PROLONGED CLONAZEPAM USE IN OLDER ADULTS: PSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVES AND DEPRESCRIPTION STRATEGIES

Abstract

The present study aims to conduct a narrative literature review on the prolonged use of clonazepam among older adults, addressing factors associated with psychological dependence, its impact on quality of life, and safe deprescription strategies. The objective is to understand, based on the available literature, the biopsychosocial consequences resulting from the chronic administration of this benzodiazepine and the therapeutic alternatives for its discontinuation. This qualitative research is grounded exclusively in a bibliographic review, drawing on scientific articles indexed in databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar, as well as official publications from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Findings suggest that the continuous use of clonazepam is strongly associated with psychological dependence, withdrawal-related anxiety, and fear of relapse in anxiety disorders. Furthermore, the literature emphasizes that the absence of adequate medical follow-up and periodic reassessments significantly increases the risk of adverse outcomes, including cognitive decline, falls, and social isolation. It is concluded that the implementation of gradual deprescription strategies, alongside non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, and family support, is essential to mitigate these risks. It is further recommended that prescription regulations be enforced with greater rigor and that ongoing training of multidisciplinary teams be prioritized, thereby contributing to safer and more ethical mental health practices in older populations.