Benzodiazepines – Health Care Professionals
Clinical Guidelines
Discover the guidelines on benzodiazepine use in older adults.
For Older Adults & Care Partners
Explore ways to support mental health and well-being for yourself and loved ones.
Benzodiazepines (BZRAs) are the most prescribed psychiatric medication for older adults. Despite agreement that BZRAs should be avoided whenever possible, they continue to be frequently prescribed. A person-centred, stepped care approach by gradual dose reductions should be used in the management of BZRA use disorder.
Discover Our Resources
Canadian Guidelines on Benzodizepines Receptor Agonist Use Disorder Among Older Adults
Discover these evidence-based guidelines on the prevention, identification, assessment, and management of benzodiazepine use disorder in older adults.
Discover online resources for Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
This list is designed to help primary health care & clinical care providers assess and discuss with persons aged 65 or older, the potential risks and benefits of taking benzodiazepines.
Read the Canadian Geriatrics Journal consensus statement in Vol. 23 No. 1 (2020).
Watch the webinars about benzodiazepine use in older adults
Clinical Guidelines on Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonist Use Disorder Among Older Adults (2020) presented by Dr. David Conn, geriatric psychiatrist and CCSMH Co-Chair.
Watch the following National ECHO webinar on substance use disorder in older adults (2023) presented by Dr. Johnathan Bertram, MD, CCFP (AM).
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