In older adults, a benzodiazepine is most associated with which safety concern?

• A. Increased risk for falls
• B. Decreased risk for falls
• C. No change in safety
• D. Increased risk for weight gain

Answer: (A)

Benzodiazepines in older adults raise safety concerns mainly because they amplify central nervous system depression, leading to sedation, dizziness, and impaired balance. With aging, drug clearance slows and sensitivity to sedative effects increases, so even standard doses can cause daytime drowsiness and slower reflexes. This combination markedly raises the risk of falls and related injuries, which is the most important safety issue in this population. The other options don’t fit as well because they either contradict the known effects (fall risk is increased, not decreased or unchanged) or focus on a less typical issue (weight gain is not the primary safety concern with benzodiazepines in older adults).