Journal Article Summary
The article investigates the effects of deprescribing benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) in older adults who also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI). This topic is significant because many older adults suffer from chronic insomnia and often rely on BZRAs, which can pose risks such as falls and cognitive impairment. There is concern that stopping these medications might worsen pain, which is frequently associated with insomnia, potentially discouraging patients and healthcare providers from pursuing deprescribing efforts.
The study analyzed data from a clinical trial involving 188 older adults, primarily men aged 55 and older, who were using BZRAs. Participants received CBTI while tapering off their medications over nine weeks. Pain was assessed at three points: baseline, one week after treatment, and six months later. The findings indicated that while there was a slight reduction in pain interference with daily activities one week after treatment, this change was not clinically significant and did not persist at the six-month follow-up. Overall, the deprescribing process did not lead to a meaningful increase in pain severity or interference in daily life.
Despite the study's insights, there are limitations to consider. The sample primarily consisted of older men, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to women or other demographics. Additionally, the study did not focus on individuals with moderate to severe pain, which could affect the results. Patients should discuss these findings with their healthcare providers, especially if they have concerns about pain management while considering deprescribing BZRAs, as well as explore additional interventions that may address pain more effectively.
Medication Safety Note
This journal article summary is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before using a medical device.
Article Cited
- Hurtado Jennifer G., Erickson Alexander J., Mitchell Michael N., Martin Jennifer L., Alessi Cathy A., Dzierzewski Joseph M., Ghadimi Sara, Der‐Mcleod Erin, et al.. Perceived Pain Following Hypnotic Deprescribing in Older Adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2026. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.70273. PMID: 41518591. PMCID: PMC12968350.
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