Which medication is commonly misused by older adults?

Which medication is commonly misused by older adults?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Statins
• C. Benzodiazepines
• D. Statins

Answer: (C)

Benzodiazepines are commonly misused by older adults due to their sedative effects and potential for dependence. Older adults may not fully understand the risks associated with these medications, which can lead to their misuse for anxiety, sleep disorders, or to cope with stress. This age group may also experience increased sensitivity to these drugs, leading to issues such as confusion, falls, and impaired cognitive function. While antibiotics and statins are crucial for treating infections and managing cholesterol levels respectively, they generally don't carry the same level of misuse risk among the elderly. Antibiotics are typically used in adherence to prescribed treatment plans, and statins are often considered essential for long-term health management in those with cardiovascular issues. This contrasts with benzodiazepines, which can be administered without sufficient monitoring, increasing the likelihood of misuse and adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines are commonly misused by older adults due to their sedative effects and potential for dependence. Older adults may not fully understand the risks associated with these medications, which can lead to their misuse for anxiety, sleep disorders, or to cope with stress. This age group may also experience increased sensitivity to these drugs, leading to issues such as confusion, falls, and impaired cognitive function.

While antibiotics and statins are crucial for treating infections and managing cholesterol levels respectively, they generally don't carry the same level of misuse risk among the elderly. Antibiotics are typically used in adherence to prescribed treatment plans, and statins are often considered essential for long-term health management in those with cardiovascular issues. This contrasts with benzodiazepines, which can be administered without sufficient monitoring, increasing the likelihood of misuse and adverse effects.