High rate of tranquiliser use among over-65s

Report reveals high usage as guidelines warn elderly should not even be prescribed such drugs

Ireland has one of the highest rates of long-term benzodiazepine usage in the elderly — even though older people shouldn’t be prescribed these drugs.

Prescription guidelines advise “complete avoidance” of these drugs, which are generally prescribed for anxiety, agitation, and sleep disorders, for people over the age of 65 as they pose a high risk of dizziness, confusion, and falls.