Confusion after admission to hospital in elderly patients using benzodiazepines.

Abstract

Confusion after admission to hospital in elderly patients using benzodiazepines During 1983 and 1984 the alcohol and drug services unit at the Royal Newcastle Hospital was often asked to help in the management of elderly patients who had developed confusion while in hospital, after the withdrawal of benzodiazepine drugs. We therefore carried out a prospective study to document prior use of benzodiazepines in a group of elderly patients admitted to hospital and to record the development in hospital of signs and symptoms that might be manifestations of withdrawal reactions.