GABA(A) alpha2,3 subtype selective agonist, compared to lorazepam and placebo in healthy male volunteers

The use of non-selective gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) enhancers, such as benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety disorders is still widespread but hampered by unfavourable side effects. some of these may be associated with binding properties to certain subtypes of the GABA(A) receptor that are unnecessary for therapeutic effects. MK-0343 was designed to be a less sedating anxiolytic, based on reduced efficacy at the alpha1 subtype and significant efficacy at alpha2 and alpha3 subtypes of the GABA(A) receptor. This paper is a double-blind, four-way cross-over (n = 12) study to investigate the effects of MK-0343 (0.25 and 0.75 mg) in comparison to placebo and an anxiolytic dose (2 mg) of the non-selective agonist lorazepam. Effects were measured by eye movements, body sway, Visual Analogue scales (VAS) and memory tests. Lorazepam impaired saccadic peak velocity (SPV), VAs alertness scores, postural stability and memory and increased saccadic latency and inaccuracy. MK-0343 0.75 mg was equipotent with lorazepam as indicated by SPV (-42.4 deg/s), saccadic latency (0.02 s) and VAS alertness scores (1.50 ln mm), while effects on memory and postural stability were smaller. MK-0343 0.25 mg only affected postural stability to a similar extent as MK-0343 0.75 mg. The effect profile of MK-0343 0.75 mg is different from the full agonist lorazepam, which could reflect the selective actions of this compound. Although less effect on VAS alertness was expected, diminished effects on memory and postural stability were present. Clinical studies in anxiety patients should show whether this dose of MK-0343 is therapeutically effective with a different side-effect profile.

An approach to reduce benzodiazepine and cyclopyrrolone use in general practice : a study based on a Danish population

BACKGROUND

The global use of benzodiazepines and cyclopyrrolones is generally high. The hypnotic and anxiolytic effects of these agents typically diminish after a period of weeks or months of continuous use. Patients may thus be caught in a trap where the usefulness of these substances is reduced and doses are consequentially escalated, and where a subsequent phased reduction in dose can be difficult. Although considerable resources have been expended on reducing the use of these agents, no unambiguous and effective method has been identified.In Denmark, it is estimated that there are approximately 100 000 benzodiazepine-dependent patients, constituting approximately 2% of the general population. The prescription of dependency-producing drugs (including benzodiazepine/cyclopyrrolone agents) in Denmark is regulated according to Danish directive CIR nr 12, introduced on 13 January 2003, which aimed for restrictions in the prescribing of benzodiazepine and cyclopyrrolone drugs while setting revised guidelines for the re-evaluation of these agents. However, by 2004, the use of these drugs had decreased by only 1.7%, far from the official objective of a 50% reduction. This article describes an effective strategy implemented in general practice in Denmark to reduce the use of benzodiazepine and cyclopyrrolone agents, while at the same time challenging practitioners' ingrained habits and prejudices in this field.

DESIGN

An intervention involving new regulations for the prescription of benzodiazepines and cyclopyrrolones was introduced to ten Danish medical practices, comprising 13 medical practitioners and a patient base of approximately 18 500 patients. The new intervention was essentially in accordance with the official Danish regulations, such that a prescription for benzodiazepines and cyclopyrrolones could only be issued for 1 month at a time, and only following consultation. Telephone prescriptions were eliminated. Use was monitored using the Danish registration system, Ordiprax, which monitors sales of prescription medicine. All users of benzodiazepines and cyclopyrrolones within the ten practices, with the exception of seriously psychiatrically and physically ill patients, were included.

RESULTS

Fifteen months after the inception of the intervention, the use of cyclopyrrolones was reduced by 50.3%. Use of benzodiazepine-hypnotics was reduced by 46.5% and use of benzodiazepine-anxiolytics was reduced by 41.7%. The reorganisation of prescription patterns proved to be significantly easier than practitioners had expected. During the first 3 months, only 4.3 additional consultations per week per 1000 patients were required. Subsequently, this number fell to 2.1 additional consultations. The usual collaborative partners, such as psychiatrists, homecare services, hospitals and substance abuse units, were essentially not deployed. No serious side effects developed in patients in whom drug use was reduced.

CONCLUSION

The intervention was effective in reducing the use of benzodiazepine and cyclopyrrolone agents in general practices in a large municipality in Denmark. It is recommended that this intervention be introduced into the primary care sector, as it requires minimal effort on the part of the medical practitioner. The intervention is as simple as it is effective, and its implementation does not require any major level of supplementary training.

Lamotrigine therapy in elderly patients with epilepsy, bipolar disorder or dementia

INTRODUCTION

In spite of circumstances that precipitate high use of anticonvulsants in geriatric populations, there is a paucity of data on the use of antiepileptic drugs in elderly patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders.

METHODS

Reports of lamotrigine therapy in elderly patients with epilepsy, bipolar disorder (BD), or dementia were identified by conducting an electronic search of major publication databases. Abstracts and presentations from professional meetings were searched as were the bibliographies of relevant articles.

RESULTS

Fourteen reports were identified, and included well-controlled prospective trials, retrospective analyses, and case reports of lamotrigine treatment. Controlled trials in elderly patients with epilepsy demonstrate efficacy and tolerability comparable to gabapentin. Improvement in bipolar depressive symptoms, improvement in core manic symptoms, and delay in mood relapse was reported in geriatric patients with BD. Preliminary case studies in patients with dementia note improvement in cognition and symptoms of agitation and depression.

CONCLUSION

Review of the available literature suggests lamotrigine is effective and well tolerated in elderly patients with epilepsy and relatively well-tolerated and may be effective in delaying mood relapse, particularly in the depressive pole, in patients with BD. While very limited literature suggests that lamotrigine may be effective and relatively well-tolerated in patients with dementia, further studies are needed.

[Sleep disorders and hypnotic agents: medical, social and economical impact]

Insomnia is a subjective complaint relating to approximately 30% of the adult population in France, described by the patient as a difficulty of initiating and/or maintaining sleep. Its prevalence increases with age and sex: women are more affected than men (24% vs 14%). Insomnia is either occasional (20%), or chronic (10%). Chronic insomnia has an important impact on patients' everyday life e.g. fatigue, perturbed diurnal waking state, impaired quality-of-life... which results in lower work productivity and drowsiness as well as relational difficulties, absenteeism. About 80% of patients consult their general practitioner first. The aim of a hypnotic agent is to obtain sleep as physiological as possible. Benzodiazepines and benzodiazepines-like agents (zopiclone, zolpidem, zaleplon) are the most widely used hypnotics. However, their indications must be limited to occasional insomnia with a limited duration: less than four weeks. There is no advantage with using a combination of hypnotic agents, a practice which should be prohibited. Adverse effects can be serious, e.g. diurnal somnolence associated with risks of road accidents and, in the elderly, the risk of falls. After chronic use, hypnotics can be addictive, as their effects wear off in three to four weeks. After withdrawal, insomnia rebound is frequent. Use of hypnotics in association with alcohol is a well-known drug-addiction behavior. According to the French health insurance fund, 9% of the general population use hypnotics and about half of them regularly. Insurance refunds for hypnotics and sedatives reach more than 110 million euros annually. The efficiency of hypnotics wears off, quickly for benzodiazepines (three - four weeks), or less quickly for zopiclone and zolpidem (a few months). Insomnia is a major public health issue, each year 10% of the incident cases of insomnia treated by hypnotics joint the group of subjects with chronic insomnia. This failure to treat insomnia properly can be explained, at least in part, by several insufficiencies: physicians and pharmacists training, medical profession awareness, research, public information on the rules of good sleep (public health campaigns, booklets, role of physicians and the pharmacists).

Management of insomnia: treatments and mechanismsi

Management of insomnia is an interesting subject at present. New drug treatments are now becoming available after a relatively static period since the development of the Z-drugs in the 1990s. Moreover, more evidence is coming to light about the length of drug treatment and the effectiveness of psychological therapies. This article briefly describes current treatments, both evidence-based and common practice, and goes on to describe some emerging approaches.

Cognitive errors, symptom severity, and response to cognitive behavior therapy in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder

OBJECTIVE

Recent research by Wetherell et al. investigating the differential response to group-administered cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adults found that GAD severity, homework adherence, and psychiatric comorbidity predicted statistically significant improvement. The current study investigated whether the presence/absence of cognitive errors on separate domains of the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) predicted baseline differences in symptom severity and improvement following CBT, above and beyond already established predictors.

METHODS

Baseline characteristics were investigated in a sample of 208 older patients diagnosed with GAD. Predictors of treatment response were examined in a subsample of 65 patients who completed CBT and were included in a prior study by Wetherell et al. of response predictors.

RESULTS

Results from the baseline sample indicated that only subjects who committed an error on the MMSE Working Memory domain exhibited increased severity in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results from the treatment sample indicated that an error on the MMSE Orientation domain was a significant predictor of outcome at 6-month follow-up, while controlling for previously established predictors. Patients who committed at least one error in this domain showed decreased response relative to patients who committed no errors.

CONCLUSION

In this sample of older adults diagnosed with GAD, poor performance on the MMSE Working Memory domain was associated with increased baseline anxiety and depression, while baseline performance differences on the MMSE Orientation domain predicted outcome six months after CBT intervention.

Use of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics in the elderly: are all agents the same?

Sleep disorders, especially insomnia, are common in older adults. These disorders are frequently treated using non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Nonetheless, there is a relative lack of data regarding the use of these agents in the elderly, and whether any of these medications is superior to any other in the class when used in the elderly is also unclear. In this article, we review, by way of the published literature, the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, efficacy and safety of zolpidem, zaleplon, zopiclone, eszopiclone and ramelteon in the elderly. Special emphasis is placed on identifying relevant differences between these medications when used in older adults with insomnia. Based primarily on data from placebo-controlled trials, the non-benzodiazepines reviewed were found to be most effective at improving sleep latency and sleep quality, and least effective at enhancing total sleep time. The efficacy of ramelteon was limited to improving sleep latency, while all other agents, especially at higher doses, were found to produce improvement in both sleep latency and some improvement in total sleep time. All of the medications were found to be well tolerated in the elderly. From pharmacokinetic and drug-drug interaction perspectives, zaleplon and ramelteon offer the advantage of not being primarily metabolised via the cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme. In conclusion, based on relatively limited data, zopiclone, zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone and ramelteon represent modestly effective and generally well tolerated treatments for insomnia in older adults. While some actual and potential differences exist among these medications, more comparative trials are needed.

Age and gender effects on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ramelteon, a hypnotic agent acting via melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2

Effects of age and gender on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ramelteon, a hypnotic acting via binding to melatonin MT(1) and MT(2) receptors, were evaluated in healthy young (18-34 years) and elderly (63-79 years) volunteers. Part 1 evaluated the pharmacokinetics of open-label oral ramelteon, 16 mg. Part 2 was a double-blind, randomized, 2-trial crossover pharmacodynamic study of 16-mg ramelteon and matching placebo. Ramelteon clearance was significantly reduced in elderly vs young volunteers (384 vs 883 mL/min/kg, P<.01) and half-life significantly increased (1.9 vs 1.3 h, P<.001). Gender did not significantly influence clearance or half-life. Ramelteon was extensively transformed to its hydroxylated M-II metabolite, with serum AUC values averaging about 30 times those of the parent drug. Compared to placebo, ramelteon increased self- and observer-rated sedation, but age and gender did not influence the magnitude of the ramelteon-placebo difference. Ramelteon did not significantly impair digit-symbol substitution test performance or impair information acquisition and recall. Thus, the reduced clearance and higher serum levels of ramelteon in elderly subjects were not associated with enhanced pharmacodynamic effects. The usually recommended clinical dose of ramelteon (8 mg) does not require modification based on age or gender.

Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use in elderly patients: comparison between general medical and geriatric wards

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Inappropriate drug use is one of the risk factors for adverse drug reactions in the elderly. We hypothesised that, in elderly patients, geriatricians are more aware of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and may replace or stop PIMs more frequently compared with internists. We therefore evaluated and compared the prevalence of PIMs as well as anticholinergic drug use throughout hospital stay in elderly patients admitted to a medical or geriatric ward.

METHODS

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 800 patients aged > or =65 years admitted to a general medical or geriatric ward of a 700-bed teaching hospital in Switzerland during 2004 were included. PIMs were identified using the Beers criteria published in 2003. The prevalence of anticholinergic drug use was assessed based on drug lists published in the literature.

RESULTS

The prevalence of use of PIMs that should generally be avoided was similar in medical and geriatric inpatients both at admission (16.0% vs 20.8%, respectively; p = 0.08) and at discharge (13.3% vs 15.9%, respectively; p = 0.31). In contrast to medical patients, the reduction in the prevalence of use of PIMs between admission and discharge in geriatric patients reached statistical significance (p < 0.05). Overall, the three most prevalent inappropriate drugs/drug classes were amiodarone, long-acting benzodiazepines and anticholinergic antispasmodics. At admission, the prevalence of use of PIMs related to a specific diagnosis was not significantly different between patients hospitalised to a medical or a geriatric ward (14.0% vs 17.5%, respectively; p = 0.17), as compared with the significant difference evident at hospital discharge (11.7% vs 23.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). This was largely because of a higher prescription rate of platelet aggregation inhibitors in combination with low-molecular-weight heparins and benzodiazepines in patients with a history of falls and syncope. The proportions of patients taking anticholinergic drugs in medical and geriatric patients at admission (13.0% vs 17.5%, respectively; p = 0.08) and discharge (12.2% vs 16.5%, respectively; p = 0.10) were similar.

CONCLUSION

Inappropriate drug use as defined by the Beers criteria was common in both medical and geriatric inpatients. Compared with internists, geriatricians appear to be more aware of PIMs that should generally be avoided, but less aware of PIMs related to a specific diagnosis, and of the need to avoid anticholinergic drug use. However, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution because some of the drugs identified as potentially inappropriate may in fact be beneficial when the patient's clinical condition is taken into consideration.

Impaired cognition and attention in adults: pharmacological management strategies

Cognitive psychology has provided clinicians with specific tools for analyzing the processes of cognition (memory, language) and executive functions (attention-concentration, abstract reasoning, planning). Neuropsychology, coupled with the neurosciences (including neuroimaging techniques), has authenticated the existence of early disorders affecting the "superior or intellectual" functions of the human brain. The prevalence of cognitive and attention disorders is high in adults because all the diseases implicating the central nervous system are associated with cognitive correlates of variable intensity depending on the disease process and the age of the patient. In some pathologies, cognitive impairment can be a leading symptom such as in schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorder or an emblematic stigmata as in dementia including Alzheimer's disease. Paradoxically, public health authorities have only recognized as medications for improving cognitive symptoms those with proven efficacy in the symptomatic treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease; the other cognitive impairments are relegated to the orphanage of syndromes and symptoms dispossessed of medication. The purpose of this review is to promote a true "pharmacology of cognition" based on the recent knowledge in neurosciences. Data from adult human beings, mainly concerning memory, language, and attention processes, will be reported. "Drug therapeutic strategies" for improving cognition (except for memory function) are currently rather scarce, but promising perspectives for a new neurobiological approach to cognitive pharmacology will be highlighted.

Neurological gait disorders in elderly people: clinical approach and classification

Gait disorders are common and often devastating companions of ageing, leading to reductions in quality of life and increased mortality. Here, we present a clinically oriented approach to neurological gait disorders in the elderly population. We also draw attention to several exciting scientific developments in this specialty. Our first focus is on the complex and typically multifactorial pathophysiology underlying geriatric gait disorders. An important new insight is the recognition of gait as a complex higher order form of motor behaviour, with prominent and varied effects of mental processes. Another relevant message is that gait disorders are not an unpreventable consequence of ageing, but implicate the presence of underlying diseases that warrant specific diagnostic tests. We next discuss the core clinical features of common geriatric gait disorders and review some bedside tests to assess gait and balance. We conclude by proposing a practical three-step approach to categorise gait disorders and we present a simplified classification system based on clinical signs and symptoms.

Treating insomnia: Current and investigational pharmacological approaches

Chronic insomnia affects a significant proportion of young adult and elderly populations. Treatment strategies should alleviate nighttime symptoms, the feeling of nonrestorative sleep, and impaired daytime function. Current pharmacological approaches focus primarily on GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BzRA) have been a mainstay of pharmacotherapy; the classical benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines share a similar mode of action and allosterically enhance inhibitory chloride currents through the GABA(A) receptor, a ligand-gated protein comprising 5 subunits pseudosymmetrically arranged around a core anion channel. Variations in GABA(A) receptor subunit composition confer unique pharmacological, biophysical, and electrophysiological properties on each receptor subtype. Classical benzodiazepines bind non-selectively to GABA(A) receptors containing a gamma2 subunit, whereas non-benzodiazepine hypnotics bind with higher relative affinity to alpha1-containing receptors. The non-benzodiazepine compounds generally represent an improvement over benzodiazepines as a result of improved binding selectivity and pharmacokinetic profiles. However, the enduring potential for amnestic effects, next day residual sedation, and abuse and physical dependence, particularly at higher doses, underscores the need for new treatment strategies. Novel pharmacotherapies in development act on systems believed to be specifically involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. The recently approved melatonin receptor agonist, ramelteon, targets circadian mechanisms. Gaboxadol, an investigational treatment and a selective extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptor agonist (SEGA), targets GABA(A) receptors containing a delta subunit, which are located outside the synaptic junctions of thalamic and cortical neurons thought to play an important regulatory role in the onset, maintenance, and depth of the sleep process.

Management of chronic insomnia in elderly persons

BACKGROUND

Chronic insomnia is common among the elderly These elderly patients are often viewed as difficult to treat, yet they are among the groups with the greatest need of treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the literature on the management of chronic insomnia in elderly persons.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE was conducted for articles published in English between January 1966 and March 2006 using the terms insomnia, behavioral therapy, estsazolsam, fluvsazepsam, qusazepsam, teMsazepsam, tvisazolsam, eszopiclone, zaleplon, zolpidem, mirtazapine, nefazodone, trazodone, and ramelteon. Articles were selected if they were meta-analyses or evidence-based reviews of therapeutic modalities; randomized controlled trials of nonpharmacologic or pharmacologic treatment; or review articles covering the characteristics and management of insomnia. Preference was given to meta-analyses, evidence-based reviews, and articles that included relevant new information.

RESULTS

Available options for the treatment of insomnia include nonpharmacologic approaches, foremost among them cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapies, including chloral hydrate, barbiturates, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antihistamines, OTC dietary supplements (including melatonin), sedating antidepressants, benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, and melatonin agonists. There is considerable evidence to support the effectiveness and durability of nonpharmacologic interventions for insomnia in adults of all ages, yet these interventions are underutilized. With some recent exceptions, the majority of identified studies of pharmacotherapy were of short duration (< or =6 weeks) and did not exclusively enroll older adults. Compared with the benzodiazepines, the nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics appeared to offer few, if any, significant clinical advantages in efficacy or tolerability in elderly persons. Newer agents with novel mechanisms of action and improved safety profiles, such as the melatonin agonists, hold promise for the management of chronic insomnia in elderly people.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term use of sedative-hypnotics for insomnia lacks an evidence base and has traditionally been discouraged for reasons that include concerns about such potential adverse drug effects as cognitive impairment (anterograde amnesia), daytime sedation, motor incoordination, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and falls. In addition, the effectiveness and safety of long-term use of these agents remain to be determined. More research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of treatment and the most appropriate management strategy for elderly persons with chronic insomnia.

Use of Sleep-Promoting Medications in Nursing Home Residents

This paper reviews the use of sleep-promoting medications in nursing home residents with reference to risks versus benefits. Up to two-thirds of elderly people living in institutions experience sleep disturbance. The aetiology of sleep disturbance includes poor sleep hygiene, medical and psychiatric disorders, sleep apnoea, periodic limb movements and restless leg syndrome. One key factor in the development of sleep disturbance in the nursing home is the environment, particularly with respect to high levels of night-time noise and light, low levels of daytime light, and care routines that do not promote sleep. Clinical assessment should include a comprehensive medical, psychiatric and sleep history including a review of prescribed medications. Nonpharmacological interventions for insomnia are underutilised in many clinical settings despite evidence that they are often highly effective. International studies suggest that 50-80% of nursing home residents have at least one prescription for psychotropic medication. Utilisation rates vary dramatically from country to country and from institution to institution. The most commonly prescribed medications for sleep are benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (Z-drugs). The vast majority of studies of these medications are short-term, i.e. < or =2 weeks, although some longer extension trials have recently been carried out. Clinicians are advised to avoid long-acting benzodiazepines and to use hypnotics for as brief a period as possible, in most cases not exceeding 2-3 weeks of treatment. Patients receiving benzodiazepines are at increased risk of daytime sedation, falls, and cognitive and psychomotor impairment. Zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone and eszopiclone may have some advantages over the benzodiazepines, particularly with respect to the development of tolerance and dependence. Ramelteon, a novel agent with high selectivity for melatonin receptors, has recently been approved in the US. Use of the antidepressant trazodone for sleep in nondepressed patients is somewhat controversial. Atypical antipsychotics should not be used to treat insomnia unless there is also evidence of severe behavioural symptoms or psychosis.