Which statement best reflects Beers Criteria guidance on opioids and benzodiazepines in older adults?

• A. Avoid combining opioids with benzodiazepines.
• B. Use together routinely for chronic pain management.
• C. They are safe when benzos are used for seizures only.
• D. No guidance provided.

Answer: (A)

Adding opioids to benzodiazepines in older adults increases CNS depression, which raises the risk of falls, delirium, respiratory depression, and overdose. The Beers Criteria specifically warns against concurrent use of these two classes in older patients, making avoidance the best practice. If a patient truly needs both, clinicians should pursue alternatives when possible, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, and monitor closely for adverse effects. The other options either imply routine co-use, claim safety in certain circumstances, or say no guidance exists, which isn’t consistent with the Beers guidance.