A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF FALLS AFTER BENZODIAZEPINE USE - A COMPARISON OF NEW AND REPEAT USE

Although research has consistently demonstrated an increased risk for falls and fall-related fractures among persons receiving benzodiazepin e (BZD) medications, the association between new as compared with chro nic use and fall-related morbidity among different age groups is less clear. The objectives of this prospective cohort study were to examine the associations between BZD sedative and tranquillizer use and fall- related hospitalizations within 28 days of the fill date, and to explo re variations in risks among new (after the first prescription) and ch ronic (after the third prescription) BZD users of different ages. Data were derived from the Saskatchewan Health linked databases for the ye ars 1979-1986. Fall rates increased with age (especially beyond 70 yea rs) and were highest among those receiving BZD sedatives and tranquill izers compared with controls for both new and chronic users. After adj usting for age, sex and selected health and social factors, a signific antly increased risk of fall-related hospitalization was found among n ew BZD sedative (OR = 2.8) and tranquillizer (OR = 2.0) users compared with controls, and this risk was only slightly reduced among chronic BZD sedative (OR = 2.4) and tranquillizer (OR = 1.6) users. These risk estimates were consistent across age, with the exception that chronic BZD tranquillizer use remained significant only among those aged 70 y ears and older. (C) 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.