What is the effect of benzodiazepines on the elderly regarding pharmacodynamic sensitivity?

Benzodiazepines are known to have an increased pharmacodynamic sensitivity in elderly patients. This means that older adults often exhibit a heightened response to the drug's effects compared to younger individuals. As people age, both the central nervous system and other organ systems undergo physiological changes, impacting how medications work.

Elderly individuals may have altered receptor sensitivity, changes in neurotransmitter activity, or different pharmacokinetics, leading to a more pronounced effect from benzodiazepines, including increased sedation and the risk of side effects such as confusion, dizziness, and falls. Moreover, the metabolism and clearance of benzodiazepines can be slower in older adults, exacerbating these effects. Therefore, when prescribing benzodiazepines to this population, healthcare providers need to be particularly cautious due to the potential for increased sensitivity and the associated risks.

This understanding of increased sensitivity is especially important when considering medication regimens for the elderly to avoid adverse effects and ensure safe and effective treatment.