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Published on: June 6, 2025
Antidepressant use in underweight older adults
Carmela Avena-Woods1, Olga Hilas
1St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Queens, NY, USA.
Summary
Mirtazapine, an antidepressant, was frequently prescribed for underweight older adults. This study highlights its potential role in appetite stimulation and weight gain for this population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Mirtazapine is an antidepressant used for major depressive disorder.
- It may stimulate appetite and increase body weight, beneficial for elderly patients.
- Underweight older adults present unique challenges in managing depression and nutritional status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the use of mirtazapine and other antidepressants in underweight older adults.
- To assess mirtazapine's potential role in appetite stimulation and weight gain.
- To provide educational training on managing weight loss and antidepressant therapy in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patients aged 60+ with BMI < 22 kg/m2.
- Analysis of antidepressant prescriptions during a six-month hospitalization period.
- Systematic literature review on mirtazapine for appetite and weight.
Main Results:
- Underweight older patients were more likely to receive mirtazapine than other antidepressants.
- Mirtazapine's potential for appetite stimulation and weight gain was noted.
- Educational interventions were implemented for healthcare professionals.
Conclusions:
- Mirtazapine is a frequently prescribed antidepressant for underweight elderly patients.
- Further investigation into mirtazapine's efficacy for weight gain in this demographic is warranted.
- Enhanced education on managing weight loss and antidepressant use in older adults is crucial.
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