Risks for fracture, falls, ischemic stroke increased in patients with dementia prescribed higher doses of Z-drugs<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
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TUESDAY, Dec. 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Among individuals with dementia, higher-dose Z-drug use is associated with an increased risk for fractures, falls, and ischemic stroke, according to a study published online Nov. 23 in BMC Medicine<\/em>.<\/p>\n Kathryn Richardson, Ph.D., from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom, and colleagues examined the association between Z-drugs and adverse events among 27,090 patients diagnosed with dementia. Adverse events were compared for 3,532 patients newly prescribed Z-drugs by time-varying dosage to 1,833 non-sedative users with sleep disturbance; 10,214 non-sedative users with proximal general practitioner (GP) consultation matched for age, sex, and antipsychotic use; and 5,172 patients newly prescribed benzodiazepines.<\/strong><\/p>\n The researchers found that 17 percent of the patients prescribed Z-drugs were initiated at higher doses. The hazard ratios for fractures, hip fractures, falls, and ischemic stroke were 1.67, 1.96, 1.33, and 1.88, respectively, for patients prescribed higher-dose Z-drugs relative to nonusers with sleep disturbance. Compared with non-sedative users with proximal GP consultation, similar associations were observed. At \u00e2\u0089\u00a43.75 mg zopiclone or equivalent daily, minimal or inconsistent excess risks were observed. The researchers did not observe any consistent or clinically excess risks for mortality, infection, or venous thromboembolism with Z-drug use. No differences were seen in adverse events for Z-drugs versus benzodiazepines, except mortality rates were lower with Z-drugs (hazard ratio, 0.73).<\/p>\n “Our findings serve an important caution regarding the harms of sleeping tablets in people with dementia,” a coauthor said in a statement. “This research is a very timely and unfortunately necessary reminder that sedative medications are not a helpful way to manage social isolation during COVID-19.”<\/p>\n Two authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.<\/p>\n