Resisting the temptation to treat every symptom with a medication is important. For instance, insomnia can be addressed through a variety of methods, including evening back rubs, soft music, a cup of warm milk, etc. Resorting to sedation with diphenhydramine or benzodiazepines should be avoided if at all possible. CNS side-effects as well as falls are common in elderly patients using these medications. This will provide an opportunity to instruct the patient in appropriate usage and of the risks involved if any.
Pearls Start low, go slow.
Avoid drugs with a prolonged half-life when possible. Oxazepam is the preferred benzodiazepine in older patients. Strive for once or twice a day dosing. When a patient has new complaints, remember that drugs can cause illness. New York, McGraw-Hill.