Benzodiazepínicos utilizados por idosos atendidos na Estratégia Saúde da Família.

Abstract

Over the years the elderly population has been notable for its significant increase. Aging is characterized by physiological, physical and psychological changes. Among the changes in the life of the elderly, the most common are undesirable disorders, especially anxiety and depression. The high rate of mental disorders contributes to the increased use of psychotropic drugs, especially benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are substances that act on the central nervous system. Used as anticonvulsive and anxiolytic hypnotics these drugs have important side effects, mainly dependence. This study aimed to know the main benzodiazepines used by elderly people attended in units of the Family Health Strategy. It is a documentary study with a quantitative approach, carried out in units of the Family Health Strategy of the Cities of Ipaumirim and Baixio - CE. The data collection was carried out from the records of elderly people attending Primary Care. For the collection, a semi-structured questionnaire was used. All the ethical and legal aspects that deal with resolution n ° 466/2012 of the CNS were obeyed. The project was submitted and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Faculdade Santa Maria under opinion No. 748.816. There was a predominance of female subjects, single, illiterate, retired, with an average income of one to three minimum wages. The majority had chronic disease. Regarding psychotropics, 39.15% of the subjects used 80.55% of the benzodiazepine class. The main complaints for the use were insomnia (29.31%) and nervousness (12.07%). The main benzodiazepine used was Diazepam 5 mg, prescribed mainly by a general practitioner. The use of other psychotropic drugs among them fluoxetine, Gardenal and amitriptyline and non-psychotropic drugs such as Captopril and Hydrochlorothiazide have also been identified. It could be evidenced that most of the subjects do not use benzodiazepines, however, those who use the drug do it in an inadequate way, without medical supervision and for long periods. It is necessary to implement mental health policies aimed at the elderly population in the area of Primary Care. Nursing should work to prevent the risks these substances can cause, using as tools the multidisciplinary work and alternative and complementary practices in the care of this public.